Amazing Avon pair

Dean Macey had every reason to smile when his first river session of the season resulted in two big chub and an equally impressive barbel.

Dean has been busy filming season 4 of The Big Fish Off and working on other angling-related projects, so finding time for his own fishing has been difficult –  but his hard work was rewarded with the barbel at 13lb 6oz backed by a chub of 6lb 5oz from the Hampshire Avon.

It’s been 11 years since he’s fished the famous Royalty Fishery on the iconic waterway, but it didn’t take him long to get back into the groove. First his trimmed-down Mainline Hybrid Hooker fooled the big chub followed by another of5lb 15oz.

Last but certainly least was his biggest-ever barbel from the venue.

“I’ve worked in Dorset for one day this year but on that occasion I was caught on a speed camera doing 57mph in a 50 limit. The reason was that I was really keen to arrive early to have a walk along the river before the job started. And, hand on heart, I actually thought it was a 60 zone… honest officer! 

“Anyway, it turns out that this is the only county in the UK where if you get given the option of a speed awareness course it has to be done in Dorset. 

“So, I was faced with three options – either travel down at 4am, book a hotel for £50 or do the night on the Royalty… it really was a no brainer.

“Wow… what a result! The barbel was not only a venue best for me, but in her summer colours she has to be one of the best looking of her species ever to grace my net.

“It’s a great feeling to be back on the river,” Dean added.