IN ONE of the most unusual catches of the season, a double figure sturgeon and a tiny pumpkinseed were landed in the same session by Karl Bird.
Targeting a local complex, Bucks-based Karl’s initial plan was to catch carp and cats on the fly. But after waking up to frosts, he decided to try float fishing maggots for a mixed bag - and got more than he bargained for!
“Using my float rod, centrepin reel, 3lb bottom and a size 16 hook, I hooked something that gave me a right run-around,” he told us.
There aren't many anglers who can claim to have caught a sturgeon on the centrepin
“It went through six swims, wiping out everyone’s lines. I didn’t know what it was, but finally landed this double figure sturgeon!”
Shortly after, Karl landed a fish at the opposite end of the scale – a pumpkinseed.
Pumpkinseed are a rare fish to catch in UK waters