The Norfolk-based painter had the trio of ‘twos’ in the morning, but after that, he says the river ‘went dead’. But he fished on, and at 10pm he could just make out his float, and saw a few good fish roll at distance.

Knowing another bite was on the cards, Sam switched to a larger, 8g pattern, and cast a bit of bread right on the showing fish. A minute passed before the surface erupted and his float vanished. Striking, Sam instantly knew he’d connected with something solid, as the fish held deep. A few nervous moments passed with the fish locking him up in weed before he glided the fish just a few ounces under his PB into the net.

Well done Sam!