When targeting specimen fish in the summer months one of the biggest challenges anglers can face is the attention their baits get from smaller species, something Paul Scowen recently encountered on a trip to the River Thames.
GET STARTED WITH BARBEL FISHING BY FOLLOWING THE ADVICE IN THIS ARTICLE.
With small silverfish proving to be a nuisance, Paul decided to use 20mm boilies as both his hookbait and loosefeed, a tactic which saw him single out some of the river's famed big barbel.
Feeding 30-50 baits into a prime spot the day before, Paul returned the next day and minutes later was rewarded with an 11lb 4oz fish, proving his tactics certainly worked.
FIND A BIG BARBEL VENUE NEAR YOU BY CHECKING OUT OUR WHERE TO FISH GUIDES.
Rebating with a dozen more boilies, he then had a run of bream before receiving a typically savage bite from another specimen barbel.
"After a dogged battle I had the biggest barbel in the stretch resting in the net," he said.
"It was lacking its winter bulk at 15lb 12oz, but it was still wide across the back and an impressive sight to behold."
YOU NEED STRONG TACKLE TO TAME BARBEL. CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO BARBEL RODS.
This page is a free example of the amazing content Angling Times Members get every single week. Becoming an Angling Times Member gives you access to award-winning magazine content, member rewards, our back issue archives, bonus content and more! Join our fishing community and find out more today!