MIKE Taylor was fishing his local reservoir hoping for a tench or two when a ‘strange bite’ on his Method feeder-fished maggots resulted in this remarkable 6lb 14oz eel.
Napton Reservoir, near Daventry, is known for its plentiful mixed stocks, but in the 60 years Mike’s been fishing the venue, it’s the first big eel he’s come across.
“I put six dead red maggots on the hook out of desperation, as I’d only landed a few roach and perch,” he said.
“Then therod-tip started to twitch, and I thought it was a roach. I went to reel in, but lifted the rod into something that felt strange.”
Carp anglers nearby pointed out the magnitude of Mike’s fish, and that it was worthy of a photo.
“My biggest fear was unhooking it, but thankfully it was nailed in the top lip,” he added.
