Thanks to the Dorset-based Gi Brinkman for this gorgeous picture of a 40lb 12oz beauty from a recent trip to France.
Here Gi takes up the story:
“I was fishing in France during the heatwave 2 weeks ago with temperatures up to 36 degrees, the fish just shut down completely and stopped feeding.
Due to conditions and bites being very few and far between, I decided that I had to be as stealthy as possible so tied a combi-rig using the ESP Ghost fluoro and 3 hours later the rod got pulled into the water.
Due to fishing on the far margin of the lake I was fishing tight lines ready for a drop back, when the bite came it kited hard left and my rod was literally away!
The fight was about 20 minutes, I thought it was a double at first until it rolled onto its side just under the surface for one last attempt of freedom.”
Good angling mate! For more on Gi, visit his Facebook page.
If like Gi you’re stalking monsters, we recommend using a large ESP Bait Bucket. These ‘no frills’ buckets are excellent for the roaming angler for carrying stalking gear and bait, or for use as a spod bucket. For more information click here.