Arriving at the river after work, he roved the stretch and had a few fish on waggler-fished bread flake before making a cast to the far margin. The float sailed away almost instantly and was accompanied by a huge swirl under the surface. Joe set the hook and the fish kited into dense weed, making him wonder if it was a chub. But, as he drew it to the safety of the net, he was excited to see a rudd of huge proportions surface. He knew the fish would be close to his previous PB of 3lb 7oz but was thrilled to see it smash the barrier.

Well done Joe!