A species not often associated with rivers is rudd, but Andy Childs used the opening day to smash his personal best for the species by landing a clonking 3lb 3oz specimen.

The fish was caught from a stretch of the River Cam which Andy and two friends had raked and baited in preparation for the new season.

He told Angling Times: “Casting out just after midnight, the bite came at first light. The best fish I’ve ever been fortunate to catch.”

The big rudd fell to a 10mm Richworth tutti-frutti boilie presented on a method feeder.