two gallons of feed helps tempt monster barbel from river avon

One of the biggest barbel of the season has been landed from the Warwickshire Avon near Evesham.

The 16lb 2oz fish fell to Bedworth tackle shop owner Paul Nixon, who was fishing an evening session on the Anchor Meadows day-ticket stretch of the river after work.

Paul’s personal best was joined by three other fish from 6lb to 9lb, and was the result of a heavy baiting strategy that saw him introduce a gallon each of maggots and hemp into the swim.

Paul told Angling Times: “I usually fish the river for barbel after work on a Sunday night through to Monday morning.

“This is the highlight of what has already been a great season – the river is in such good form. Last session I took a catch of 12 barbel and 20 chub in just a day’s sitting.

“It turns out my 20th barbel of the season is a personal best, and I haven’t got over it yet!”

The Avon giant fell to 10 maggots presented on a size 10 hook tied to 12lb line, with a 3oz gripper lead anchoring the rig in position.

This wasn’t the only big barbel caught this week, though. The species is well on the feed on rivers elsewhere in the UK, following an influx of water to our rivers. 

The second big bertie reported this week was caught by 33-year-old James Butler at dead on 15lb.

“I had a screaming take just before midnight and found myself connected to what I thought was a carp, due to the intense fight it put up,” he said.

James caught the fish from a stretch of the Thames , where he presented an Aqua Baits Hot Shrimp boilie wrapped in paste, just off the marginal shelf and over a bed of particles.