(This catch was reported before the river close season came into force on March 15th 2022)
AFTER bagging a trio of huge chub over the past few months, Essex angler Paul Faint ended his season in perfect fashion by landing this 18lb 4oz barbel.
Targeting a stretch of the River Thames, he opted for a luncheon meat hookbait, but sport was slow – in fact he only received that all-important bite just as he was starting to pack away. One rod was already broken down and in the holdall when the tip on the other slowly pulled over!
Paul said the fish put up one hell of a fight, and when it finally crossed the net cord he was gobsmacked at the sheer size of his final river fish of the year.
Paul Faint – 18lb 4oz barbel