The Hampshire angler had been targeting roach over the last few weeks, and after landing a few two-pounders he turned barbel on the Thames in Oxfordshire. Knowing a cold snap was coming, he was keen to make the most of the still mild temperatures.

Heading to the river after work, he fished a homemade boilie in a matching paste wrap alongside a PVA bag of freebies. Soon after starting he landed a chub around the 6lb mark and was half asleep when at 1am all hell broke loose, with line melting from his reel. After several powerful runs with the fish trying to do him in an overhanging tree, Simon finally netted the huge fish, which he struggled to lift up the high bank.

Well done Simon!