Short wait for big barbel

Some anglers can wait years to catch their first double-figure barbel but Matthew Tann managed the feat with his very first example of the species when he landed a fine 13lb specimen from the famous Throop Fishery on the Dorset Stour.

The Portsmouth-based rod took a break from his usual routine of trotting for silverfish and, after failing to entice a bite on meat or pellet hookbaits, decided to switch to a crab and crayfish flavoured boilie.  He got the all-important bite just as he was preparing to pack up and head for home.

“I’ve been trying to catch a barbel for a couple of months without any success so I’m delighted to have reached my target in such a way.  It was in immaculate condition and I can’t explain the elation I felt when I finally netted it,” said Matthew, who used 10lb mainline, a 12lb hooklink and a size 8 hook.