Clonking 18lb 9oz barbel landed

Robert Bown was ‘lost for words’ after landing an immense 18lb 9oz barbel from the River Trent.

Fishing a spot further afield than his usual haunts, Robert landed the fish during a night session after it picked up his 18mm boilie.

He said:

“After missing a drop-back bite I had a screaming take, and straight away knew I was connected to a very good fish. However, everything suddenly went solid, and my heart sank as I’d waited so long for a bite.”

Thankfully, by being patient Robert managed to free the fish and steer it into his net.

“The feeling as we weighed and photographed the fish was unreal,” he added.