Big storm for a huge barbel

DARREN Wilson’s decision to fish through 60mph winds and torrential rain paid off with the capture of this 17lb 10oz barbel. 

The 55-year-old from Norfolk had pinned his hopes on a 48-hour trip to the tidal River Trent for a few bites and enjoyed a fantastic first day – catching 19 barbel to 11lb 4oz alongside a host of bream on double 14mm pellets. 

When Storm Francis arrived on the second day, though, Darren’s bites dried up – at least until 5.30am on the third morning…

“My Delkim bleeped twice and I had a rattle on the rod-tip so I struck,” he tells us.

“All hell broke loose and this fish took off! I had to walk 80 yards to keep up. I was in shock when my scales read 17lb 10oz, which is a lower tidal Trent PB for me!”

Darren Wilson and his 17lb 10oz Tidal Trent barbel