(This catch was reported before the river close season came into force on March 15th 2022)
BARBEL are famed for their savage bites, but this 19lb 2oz middle Trent fish gave Andrew Degville just a few delicate taps on the rod-tip.
Fishing an 18mm boilie alongside a PVA bag of freebies, Andrew only knew he was connected to a true heavyweight when he picked up the rod, leaned into the fish and struggled to get it to the surface.
After a fierce 10-minute battle it eventually tired and Andrew was able to net his prize, which obliterated his old barbel best of 15lb 14oz.
Andrew Degville – 19lb 2oz barbel