Reigning Drennan Cup holder Simon Daley cranked up the pressure on his rivals by catching this 17lb 10oz barbel from the Thames.
The Hampshire angler had been targeting roach over the past month, but after landing a few two-pounders and with a rare mild day forecast, he switched his attentions to barbel.
Heading to the river after work, Simon fished a homemade boilie in a matching paste wrap alongside a PVA bag of freebies.
Soon after starting he landed a chub around the 6lb mark, before line began melting from his reel. After several powerful runs, Simon netted the huge fish.
Simon Daley – 17lb 10oz barbel