Home|
News|
News Stories

Crucian haul topped by brace of 4lb fish

by Freddie Sandford |

Published on8th May 2026 at 8.53am

After struggling on a previous crucian trip to Sutton Lake in Shropshire, Dan Woollcott was keen to return and make things right. With a new mindset and renewed optimism, he did just that, banking some spectacular crucians during a once-in-a-lifetime session.

“Knowing that the species loves to follow a new wind, I planned a trip just as a fresh westerly was due to blow in. I arrived just before the weather changed and set up in a swim right in the teeth of it. What followed was an incredible session.

“As soon as the wind picked up I started catching, and I banked fish steadily over the two days. Of the 14 crucians I caught, 10 were over 3lb, with the biggest two weighing 4lb 2oz and 4lb 3oz. Both beat my previous PB and came less than 15 minutes apart, which allowed me to take a memorable brace shot.

TRY THESE VENUES IF YOU WANT TO BANK A CRUCIAN...

A brace shot of immense proportions!

“I fished in the edge, using an old pole with a baiting spoon on the end of it to position my rigs tight to cover. These included inline Drennan Method feeders and Dynamite Baits Wowser hookbaits.

“On my previous visit I’d been using corn, but I knew I was getting ‘done’ by the crucians because they were rolling in the swim, yet I wasn’t catching. I hoped that the semi-buoyant Wowsers would fly into the mouths of feeding fish, and over this session they certainly did!

“I hair-rigged these below size 12 hooks on short 5lb fluorocarbon hooklinks. This may seem slightly crude for crucians, but it was early spring, and few anglers were targeting them yet at Sutton. As a result, I didn’t have to refine things too much and go down the popular route of fake casters and small hooks.

“Feed-wise, I introduced minimal amounts of hemp and Silver-X Roach groundbait, which I mixed with molehill soil. Although not the usual fishmeal option, I wanted something that would complement my sweet wafter hookbait.”

LEARN HOW TO USE DAN'S APPROACH WITH THIS HELPFUL GUIDE...

The biggest of the brace at 4lb 3oz, what a monster!

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us