In an age where a handful of rivers dominate the barbel world, some smaller waterways are still capable of producing something truly special, such as this 17lb 1oz River Derwent fish.
The phenomenal fish was landed by Koi Croydon, who was named after a fish by his lifelong angling dad.
Koi had been monitoring river levels on the EA website and noticed the river dropping slightly after recent rain. Knowing conditions were right, he settled into a swim where the river narrows into a channel just after a bend. Shortly after sunset, he received a huge liner, before having what he describes as ‘the most savage bite’ he’s ever had. The fish tore off downstream, taking Koi into a snag, but with constant pressure, he eased it free. The fish fell to paste wrapped shrimp boilies, with added glug for maximum attraction in the coloured water.
Well done Koi!