It’s a PB for Gavin, beating the 16lb 9oz fish that he had from the same venue back in October. With the weather staying mild, he’s enjoyed fantastic sport of late, landing five barbel on a recent evening session. Keen to make the most of it, he returned to the river and headed for a slack he hadn’t seen anyone fish since he’s been a member.

Fishing a single hookbait a rod length from the bank where the fast water met the slack, his rod tore off after around 40 mintues. Unusually for a barbel, the fish was determined to get under his own bank, which Gavin didn’t mind as it kept the fish out the main flow. After netting the fish, he instantly knew it was a ‘seventeen’ as its distinct tail gave it away. Gavin added that ‘it’s an incredible time to be on this magnificent river.”

Well done Gavin!