When targeting big fish by design, you have to be adaptable, as these fish are often wise and notoriously moody. Even with the best-laid plans, sessions rarely work out exactly as you want them to. There's a reason the same anglers continually catch the biggest fish, and it is because they're willing to switch tactics when the situation demands it.
Dan Bouskila did exactly that during a difficult session recently, and it proved to be the best decision he could have made.
"Me and my friend Tom recently made an early start as we ventured to a special lake set in stunning countryside that’s home to some very large crucians."
“I started in a beautiful swim with overhanging trees and rushes in the edges. It looked ideal. To my right, I fished two Method feeders with wafter hookbaits: one positioned under the overhanging trees, the other under-armed next to the rushes.
“To my left, I fished a float next to a snag, where I fed hemp and a mixture of Dynamite Baits F1 Swim Stim and Green Lip Mussel groundbait.
“Before I knew it, six hours had passed with nothing to show for my efforts and, with night approaching, I set up all my rods on Method feeders.
“At around 3am I had a big drop-back on my right-hand rod and landed a roach of 2lb 6oz, which was a lovely surprise.
“The next morning, in light drizzle, we decided to rove around the lake, but yet again returned without a bite.
“Back in my initial swim, I started out on the float and fed a bit more groundbait with some corn.
“I could see a few bubbles coming up and then, out of nowhere, my float gently dipped.
“Being too eager, I missed the bite, and when I had another bite on my next cast, I missed that too!
Eventually, I hooked a fish on my third cast, but sadly that came off after 15 seconds. I cursed at myself in the rain!
“I decided to put a Method feeder on the exact spot I’d been floatfishing, and as the heavens really opened, I retreated under my bivvy.
“After a busy day of roving, I could feel myself drifting off when the rod absolutely screamed off.
“I tore out of my bivvy, grabbed the rod and felt a powerful kick.
"A spirited fight followed before a beautiful bar of gold came to the surface. Straight away I knew that it was a PB, and once landed, that was confirmed with a fish weighing 4lb 1oz.
“It smashed my PB and was in beautiful condition. Persistence paid off in the end!”
