Whether it is just superstition or there is some actual truth to it we will never truly know, but for most anglers, fishing with new gear is a certified way of blanking. One angler fortunate enough to avoid this curse was Billy Francis, who managed to catch this lovely rudd while out with a new rod.
“While testing a new light waggler rod that my mate and I built specifically to target big rudd, I christened it with this 2lb 14oz fish."
“We were fishing the Great Ouse using side-hooked 15mm boilies and wafters, as we knew the rudd in there grew to serious sizes."
“However, after receiving no signs of interest, I reached for some lobworms that I’d picked up from the tackle shop the day before."
“Threading one on to a size 6 hook, I set the float around 5ft deep and cast it out. When I had a take, I struck into a fish that absolutely battered me on the new rod!"
“Eventually, a rudd shining like golden treasure rose from the depths. It was the fish of dreams."
“I know there are even bigger ones in the stretch, so I’ll be returning in the hope of another soon.”
HEAD TO ONE OF THESE VENUES TO CATCH YOURSELF A HUGE RUDD.
