Steeton angler Simon Snowball landed a superb 17lb rainbow trout -- but his monster catch came 10 minutes after the match at Rygill Fisheries ended.

The bumper fish was more than three times the weight of the winning fish, but Simon had to be content with the thrill of landing the big fish.

Earlier 20 anglers, including three who had travelled from Newcastle, took part in the competition which was the seventh of 10 monthly fly fishing matches. Contestants rotated places to give everyone an equal chance.

Carl Bannister of Barnoldswick won the prize for the biggest fish with 5lb 2oz, and Malcolm Starkie of Burnley caught the greatest number of fish with seven. There were a total of 66 fish caught with tales of several 10 pounders that got away.

Simon, who just missed the prizes in ninth place decided to carry on a bit longer and after landing the 17lb fish he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It smashed his personal best catch, but just missed out on first prize -- and threatened to take a hacksaw to his rod.

The big catch did qualify him for a Troutmaster bade for one of this month's biggest catches and gives him entry into the Troutmaster competition - sponsored by Trout Fisherman Magazine, at the end of the year.

n KL Tackle Angling Club members fished at Woodland Lakes on Sunday. Result: 1 Paul Cromie (52lb 6oz), 2 robin Pickles (32lb 1oz), 3 Andy Johns (25lb 6oz), 4 Jack Ferguson (21lb 4oz), 5 Mick Corkwell (13lb 14oz), 6 M Wizzour (11lb 7oz).