Hook, line and ton-up maker

NET-BUSTER: Andrew Mitchell shows off a fish at Chadderton Mill Lodge.

ANGLING:

FAILSWORTH angler Andrew Mitchell was a man with a plan.

Competing in the Dave Slattery memorial series qualifier at Chadderton Mill Lodge, he devised a scheme to blow away his rivals.

It came off to the tune of 101lb 4oz — believed to be first three-figure net recorded in an Oldham fishery match.

Andrew (26) said: “I had a good draw at peg six, one of the middle pegs on the lodge. I opted for a thin line and a smaller hook because, with the weather getting colder, the fish are more wary.

“I knew I had a big weight, but didn’t want to say too much just in case. I never thought it was that good, so it was a pleasant surprise.”

Andrew, who works for ADT Alarms in Manchester, caught 60 ide in the first two hours of the match — a bite every two minutes — and 21 carp in the remaining three hours.

Runner-up Paul Hill weighed an impressive 81lb — but he was nowhere near the bumper haul.

The win clinched Andrew’s place in the final of the series on Saturday.

A field of 16 will line-up on Chadderton Mill Lodge, including Andrew’s dad Graham, who first introduced him to the sport.

Andrew added: “I’ve never got to a final before, so hopefully I can draw another good peg.

“With my dad in the final, we’re going all out for a Mitchell one-two.”