Trent '16' tops amazing week for barbel

This sublime 16lb 1oz barbel tops the list of catches in what’s been another fantastic early-season week for the species.  

It was banked by Nottingham rod Den Willets and was the best of 20 barbel taken during a week’s fishing on a section of the middle Trent.  

Arriving in his swim on the eve of the new river season, Den caught steadily from midnight right through to Saturday the following week – but it was his catch on the Thursday that really set the grapevine buzzing. 

Den said: “Some friends and I had just started cooking on the Thursday morning when my left rod on the inside line ripped off.

“It took me into a snag but after five minutes I managed to free it. 

“In another cruel twist of fate it then swam into another snag that had been plaguing my mate Wayne all week.

“I thought I’d lost it but I didn’t give up, knowing that something special was on the end.”

After a tense few moments Den finally managed to free the fish and his other friend Luke jumped into the water to net the prize. 

“When he brought it up the bank I couldn’t believe my eyes, and I knew then it was a new pb,” Den told Angling Times. 

“When the scales read 16lb 1oz I was over the moon and couldn’t stop shaking – getting a fish that big on my first session of the season was unreal. 

“I ended the trip with more than 20 barbel, a tally that included eight doubles. 

“I lost at least five big fish and caught an endless procession of chub, a couple of bream and an elusive river carp.

“It’s a start of the season I shall never forget, and I doubt I’ll ever have another like it.”

Den’s new barbel best fell to Vortex Baits Hydroshrimp cocoons fished over a scattering of the same in dumbell form.