Portsmouth-based angler, Simon Daley set his sights on landing a fish of 14lb but was blown away after landing a huge fish of 15lb 10oz and setting a new river record in the process.

Here’s what Simon had to say about the capture:

“I’ve been targeting the barbel on the river for a few years now and have done reasonably well, having had fish to 13lb 4oz in previous years, I’d set myself a target of 14lb, which I thought was a realistic target for the venue. After having a fair few blanks at the start of the season I thought I would have to up the hours I was putting in, and it came good with a PB of 15lb 10 which exceeded my expectations. I didn’t think the river had the potential to produce such a fish .strong tackle was in order due to various snags 12lb mainline and a 15lb anchor braid hook link size 8 hook and a large

“After having a fair few blanks at the start of the season, I thought I would have to up the hours I was putting in, and it all came good in the end with a new personal best of 15lb 10oz, which exceeded my expectations! I didn’t think the river had the potential to produce such a fish. Strong tackle was in order due to various snags, so I opted for 12lb mainline and a 15lb ESP Anchor Braid hooklength to a size 8 ESP Cryogen Gripper hook and a large boilie wrapped in paste.“