It was caught on his first trip to B1, where Andy chose a swim on the lake’s north western bank, knowing the wind was going to swing to a south easterly that evening. Little did he know, a truly special evening’s fishing lay ahead. “As the light started to fade it seems that a shoal of fish came on the feed, and for about three hours I could hardly keep two rods in the water,” Andy told us.

“Most of the fish were around the 1lb 8oz mark, and as the bites tailed off, I started to receive some finicky indications.” On one occasion, Andy’s bobbin just pulled up and held there, so he lifted the rod, unsure of what to expect. “Immediately, I felt significant resistance, and when the fish gave a head shake and kited to the left, I knew it could be a big roach,” he revealed. “When I saw it, I couldn’t believe the size of it. At 3lb 14oz, I was shaking looking at the scales.” Andy’s successful tactic was four maggots on a size 14 hook fished on maggot feeder rigs over groundbait and hemp.

Well done Andy!