The biggest chub of the season and a river record babel have been landed in the last week of what could go down as the best ever season on the country’s rivers.

To kick off a bumper final week Pete Cranstoun claimed the season’s biggest chub when he landed an 8lb 5oz fish from a stretch of the River Thames. The remarkable catch was witnessed by former Drennan Cup winner Len Arbrey who said: “Pete is very modest about his catches, this fish is not only astonishing in itself but is his 13th over 7lb – a certain Drennan worthy capture in my humble opinion.”

Commenting on his new personal best chub specialist Pete told Angling Times: “I caught the fish from a stretch where I knew there was big chub but it can be very hard. I did five nights there but only had two bites. This fish is for sure the highlight of my season.”

Pete caught the big chevin from a spot 3ft from the nearside bank in slack water. His bait was a single piece of paste, wrapped around a cork ball with no loose offerings. In true traditionalist style he also used a piece of silver paper for bite indication.