ADTV Specimen Series - Christmas Best Bits

Chub fishing, for me, is specimen fishing in its truest form. Targeting chub with cheese paste and link ledgering tactics requires a certain amount of skill that maybe isn't so important in other styles. In modern angling, bolt rigs are the doing method, but there is a satisfaction to be had in fishing more traditionally. This, compounded by the conditions, helped make this episode a perfect example of how determination can turn an average session into something really exceptional.

I started on my local River Wensum, which has suffered from otter predation in recent years. The conditions were flooded and after walking Chris, my videographer, for miles through the muddy fields, covering the swims that had been kind to me in the past, I only managed one small chub. Realizing I needed to up my game, I decided to try the River Ouse, known for its big chub. Despite some helpful tips from my friend and expert pike angler Adam Ford, my first day on the Ouse saw more floodwater, lots more walking, and again I only caught small chub.

By the third and final day, the pressure was on. With just three small chub in the net and a video that wasn’t quite shaping up as I’d hoped, I knew I needed something special to save the session. That’s when I decided to go all in. A good friend had tipped me off about a stretch of the Ouse known for producing big chub, but he also warned me that it would be tricky fishing. Despite the struggle so far, I knew this was my best shot at catching a true specimen. The morning passed slowly, but by the afternoon, everything changed. I went from zero to hero, catching three beautiful chub over 6lbs, each in quick succession. I had Finally done the specimen series justice. It was such a dramatic turnaround and a lifelong reminder of how quickly a fishing session can go from disappointing to unforgettable.

The second episode I’ve chosen takes me to Edd Matthews’ incredible Sutton Pool in Shropshire. Although Edd runs the lake as a highly successful carp syndicate, there are some very elusive, very big crucians slinking among the carp. This episode holds a special place for me because it's the only Specimen Series where I’ve caught a personal best. On top of that, crucians are rare and truly special fish.

Prior to this trip, I had only targeted crucians using float tactics. While I was sure the Sutton crucians could be caught this way, I felt my best chance would be using small method feeders in the margins. This allowed me to fish slowly, as I suspected I might be waiting a long time between bites if they did decide to feed. Upon arriving at the lake, one corner stood out to me. It had a lovely willow hanging  over the water, the wind was pushing straight into it. Crucians love cover, so this spot seemed ideal. Though unconventional for crucian fishing, I had a secret weapon in the van; a baiting spoon. It allowed me to drop my feeders perfectly under the willow’s canopy.

It didn’t take long for the first bite. A beautiful 2lb 11oz crucian was soon in the net, and my confidence in my choice of swim began to grow. Moments later, I landed a new personal best: 3lb 1oz. Things couldn’t have started better, with two quick bites and a 3lb crucian already on the bank. As I sat back in my chair, the pressure was off and I remained hopeful for an even bigger fish. I had seen some large crucians rolling over my feeders, and my rod tips were tapping with tiny bubbles breaking the surface. The bites kept coming, and the average size was over 3lb. I even caught a stunning 3lb 8oz crucian! Every fish was in immaculate condition, making this a dream session.

Between the crucians, a lovely mirror carp decided to join the action, testing my light feeder tackle. It wasn’t the only mirror carp to take a liking to my wafter hookbait either. An outrageous leather carp, over 30lb, was landed against all odds in that tight swim.Just when I thought the session couldn’t get any better, another new PB came through. A 3lb 12oz crucian topped off an unforgettable day. This episode is my favourite thus far. Sutton Pool is a magical venue, and those massive crucians were an absolute treat. Surprisingly, it hasn’t garnered as many views as some of my other episodes, so if you haven’t watched it yet, you're missing out on some incredible fishing.

The next episode that made its way into my favorites was a trip down south to the stunning River Test, a true paradise for trotting anglers. Oli Johnson invited me to fish his section of the river, which he typically offers for guided sessions. Initially, I wasn’t sure which species to target, big grayling, huge dace, there was even a chance of a 2lb river roach so we kept it open and gave it two days to see what we could catch. 

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a beautiful section of the Test, including an incredibly fishy-looking mill pool at the top of the beat. After a quick tour from Oli, I couldn’t wait to start fishing. The first day was exceptional, with plenty of big dace, including a couple nearing 1lb. Throughout the day, I hoped for a big river roach. I’ve caught plenty of 2lb roach from Stillwater, but a river two-pounder is something special.

A couple of heart-stopping trout later, I adjusted my approach, swapping the centrepin reel for a bigger float to present my bait more neatly in the river’s crease. The dace kept coming, but then, the roach I was after finally showed up. At over 2lb and in perfect condition, I was made up. The second roach, slightly smaller but equally pristine, followed soon after by a third, possibly a hybrid, but a massive fish. The action was relentless that day, making it one of the most enjoyable fishing experiences. But I had another day ahead, and I decided the episode would benefit from a change of scenery. The second location was just as beautiful, and Oli assured me a big grayling or even a chub might make an appearance.

Fishing was tougher here, which made each bite more rewarding. After a few trout, I landed my first decent-sized grayling, and things started to look promising. With so many great-looking swims to try, I was spoiled for choice, though time was tight. I finished the session with a lovely 2lb plus grayling to end a brilliant couple of days. The River Test was incredibly kind, offering me several specimen fish, which is why this episode stands out for me. I’m already planning my return.

Next on the list is an episode from Bawburgh Lakes in Norfolk. In hindsight, I was a month or so too early, as the weather was still cold with winds from the North. However, as with so many of these episodes, filming and editing needed to be done so that the Videos can be released at the prime time for each species. So, unless we fish twelve months in advance, we have to make the best of the conditions we’re given.

I was led into a false sense of confidence that trip. Within seconds of casting out, the bobbin was pulled straight from my fingers. A 6lb tench right away seemed like a great start, and I thought this would be a busy session. But, of course, it didn’t go like that. The rest of the day was a real struggle. I fished my socks off that day, regularly baiting and re-casting, but the colder weather seemed to shut the fish down. A sharp frost the next morning sank my confidence even further, and I began to worry that I wouldn’t get another bite.

The next morning, though, the weather was a little better, and the mist rising over the lake created a beautiful scene. After a few hours of waiting, just as I was starting to feel like the session might be a bust, the tench finally turned up. It began with a bite, and not long after, I had a triple take! It was a classic case, just like the Ouse chub video, of just when I thought it wasn’t going to happen, everything kicked off. I’m not sure how many tench I caught that afternoon, but it was a brilliant session in the end. The reason this episode makes the list is that it’s another great example of how determination can make the difference when things seem impossible.

Finally, there's a common theme in my favorite episodes: I like a struggle. With that in mind, let’s talk about my recent trip to the River Trent in search of a big barbel.

Let’s be honest, the Trent isn’t the most difficult river to catch barbel from. We’ve had some great action here before with plenty of fish, but I still hadn’t landed a really big one. I’d caught fish up to around 12lb, which is fantastic, but I was after something even more special. The issue, however, is time. I rarely get longer than a 24-hour trip to film, and the Trent is 3 hours from home. Plus, conditions can change rapidly in Autumn. I knew that this trip would be tough and I could only hope that it would pay off.

We headed to Gunthorpe Weir, a stretch known for producing bigger barbel. Upon arrival, I found the river to be much higher than expected. One local angler told me he was using 10oz leads to hold bottom and still only had one bite in three days. I only had 5oz leads, which made things even trickier. I love fishing floodwater for barbel, but the raging weir pool wasn’t ideal. Still, I found an area where I could just about stay on the deck with the 5oz leads and I was rewarded with a quick bite from a small barbel.The Trent had decided to tease me, as the rest of the session was a blank.

We returned a couple of weeks later in more favorable conditions. The Trent looked much better, with the water levels dropping over a meter. I caught a couple of chub fairly quickly, which confirmed the fish were feeding. Even though I didn’t catch a barbel that first afternoon, I knew it was just a matter of time. Around midnight, the barbel I’d been waiting for appeared—a 14lb 4oz beauty! The fight in that fast water was one of the most nerve-wracking I’ve had on camera, but it was worth it. The fish looked incredible in the moonlight. To top it off, as the sun rose, I landed two more double-figure barbel, making for a fantastic end to the trip.

So there you have it, those are just a few of my favorite Specimen Series moments. I’d love to hear which ones you’ve enjoyed most. Thanks to everyone who’s liked, commented, or followed the series. We have many more episodes planned for next year. Until then, have a great holiday season and a happy new year.