It is fair to say it has been a very difficult summer for barbel anglers. With the ongoing drought and many rivers suffering from incredibly low levels and high temperatures, catch reports have been few and far between. However, conditions have improved in recent weeks, and anglers are now starting to enjoy some great action. Those who have capitalised on the short windows of better fishing weather have seen some excellent fish grace their nets.
Nigel Kennard was one such angler who managed to bank a stunning 18lb 1oz barbel from the Hampshire Avon. He started his campaign a few weeks ago and had landed fish of 13lb 11oz, 13lb 7oz and 12lb 3oz before the 18-pounder found its way into his net.
“After a day of rain, the Avon had a little colour and extra pace, so I needed to go fishing!” Nigel told us.
“I’ve been baiting three swims on the way to work, and after finding a friend in my first-choice swim on this session, I walked to my next option.”
Fishing a PVA bag packed with crushed and whole boilies, plus small pellets, Nigel cast to aweed-free channel close to the bank.
“After 30 minutes the rod tip was pulled down and I lifted into a barbel that stripped line from a tight clutch,” he added.
“After a battle in and out of the weed, I drew the net under what looked a really big fish. It smashes my old PB and, after releasing it, I carried on fishing with a huge grin on my face.”
LAND EVERY BARBEL YOU HOOK BY USING THE BEST BARBEL RODS TO TAME THEM.
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