Angler wades through floodwater for 31lb 11oz barbel brace

SIMON Daley proved this week that the Hampshire Avon’s barbel glory days are far from over by banking a remarkable brace of fish for 31lb 11oz.

Simon Daley 16lb 7oz barbel.jpg

After braving flooded fields to reach the river, Simon landed fish weighing 16lb 7oz and 15lb 4oz a couple of days apart.

“The first evening was very mild,” said Simon,

“and after a long slog to the river in my waders I finally had my first cast.

“Two hours later I had a savage take and after a powerful scrap a 15lb 4oz chunk was in the net.

“A few days later I took the same long trek and, once again, I was rewarded for my efforts, this time with a 16lb 7oz fish. I was completely blown away by both trips,”

added Simon, who used homemade boilie hookbaits.