Britain has been battered by various storms during the last few months of 2023, and as a result, some perfect big-barbel conditions had been kicked up. Two-time Drennan Cup champion Simon Daley was well aware of that and headed to the Thames as a low-pressure front rolled in with storm Ciaran, where he banked this 18lb 10oz PB.
Arriving at the stretch, the Hampshire roofer spent time locating a fishable area. Settling on a slack, he positioned two rods with paste-wrapped boilie hookbaits just on the edge of the flow. An uneventful night followed, with lots of leaves and twigs gathering on his lines. But, just before first light, he received a savage bite and connected with a fish that took a good amount of line. He knew it was a big fish by its heavy headshakes, and with it giving Simon one of the best fights he’s had from the species.
Well done Simon!