A low and clear River Swale proved to be a tough nut to crack for many of the competitors in the second Angling Trust RiverFest qualifier held on Saturday 25th June.

Big chub accounted for all the top weights and leading the way was Goole angler Mark Turner, on his first visit to the venue with 43-0-0 from peg 30 in B Zone.

Mark started off by landing two decent chub on legered breadflake before switching to a 6No4 stick float rig with a size 18 hook to 0.13mm hooklength. Feeding casters and hemp, with two casters on the hook, he tempted more decent fish, ending with ten chub and two trout.

Upstream at peg A2, Birmingham river expert Paul Downes float fished his way in similar fashion to the winner to record a zone win with 37-11-0 of chub. 

Competition creator Dave Harrell booked the third qualifying place with 21-2-0 of chub, caught on waggler and caster from peg 4 in C Zone.

TOP SIX RESULTS
1. Mark Turner (peg B30) 43-0-0
2. David Wray (peg B43) 38-1-0
3. Paul Downes (peg A2) 37-11-0
4. Pat Adams (peg B42) 29-12-0
5. Dave Smiddy (peg B44) 26-4-0
6. Norman Thewlis (peg A3) 25-12-0

The next qualifier takes place on the Bristol Avon on Sunday July 3rd.