With the number of large barbel being caught from the River Trent, you could be forgiven for thinking it's the only river that produces truly huge specimens. However, angler Sam Stewart dispelled that myth when he landed a massive 19lb barbel from the Warwickshire Avon.
After finishing work earlier than expected, Sam headed to the popular Manor Farm Leisure Complex to fish their stretch of the Avon, securing a swim he’d always wanted to try. It wasn’t long before he hooked what he described as “something that felt like a huge tree.”
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"I was hoping to get to the river earlier, as with the recent rain, I knew it would be in prime condition. But with the nights drawing in and the Avon being a bit of a drive, I couldn't make it," Sam told us.
"Thankfully, I managed to finish work early on Friday, giving me enough time to organise my tackle and reach the venue before nightfall."
"I set up my gear and prepared some new rigs for the session ahead—a 2.5ft IQ2 fluorocarbon hook link with a size 8 hook. I find this pairs nicely with a 15mm washed-out Robin Red pellet and a small PVA bag of 6mm Robin Red pellet," he explained.
Sam got his rods in position with minimal fuss, but despite the river looking superb and regularly re-baiting to keep the swim active, he had very little action for the first few hours of his night session. Fortunately, his enthusiasm never waned, and his patience was rewarded when his rod was nearly pulled in.
"As soon as I grabbed my rod, I knew it was a big fish. I can only describe it as like hooking a massive tree. I couldn’t get any control over the fish—every time I thought I was gaining ground, it would take off again."
"The longer the fight went on, the more it became clear I had hooked a truly special fish. Thankfully, the long battle ended with the fish rolling over my net cord."
"As I peered into the mesh, I realised it was a huge barbel. I remember shaking as I tried to call my mate to calm me down as I was on my own and wasn’t sure what to do."
"After letting the fish rest while I composed myself and set everything up, I hoisted it onto the scales, and the dial spun around to an unbelievable 19lb."
"I snapped a few quick photos, then had the pleasure of watching her swim away strongly. What a fish, and it's a capture I’ll never forget."
THE BEST BARBEL REELS WILL HELP YOU LAND HUGE, POWERFUL BARBEL LIKE THIS ONE!
