“DURING a session targeting barbel on the Hampshire Avon, I was fishing a gravel run under a large willow tree when I caught this incredible 7lb 8oz chub.
“The fishery manager had told me and my friend that the chub that live in the stretch were getting bigger, but I didn’t realise quite how big!
“We were both using centrepin reels and suddenly mine screamed off! It felt nothing like a chub and I was certain that a barbel was on the end. It was such a powerful fish.
“It obliterates my previous PB of 6lb from over 25 years ago and was caught using a small boilie hookbait.
“I don’t often catch anything special, so I’m really pleased with this one.”