The benchmark for truly big barbel might be higher than ever, particularly those from the River Trent, but nobody could deny that specimens of 18lb and above are the ‘fish of a lifetime’.
Liam Willis has just landed a fish in that category after slipping his net under this giant during a trip to the Nottinghamshire waterway. It edges his previous PB of 17lb 13oz, and capped a memorable session in which he landed two other good ‘doubles’.
The first of those weighed 13lb 6oz and fell to a halibut pellet glugged in garlic oil. That was followed by a smaller 6lb barbel before Liam recast to the same spot with a 16mm boilie hookbait.
"Unfortunately, last week Spotted Fin, my bait sponsor, closed down. Gutted, as they have been amazing and produced superb bait. With only a small supply of bait left, I spoke to Jimmy at Skerkro about his bait," Liam said.
Jimmy sent me two baits to try: Krovy, which is a liquid krill and anchovy mix, and Whiskey Liver, plus two matching glugs. The idea was for me to try them both this week on the Trent and then discuss options with Jimmy. The bait arrived on Friday, so I immediately glugged up some boilies ready for the session," he added.
It took just 90 seconds for his alarm to register another bite on the new bait and, on lifting into it, Liam connected with what he knew right away was a very big barbel due to its dogged, powerful fight, during which it made several attempts to snag him before finally being beaten.
As he hoisted his prize onto the landing mat, Liam had a feeling that it would be close to beating his personal best. After confirming as much with the scales, Liam had three more casts before heading for home, resulting in further fish of 14lb 2oz and 9lb.
