No need to cast for floodwater barbel

HAMPSHIRE-based specimen hunter Roman Vann continued his fine run of large fish this week with the capture of this colossal 15lb 8oz Thames barbel.

Pinning his hopes on a rapidly rising river, Roman struck into the powerful fish just inches from the bank in 8ft of water.

He told Angling Times:

“The river rose about 10 inches whilst I was there forcing me to fish as close to the bank as possible.

“It turned out to be a right result however, culminating in a new Thames PB.”

Roman’s successful rig included a 5oz lead to hold his snowman hookbait in the strong current.