Change in tactics lands 14lb 2oz barbel

A change in tactics resulted in Stef Horak landing his first ever float caught barbel – this 14lb 2oz fish from the River Trent.

The Leicester-based 59-year-old decided to make the switch from his usual feeder approach and offered two hair-rigged casters on a size 14 hook under a 4-5AAA chubber float, and primed his swim with the 1.5 pints of hemp and caster.

He said: “I fished 5ft overdepth to slow the bait down, with a few number 10 shots down the line dragging the bottom. When you get a bite it’s like a pike float moving along before zooming under! This is the fifteenth barbel over 11lb 6oz I’ve had from the Trent this season but most have been on 4oz feeders.” 

Stef runs guided sessions on the river, for more information call: 01455 615551.