He arrived to find the venue busier than expected, so settled in an area he’s caught from before, but where a stiff breeze and driving rain hammered into him. The morning passed without event, but at 3:30pm, he hooked a fish that kited through another of his rods before jamming up in some weed.Agonisingly, the fish wallowed just out of netting range, before dropping off.

The next day at 11:30am Dave had another take, but in a carbon copy of the first incident, he lost the fish in full view. With the wind now gusting to 40mph, Dave was almost ready to accept a blank. Whilst packing away, he reeled in one of his rods to give him a bit more room on the tight spot.This proved a good decision, as, when he received his next bite, Dave managed to coast the fish into a waiting net after guiding it through heavy weed. At 11lb 4oz, it was a satisfying reward after a tricky session. Critically balanced artificial maggots were his successful hookbait, presented on a shot braided hooklink and fished heli-style with a maggot feeder.

Well done Dave!