Smaller baits fool Trent beast from pressured spot

AN annual Trip to the River Trent’s prolific Collingham Weir paid off in fine style for Neil Watson when he landed this 17lb 2oz barbel – a new PB by 18oz.

After a hectic 72-hour session the previous year, when Neil and his mate Karl Conqueror landed no fewer than 182 barbel on boilie tactics, the pair expected the same approach to score on their return.

After a quiet first day, however, a change was called for.

“We scaled down and caught a few fish on pellets and mini boilies, so we decided to feed smaller
particles of hemp and caster, as well as smaller boilies,” Neil reveals.

“By the steady fight of the fish, I knew it was something big. Once netted, I said ‘this might be worth weighing’, which turned out to be a bit of an understatement!” 

Neil Watson with his 17lb 2oz barbel from Collingham Weir