Single hookbait fools giant Southern barbel

FISHING a single boilie next to the near bank led to the downfall of this impressive 16lb 14oz barbel. Matthew Harris fished into darkness on a tributary of the River Thames, but decided not to feed a thing.

Instead, he relied solely on his hookbait to try to entice a bite. It was a move that proved fruitful just a few hours into the session when the Berkshire specimen-hunter struck at a subtle movement on his rod-tip.

“Straight away I could tell that it was a good fish, but I never imagined that it would smash my previous best of 14lb 5oz,” said a delighted Matthew.

Matthew Harris – 16lb 14oz barbel