TARGETING really big bream by design can be an almighty challenge, as Chris Harrison found after fishing for 136 nights before finally getting his reward in the shape of this 20lb 4oz giant.
The Ringwood and District AC member had been trying for a huge slab for four years, and achieved his target during a session at a water run by the South West Lakes Trust. It’s the ninth-biggest bream ever landed in the UK, and Chris was still on a high when we spoke to him days after the catch.
“That morning I’d already landed a 15-pounder, which I was happy enough with, and I was chatting with the bailiff when I had another bite.
“This is a tough water, so I was surprised to see the rod go again. Having just landed a big bream, I knew the fish I was playing was also a good one, but I wasn’t prepared for something quite so big!”
Chris was keen to keep his tactics under wraps, as there are other bream anglers on the venue, but he revealed that he’s using quite small hookbaits to avoid the carp.
“I use pretty strong kit too, as I don’t want to be leaving tackle in any lost carp,” he said. “I’m now going to try a different lake for a 50lb carp. Not easy, I know, but at 76 years old, I’ve got time!”
FANCY CATCHING ONE YOURSELF? HERE'S SOME GREAT TIPS AND VENUESTO TRY!
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