Although the Kennet isn’t the premier barbel river it was once was, it still holds some superb fish – as George Batsford proved with this hefty 17lb 6oz specimen.
The Reading angler arrived at first light, keen to get out after recent rain. He’d fished a few swims, but struggled with debris building up on his line. But once he settled into his third swim, he finally felt like he was ‘properly’ fishing.
After about 20 minutes he had a ripping take, as the fish hammered off downstream. With steady pressure, George drew it back towards him, and managed to net it at the third attempt.
A hardened boilie hookbait presented on a fluorocarbon hooklink proved to be the winning approach.
GET THE BEST TACKLE FOR BARBEL FISHING BY CHECKING OUT OUR GUIDE TO BARBEL REELS.
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