“I WATCHED IT SLURP DOWN THE CRUST”
Joe Royffe – 2lb 12oz rudd
“WITH summer temperatures soaring above 30°C and the tench having spawned out, I turned my attentions to the big Fenland rudd on the River Cam.
“Unlike many who fish the rivers for rudd, I don’t tend to use any loosefeed. I managed to hook this one by casting out a piece of crust mounted on a size 18 hook alongside a 3g controller.
“I spotted it next to an overhanging willow and watched it slurp it down my bait on the first run through! There was a bit of weed about, but by piling on the pressure I was able to keep the fish’s head from getting under the pads.
“Having not caught any rudd since last year, initially I thought this one was a three-pounder, but it fell just a few ounces short.”