Maggots fool beast Trent barbel - Dariusz Prech

“I headed to the tidal River Trent at Collingham recently in search of barbel and ended up catching this beauty at 16lb 8oz!

“I’d planned an overnight session and baited my swim with maggots and Shrimp & Krill groundbait before fishing a free-running cage feeder over the spot with a bunch of maggots on the hook.

“The night was quiet at least until 3:40am when my screaming bite alarm woke me up and I hit into a barbel that I just couldn’t stop!

“After a tense and hard 10-minute battle though I managed to slip my net under this beast. It was a moment I don’t think I’ll ever forget.

Dariusz Presch and his 16lb 8oz maggot munching Trent barbel