A disappointing result on day one of the Angling Trust RiverFest finalwas soon forgotten by Kyle Wainwright as he came out as the convincing winner at the end of play.
Staged on the Nottinghamshire’s River Trent around Burton Joyce, the two-day contest was set to be decided on overall weight, with 84 anglers competing.
West Yorkshire-based Kyle ended day one with just over 10lb of silvers and was well behind the day one pace setter, with Jason Jeenes banking five barbel for 35lb 11oz.
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Kyle’s luck changed at the draw on day two, picking out the very peg that Jason had won from the previous day.
Question marks were raised as to whether the pressure the barbel had faced just 24-hours before would put them off the feed, but Kyle soon put those concerns to bed as he used the feeder packed with casters to land 51lb 13oz of them.
That gave him a 62lb 5oz total which bagged the trophy and the £10,000 top prize.
Second placed Charlie Gooch accumulated 46lb 13oz and went home £7,000 richer, with Jason Jeenes taking third and £5,000 for his 46lb 10oz effort.
Speaking on his Facebook account, a clearly emotional Kyle dedicated the win to several family members and friends.
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“This one’s for you grandad – I miss you! Thanks to my dad - my best mate - for everything, I wouldn’t be where I am without everything he’s done.
“Thanks to John Waterhouse for everything - he’s looked after me like his own kid all these years. And thanks for all the messages of support, I appreciate it! Buzzing!”
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