Fishing a midlands stillwater, Norfolk-based Richard presented a grain of corn beneath a light waggler at close range to tempt the fish. Knowing how shy big roach can be, he used fine tackle, with a size 18 hook and 2lb hooklink on the end of a 3lb mainline. Feeding a few grains of corn little and often, he’d landed a couple of roach around 1lb 8oz, which he was delighted with.

When he had his next bite, Richard initially thought he’d hooked a tench, as the fish charged off, taking line. But when it surfaced, the nerves truly set in, with Richard saying that the huge roach seemingly got ‘bigger and bigger’ as it neared the net.

Well done Rich!