ZANDER

A LEGERED bleak hookbait fished just a few yards from the bank accounted for a massive 18lb 13oz zander for James Benfield.

The impressive predator was landed by current British record holder James Benfield when he fished a stretch of the River Severn.

Low-resistence rigs are absolutely key when it comes to presenting baits for zander, and James connected with the hugely-mpressive specimen after noticing the slightest tap on his rod tip.

“I use my 1.5lb test curve rod like a quiver tip, and strike at any movement. If I’d been relying on a bite alarm the fish might have ejected the bait before I’d even known about it,” he said.

It was a catch that came nine years after the big-fish hunter, from Malvern, Worcs, made history by banking a 21lb 5oz British best from the same venue.