Thank you to Paul Beecham from Harlow in Essex for this picture of a big Chub from the little River Stort which he caught when ‘christening’ his new Drennan Acolyte 13ft rod at the end of the season!

“Last year I bought myself the Acolyte 13′ rod but haven’t been able to get out and use it as I am recovering from major heart surgery (quadruple bypass op), well I managed to get out yesterday fishing for just a couple of hours, christening my new rod with a stunning 5lb Chub and 4lb 3oz Chub from my local river!” explained Paul.

The set-up included a centre pin reel loaded with Maxima 4lb main line to a Drennan Loafer float. Paul explained that trotting initially produced nothing, but a switch to the old technique of “stret-pegging” with bread flake made the difference.

“The rod handled the fish brilliantly, the rod is so light and well balanced” he confirmed.

For full details on the marvellous Drennan Acolyte 13ft rod, click here.