Oxfordshire specimen hunter Steve Russell made a truly stupendous catch of gravel pit Tench at the end of June, topped by this 11lb 13oz beauty!

After putting in a lot of effort through the Spring, everything came together for Steve during a 2 day session when he bagged the huge fish, backed up by further doubles of 10lb 6oz, 10lb 5oz and 10lb 4oz all in the same day!! He ended the session with a 22 Tench haul, all fooled on maggot feeder rigs fished over a generous bed of freshly cooked hempseed.

Steve’s successful tackle set up comprised maggot feeders set up helicopter style with size 14 Super Specialist Barbel hooks critically balanced with Drennan artificial buoyant Caster (on one rod) and artificial red maggots, on the other rod. Two doubles came to each rod! The rigs were cast precisely to a prepared spot amidst thick weed, with bites coming all through the day.

For full details on the Drennan artificial baits as used by Steve for his historic catch, click here.