Famous angling writer Des Taylor enjoyed a spectacular end to the river season with a barbel bonanza on his beloved River Severn near Bewdley – catching a number of fish capped by this wonderful 13lb specimen.  Des has fished the river for many years  – and has seen the barbel fishing evolve in that time, so to bag a fish of this size on his doorstep is exceptionally rewarding. In fact, soon after Des landed another whacker weighing 12lb 4oz – what a brace!

Des used a pair of old Drennan Super Specialist Duo 1.5lb rods to land the fish, with Kamasan Black Cap Feeders filled with 3mm & 4mm Halibut Pellets.  The successful bait was  two 12mm flavoured Halibut Pellets on a size 12 Super Specialist Barbel hook, all fished on 8lb Pro Gold Line.  Knowing the particular area well, Des cast to the centre of the river over a large sandstone ledge, taking 19 barbel in two days!

For further details on the Drennan Super Specialist Barbel hooks as used by Des, click here.