After a few challenging trips to a low and clear River Trent, Tony Shep capitalised on a change in river levels and milder temperatures to catch this fine 17lb 10oz barbel.
The Manchester angler arrived at 1pm and tried a swim known for sometimes providing a few daytime bites. Its reputation was confirmed when he slipped the net under a barbel of 13lb, then an eight-pounder.
Come nightfall, Tony headed to a different swim, and in the early hours he changed his hookbait from a hard-hooker to a shelf-life boilie. Shortly after that he had a take from the 17lb 10oz barbel – which is his new personal best.
That fish was caught from a spot close to his own bank, with a combi rig doing the damage. In the morning, Tony recast and, while making himself a hot drink, he had another take, this time from a 16lb 2oz barbel that capped a session to remember.
CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO BARBEL FISHNG ON THE TRENT TO CATCH MORE FISH!
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