It’s believed to be a new record for the Staffordshire venue, that’s a tributary to the River Tame, a river that eventually flows into the Trent. Roger had waited all season for more flow and colour in the river before starting his barbel campaign, and on just his second trip of the season, he hooked what he initially suspected was a chub, after a delicate take and lack of resistance initially. However, after the fish came straight to him, it went on a storming 30-yard run upriver before he turned it and saw its huge head appear on the surface. Roger used 10lb line straight through to a size 5 hook and the lightest lead he could hold bottom with.

Well done Roger!