MARK DUTTON bounced back from having all of his fishing and camera kit stolen by landing barbel of 13 lb 7 oz and 12 lb, plus chub of 5 lb 10 oz and 5 lb 7 oz.
The tackle theft virtually wiped out the collection carefully put together by the 45-year-old, from Northwich, Cheshire.
He told Angler’s Mail: “After having all my fishing tackle and camera equipment stolen the day after the river season closed in March, I didn’t think I would get back onto the rivers for ages.
“I am claiming through my house insurance at the moment, who are very kindly messing me about asking for proof of purchases, so I’m still fighting with them.
Tackle theft recovery support
Mark continued: “They took about £15,000 of stuff I’ve been collecting for 40 years including all my dad’s fly fishing stuff.
“But thanks to the generosity of my family and friends, who helped me get some tackle together I ventured out with the upper Trent in mind, only to find it in the fields and still rising.
“So after a 15-minute drive to the River Dove in Staffordshire I found her in perfect condition, fining down and still the colour of hot chocolate.
“Feeding a nearbank slack for two hours with some boilies from Impulse Baits and small pellets I cast in at 8pm.
“I got a tiny knock at 9pm which hooped over and turned into a superb battle resulting in this fin perfect 13 lb 7 oz daylight Dove double.
“I followed this up with an equally impressive 12-pounder at 11.30pm.
“Then I started getting chub knocks so changed tactics slightly to a very short link and hair and pop up presentation to catch two great chub.
“To say I’m happy is an understatement,” concluded Mark, who runs a garage repair shop.
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