Andy Waters has been on an impressive streak of catching specimen rudd since the rivers re-opened in June, and after nine years of pursuing a new personal best, he finally achieved it with a remarkable 3lb 6oz fish.
Focusing solely on the rudd in the Fenland system, Andy has experienced significant success, landing more than 20 fish over the 2lb mark. His new PB is particularly noteworthy, as it marks his fifth rudd over 3lb in less than a month—a truly exceptional feat in such a short period.
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"I set off very early in the morning in what was always going to be my last serious go at rudd this summer before I move on to more autumnal species, on arrival and as per the forecast there was not a breath of wind which was perfect," Andy told us.
"After firing in my usual three or four pieces of crust in the first swim I saw a better swirl amongst the small rudd and had my first cast, straight into the first decent rudd, a 2lb 2oz example."
As Andy was returning the fish he saw the water upstream being disturbed by a big fish, he quickly got on the move to go and investigate what he believed was a big rudd looking for an easy meal.
"Rather than put any loose offerings out I just trotted my hook bait through, as I knew there was clearly a fish there," he said.
"A very subtle sip off the top and I struck into a lump of a rudd, it fought relentlessly and I had to be really careful not to let it get it's head down but without applying too much pressure," Andy added.
"After a short while it slowed down and began to give up and I quickly slid it into the net.As a few weeks before I pretty much knew it was another special fish and it was deep and chunky."
"I rested the fish and then got it on the scales, I couldn't believe it, another pb! 3lb 6oz of gold. I double checked the weight as I always do, rested it and watch it swim back to its home."
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"I then wandered downstream and had another 2lb fish before spotting another sign of a bigger rudd. I cast and it came up straight away, another very spirited fight and it was safely in the net and yet again it was another really big rudd, this time 3lb 1oz."
As the heat of the morning began to take its toll, Andy had a few more casts but it was obvious the weather and bright conditions had significantly reduced the rudd activity so he decided to retire with what many would class as a session of a lifetime.
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