Having heard rumours of a large barbel in the upper Thames, Tom Humphreys fancied having a go for the fish, but with his second baby being born, he knew his angling opportunities would be limited.
But, he embarked on a campaign that saw him sneaking out to fish in the early hours of the morning, often fishing from midnight to 5am. It was far from easy, with multiple sessions racking up with only bream to show for his efforts. Early one morning just before the season ended, Tom’s fortunes changed when his rod ripped off properly and he connected with the fish he was after, weighing 17lb 14oz. A hardened 20mm Dynamite Baits Source hookbait did the truck, which he had glugged for a few months prior.
Well done Tom!