Single bait lands 16lb 8oz barbel

Match angler Allan Oram often takes a break from the commercial carp scene to pursue barbel - and with fish like this 16lb 8oz specimen it’s not hard to see why.

A stealthy approach scored for the 58-year-old Bristol-based rod who positioned a 15mm Dynamite Baits Robin Red pellet without any loose feed under an overhanging tree on the River Kennet.

The bite came within five minutes and a frantic fight followed: ““I really enjoy having a chill out session barbel fishing,” he said. “The fish put up a really good scrap but it was a bit hairy as I couldn’t get my rod up due to the trees. It would have made quite good entertainment if somebody was stood behind filming me!”