AFTER hearing there were some big crucians in the Exeter Canal, Paignton angler Jason Smith set out on a campaign to catch one – and after months of trying he banked this immense 4lb 4oz fish.
Knowing that they don’t get caught very much, the odds were stacked against Jason, but after many nuisance bream and tench he finally got his target.
Using a helicopter rig with groundbait, small pellets and red maggots, with four maggots on a size 14 as hookbait, Jason couldn’t believe the size of the crucian when he hooked it. In fact, it was so large, he says it looked like a ‘bright orange bream’ in the water.
The fish was witnessed by a fellow club member, and Jason describes it as the catch of his life.
Jason Smith and his 4lb 4oz canal crucian