Eight Avon barbel to a 16lb 10oz best

THE Hampshire Avon has returned to a rich vein of barbel form in the past few weeks, with one angler reporting a run of eight double figure specimens – culminating in a 16lb 13oz monster.

The superb fish fell to 43-year-old roofer Simon Daley as just part of a phenomenal two weeks on the Southern river, which saw him land chub of 6lb 5oz and 7lb 3oz in addition to an unforgettable list of barbel of 10lb 6oz, 15lb 10oz, 11lb 7oz, 15lb 3oz, 13lb 12oz, 14lb 14oz and 14lb 1oz.

Speaking exclusively to Angling Times, Simon said: “This season I’ve had some of the best barbel fishing I’ve experienced on the River Itchen and Hampshire Avon.

“The last two weeks have been an amazing experience, the rivers have had some much needed rain and the area I had been baiting wasn’t seeing any pressure.

“I was blown away with the size of the biggest, a fish I have been after for a season or more.

 “Another lump a few day later means I have now caught six 14-plus fish this season from three different rivers – incredible.”

Simple tactics incorporating inline leads with short braided hook links tied to size 8 hooks and a secret homemade bait were all Simon needed to catch his fish