While many are opposed to the closed season for various personal reasons, the 16th of June still carries a certain magic with it and already this year, we have seen some incredible captures grace the bank. Most anglers heading down to the river will be dreaming of catching big barbel and chub, with others targeting carp, roach and bream. However, the last fish you would probably expect to catch in a UK river is a sturgeon, but this is exactly what Alan Crofts banked within the first few hours of the new season.
The sturgeon, which would come as a complete surprise to most, is actually an old acquaintance of Alan’s. He has banked it twice before, but this latest capture is one he’ll never forget, as the massive sturgeon breached the 50lb barrier.
THESE STRETCHES ARE GREAT TO CATCH AN EARLY SEASON BARBEL OR TWO.
"After being away from the river for three months, me and some friends are enjoying a week fishing on the River Trent to get our fishing fix and have a good social," Alan told us.
"We are primarily targeting barbel and carp, but as we know the Trent holds a few surprises so anything that comes along is welcome."
After a few hours on the bank and catching a couple of smaller chub, Alan suddenly received a much more savage bite. The moment he struck, it was obvious he was attached to something in a completely different league.
“When I hit the fish, it shot straight out of the water, and I knew it had to be one of the few sturgeon that live in the Trent, although this one looked massive,” he recalled.
“As you can imagine, it didn’t mess around and fought like an absolute beast. I was almost relieved when it was over and I could finally catch my breath,” Alan said.
“When we got it unhooked, I realised it was a sturgeon I’d caught twice before, though at slightly lower weights. This time she went 50lb, and it was brilliant to see her still in such great condition.”
"As with the previous captures, I was using the OG Fish boilies from Parker Baits, which it obviously has a liking for!"
“We were swift on the bank, just a few quick snaps before releasing her. She swam off strongly, what a way to start the season with a 50-pounder from the Trent!”
“If we could just bank a 30lb carp and a 16lb barbel, that’d make it a dream session,” he joked.
IF YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON THE BANK, CONSIDER USING ONE OF THE BEST BIVVIES.
Subscribe to Angling Times magazine today. Choose a Print+ Subscription and you'll get instant digital access and so much more. PLUS FREE UK delivery.