Darren Worton’s stealthy approach helped fool a huge 16lb 9oz barbel from the Dorset Stour.

After slowly creeping into position, he lowered his hookbait along with a PVA bag of freebies into place. “As soon as I made contact, I knew it was a barbel – a large one at that! I knew the river held fish of this size but they are few and far between, and to beat my personal best by over 1lb was a special feeling!” explained Darren.

This capture was awarded a weekly Drennan Cup in Angling Times on the 14th of October.