It takes some anglers years to bank a double figure barbel, but junior angler Riley Bradley managed to break that landmark with just his second ever example of the species.
The Worcestershire-based seven-year-old has accompanied his dad Ash on plenty of trips recently, catching tiny tiddlers such as minnows in the early encounters before moving on to bigger species.
Having banked roach, perch, and chub, he had his eye on a barbel and his first ever tipped the scales round to 6lb 13oz. That was taken from the River Teme and on the same day he was left mesmerised as he helped his dad land a 10lb 1oz fish.
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Determined to land his own colossal giant, he joined his dad for a session on the River Severn. A large lump of garlic flavoured meat was legered in the flooded conditions and five minutes after getting started the rod hooped over.
Its power was evident from the off, with Ash having to hold on to Riley’s jacket to prevent him from being pulled in.
After a nervy battle a 12lb 5oz specimen was in the net and Ash told Angling Times: “I’ve been fishing the Severn for a long time and never had a barbel that big from it! He complained that his arms were aching at one point during the fight, but thankfully, he powered through until the fish was beaten.
“He shouted ‘yes it’s a beast!’ loudly when he saw his prize before jumping around and screaming with excitement! If he wasn’t hooked for life before, he definitely is now!”
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