Once Britain’s premier big-barbel river, very few examples of the species are now reported from the Great Ouse. But there are still a few fish in the waterway, including some proper specimens, as Hugh Trayte showed when he caught this 17lb 3oz fish.... on his birthday!
Tricky conditions over winter have impacted his fishing, but on a recent session during a mild spell Hugh’s rod hooped over at midnight, and he hooked what he knew right away was a big barbel. Initially, the fish didn’t put up much of a fight, but when Hugh went to net it, the fish woke up!
It’s Hugh’s new PB, and was caught on a luncheon meat hookbait, fished over a bed of chopped meat and hemp.
IF YOU FANCY CATCHING A BARBEL, HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Hugh with his hard earned specimen!