After a tricky start to the season, Hertfordshire specimen hunter Joe Royffe was truly pleased to land this bruiser of a rudd from the River Cam, weighing in at 3lb 3oz.
On his third trip to the river this year Joe roved around, running a waggler with a bread flake hookbait through a few times before moving to the next swim. Having fished half-a-dozen swims, he eventually ended up on a straighter bit of river that allowed for a longer trot through.
But as soon as the bait hit the water it was engulfed, and Joe quickly had this impressive fish safely in the net.
He believes that being in the right place at the right time is pivotal with such fish, and that roving with the bare minimum of tackle is the best way to target them.
Joe Royffe - 3lb 3oz rudd