Colin Smithson (60) banked it at 21lb 2oz from a Sussex river (we know which one, and which stretch, but have promised not to reveal as it was conditional on us getting to speak to the captor – under club orders)

Colin Smithson (60) banked it at 21lb 2oz from a Sussex river (we know which one, and which stretch, but have promised not to reveal as it was conditional on us getting to speak to the captor – under club orders)

It fell to a feeder-fished hair-rigged pellet on a size 10 hook and 15lb mainline. Witnessed by several other anglers and weighed several times on separate scales.

It’s a known fish, and one that has been in Angling Times several times over the past few years (venue never disclosed) at a range of weights nudging 20lb.