Burton-On-Trent Barbel angler James Bell landed this stunning 18lb 4oz Barbel in the last few weeks of the season – and has this wonderful photo to remember it by, which earned a weekly Drennan Cup award in Angling Times!  We believe the barbel sets a new river record for the River Dove in Staffordshire (a tributary of the might River Trent).  James ended a quest which had lasted several years by landing the monster Barbel, when his legered meat offering was picked up and battle ensued.

James in fact shattered his previous personal best Barbel of 14lb 8oz with this fish, which was landed on 12lb mainline and a size 7 Drennan Super Specialist Barbel hook.

For further details on this hook pattern (also a very popular choice for specimen tench) click here.