Massive barbel landed from rising Hampshire Avon
Heavy rain and strong winds are great conditions for barbel, and river ace Simon Daley proved just why with the capture of this 17lb 3oz fish from the Hampshire Avon.
Arriving to find the river and water temperature rising, Simon introduced some bait before setting up. After landing an early 6lb 7oz specimen, the rod wrapped round again, but this time a stronger battle ensued.
He told us:
“I’ve been after a 17lb-plus barbel for three years and had fallen short by just a few ounces last season, so catching this fish made me a very happy man indeed.”
A homemade boilie fished alongside a PVA bag filled with the same baits whole and crumbed proved the downfall of this fish.
Simon Daley – 17lb 3oz barbel