Simon told us “I arrived to find both the river and water temperatures were rising so I introduced some bait before setting up. That obviously worked as I early on I landed a 6lb 7oz barbel and it didn’t take long before the rod wrapped round again, but this time a stronger battle ensued resulting in this lovely 17lb 3oz specimen.

I’ve been after a 17lb+ barbel for three years and had fallen short by just a few ounces last season, so catching this fish made me a very happy man indeed. A homemade boilie fished alongside a PVA bag filled with the same baits whole and crumbed proved the downfall of this fish.”