Joe Butterfield & his “double” capture with a combined weight of 57lb
When you strike a screaming run it’s always an exciting feeling. When you find yourself having to grapple to strike a second rod a few moments later the adrenalin really starts to pump, especially when both fish feel like decent lumps which could mean a new PB.
When you suddenly realise that you are also completely alone on the bank, your excitement has to give way quickly to pure angling skill and a very cool head. It’s the only way to meet the technical challenge of a solo double-hit.
Joe Butterfield was faced with this exact situation at Oakview Lake recently. A day when a very good angler showed that he may well become one of the greats of the future.
Joe's swim on Oakview's left bank
It’s 11.30am on 21st September 2010 and Joe and his Dad Andrew are fishing Oakview’s left bank. Joe has gone left with his middle and left hand rod fishing towards the deep bowl and back margin.
After an eventful night, Joe is fast asleep in his bivvy when his middle rod screams off. He is awake and on it in seconds and it feels like a decent fish.
Joe takes no chances and has moved his left hand rod a few yards up the bank out of harm’s way. He glances back at it and notices the rod tip bouncing like crazy. No sign of Dad Andrew despite Joe’s shouts (Andrew is in the lodge taking a shower).
Joe has no choice but to go for it. With one rod clamped firmly between his knees, he starts to play both fish in at the same time, all the while keeping both lines tight.
Joe has to maintain this agonising position to hold the second fish while he nets the first. Freed up at last, he plays the second fish into the same net more easily.
31lb Mirror
Andrew arrives back just in time to help Joe haul his heavy catch onto the landing mat. The 57lb catch consists of a 31lb mirror (a couple of pounds shy of Joe’s French PB) and a 26lb common (a new PB common for Joe).
Joe Butterfield had turned 17 just a few months earlier. Remember the name – you are sure to hear it again!
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