Roving session produces 12lb 9oz barbel

A stunning 12lb 9oz barbel was the highlight of Rob Thompson’s roving session on the River Derwent.

The self-employed gardener tempted the specimen from a far bank snag, and it was the biggest of five fish in an eight hour session targeting various stretches of the Derbyshire waterway.

It fell to a Dynamite Baits Spicy Tuna boilie fished in conjunction with small PVA mesh bag of pellet, with a 10lb hooklink and a size 6 hook.

“I’d had several fish ranging from 6lb - 9lb when at 7pm my rod was off again and I suddenly found myself with a real battle on my hands,” said the 38-year-old from Shepshed, Leicestershire. “It took all of the pressure I dared apply to keep the fish away from the tree and once it came out and back to mid-river the fight was a very steady plodding affair. I could tell during the fight that I was attached to something a bit more substantial and was delighted to land my first Derwent double,” said Rob, a memember of the Soar Valley Specialist Group.