16lb ‘demon’ barbel

Colin Hebb took advantage of the Trent’s form when he set a new barbel personal best with this 16lb 2oz fish.
After finding the prolific venue carrying some colour and flow, the 31-year-old market trader used 8oz of lead to hold bottom and hair-rigged two fish-flavoured boilies on a size 6 Fox hook.
His tactics also proved the downfall for four other barbels to 8lb.
“The fish was stuck in a snag for ages, but to my joy finally came free after the lead came off the clip I was using,” said Colin. “It fought like a demon and my arm was almost falling off by the time it came to the net.”