A 200-mile trip down the motorway to the River Kennet from his home in South Yorkshire was well worthwhile for barbel fanatic John Harrison after landing this almighty 18lb 5oz fish.

Fishing with his friend Steve Day, John had a bite at around 4am when his left-hand rod burst into action. He was given the fight of his life, with his powerful barbel rod bent double. After 10 minutes the fish was eventually in the net, with both John and the fish worn out. Just an hour earlier, his friend Steve had been snapped by a fish on his 15lb hooklink, and amazingly he found that very hook in the fish’s mouth. Both were removed before the fish, a new PB for John, was safely released.