The nation’s predator anglers have been out in force over recent weeks as this autumn’s pike season got underway. Few enjoyed a better start than Ringwood angler Mark Hewett, who landed this superb 30lb 7oz fish from the Hampshire Avon.

Mark has recently moved to the area from Essex, with the fish being his second ever river ‘thirty’, coming 15 years after his last one from the Upper Kennet. The winning tactic was fishing a small livebait, which he trotted near a crease in a deeper section of river. Within a minute, the float sailed away, and he hooked what he instantly knew was a good fish. Although, he didn’t expect it to be quiet so big!

Well done Mark!