It’s fair to say it’s been a slow start to the season on the big barbel front when compared to previous years, but after a bit of rainfall a few fish, such as this 16lb 2oz Thames specimen, have slipped up.
Former Drennan Cup winner Alan Stagg landed the specimen, which was tempted by a 15mm Krinella boilie presented in the river’s boating channel over around 50 boilies. Alan was fishing the same stretch as where he had some good fish on late last season, but this specific barbel was one that evaded him. However, on his first trip back to the stretch this season, it lay in his net after putting up a great scrap. Alan opted for a 15lb flurocarbon hooklink and a size 8 hook, presented below a 2oz inline lead.
Well done Alan!