A SWITCH from float to leger tactics proved decisive for Alan Storey when he slipped his net under this fine 3lb 1oz roach from a southern chalk stream.
After starting his session at 5am, the Dorset all-rounder was plagued by tiny chublets and dace on the float, with his caster hookbaits coming back ‘shelled’ on every cast.
Changing to a light link leger set-up with double caster hookbait on a size 16, Alan then targeted a clear area a rodlength out from the bank, feeding hempseed over the top.
He only had one bite, but knew it was a big roach from the way it was fighting deep down among the streamer weed.Remarkably, the fish is Alan’s 45th roach over 3lb, but his first ‘three’ from running water.
Alan Storey and his 3lb 1oz river roach