MARK BILLINGTON caught this huge 15 lb 4 oz zander – after spotting it midwater on a fish finder!
Keen pike angler Mark was on a guided trip with Wye Valley Adventures on the River Severn run by Martyn Cattermole as he wanted a big zed.
The Sedbergh, Cumbria-based food services buyer tempted his new personal best on a float paternostered roach moments after seeing a big shape on the fish finder.
Guide Martyn explained: “As Mark lives so far up north he wanted to catch some zander so booked a weekend.
“We found some shoals of bream and silver fish on a Humminbird Onix 10 side-scanning sonar and seeing predators in the area on the sonar started catching small zander.
“Then we saw a massive shape on the fish finder and at around 1pm Mark had a fast run then a scary fight with the big zander. It took line several times and was head-shaking below the rod tip, creating the risk of a hook-pull.
“However the fish was successfully landed and weighed in at 15 lb 4 oz – a new PB for Mark and a lovely river zander.
“It was 33 inches long with a 21 inch girth so a very well-conditioned fish indeed,” concluded Martyn.
Tackle was a custom-built 10 ft 1.75 lb test curve rod, Daiwa 4050 reel, 30 lb braid, 20 lb trace wire and size 8 and 10 trebles.
Guiding latest: 0777 1114141.
This is just a short version of the full story that appeared in Angler’s Mail printed magazine. Get the magazine every week for top tips, big news, best products, and venues that are in form.
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