Kings Weir on the River Lea is undoubtedly the place to visit if you want to catch the barbel of a lifetime, with the stretch containing multiple specimens over the 20lb mark. The latest angler to contact one of its giants was Martin Broadhurst, who landed this superb 20lb 11oz fish within minutes of casting in.
“I’d booked swims one and two on the east bank at King’s Weir for a barbel fishing trip with my cousin, Graham Burgess.
“After setting up, I decided to have a quick cast with a piece of luncheon meat while I organised the rest of my tackle.
“Within minutes I’d had a bite, not a particularly strong one, and I wasn’t sure if I’d hooked the bottom initially.
“But the fish then kicked hard and made some powerful surges, so I knew that I’d hooked something pretty substantial.
“Thankfully, Graham was on hand with a newly purchased 42-inch landing net, which we were grateful to have!
“Once it was in the net, we saw the barbel’s massive shoulders and called Loretta Newton, who came to help us weigh the fish.
“At 20lb 11oz, it’s one of the River Lea’s giants. I wish we had taken better pictures, but the focus was on looking after the fish.”
THE BEST BARBEL RODS ARE PERFECT FOR LANDING EVEN THE BIGGEST FISH...
Enjoying this article?
Subscribe to Angling Times for expert fishing tips, tackle reviews, and the latest angling news delivered straight to your door. Whether you're into coarse, carp, or match fishing, we’ve got the stories, advice and inspiration to keep you hooked.
