Mattew said: “The lake had been very tough going with just a handful of fish out over the past few months. However, I couldn’t resist a session during a mild spell and a welcome break from the bitter conditions.

“Setting up in a swim with previous winter form I fired out three single Nash Strawberry Crush pop-ups on chod rigs using Nash Chod-Link and size 6 Chod Twister hooks.

“After a quiet first 24 hours I received a single beep on the right-hand rod which was away 30 seconds later.

“The fish gave a fantastic fight and when she rolled into the net it was obvious it was a good lump! It went 45lb 4ooz on the scales and gave me a new PB!”