The 2024 Barbel Masters proved to be a memorable event for British barbel anglers. Despite initial concerns due to heavy rain, the competition went as planned on the River Trent at A1 Pits.
Preston-based angler Lewis Kennedy emerged as the individual winner, landing nine barbel for a total weight of 84lb 10oz. Not only picking up £2,750 in prize money his catch also included a new personal best barbel of 13lb 7oz.
“I can only see this competition growing,” Lewis told us. “The new team are very professional, and the lads on the bank were full of praise for Liam, the organiser.”
Lewis fished peg 20, which gave him an area of slack water between two bushes.
“I cast around a quarter of the way out and let my 6oz leads settle on the crease. In the build-up, pellets weren’t recommended due to the stretch’s big head of bream. However, I had my fish on 10mm pellets fished alongside small PVA mesh bags filled with mixed pellets, boilie crumb and liquids.”
The event was a huge success, not only for the level of competition but also for its charitable contributions. With over £4,200 raised for Tackling Minds, an angling and mental health charity.
The organisers have already secured a deal for another Barbel Masters event on the River Trent next year, with plans for two 24-hour semi-finals and a grand final. The increasing popularity of barbel fishing suggests that this event will continue to attract a large number of participants.
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