First session on Trent produces 14lb 3oz barbel

Julian Barnes’s first session on the River Trent this season proved to be a productive one as he banked a series of big barbel to 14lb 3oz.

Having shunned the Nottinghamshire-waterway for several months he decided to enjoy an evening session on a known hotspot.

Despite low and clear conditions he still felt confident of finding the fish and legered a 10mm Quest Baits Raja Spice boilie over a bed of mixed pellets.

Several barbel to 10lb 9oz and a chub of 5lb 3oz came after the first few casts but he saved the best until last with the biggest specimen rolling over the net in the early hours of the morning.

His successful rig was made up of 15lb mainline, a 4ft, 12lb hooklink and a size 10 Drennan Barbel hook.