Big barbel captures have seen a tremendous increase this year, and as far back as we can remember, there has never been a year like this for the number of specimen fish caught. With all the usual rivers producing exceptional results—such as the Trent, Hampshire Avon, Thames, and, of course, the River Lea, where the record recently fell—it was exciting to hear of a big fish caught from a less-renowned barbel venue.
Angler Alfie Lane is no stranger to big fish on his local River Stour and after landing an enormous chub back in October, he thought that might be the highlight of his year. However, he proved himself wrong by banking a record-equalling barbel for the Stour weighing a massive 18lb 3oz.
"Over the past few weeks, I had been monitoring water temperatures on my local Dorset Stour, looking for a slight rise after the cold weather, which had been shutting down the fish," Alfie explained to us.
"I timed my session carefully, heading out just as the Stour's temperature rose by a few degrees. Confident the fish would be feeding, I set my plan in motion," he added.
"Upon arriving at my chosen swim, I baited the area with a few broken-up boilies and mixed garlic pellets, hoping to create a scent trail to draw in some fish."
THE BEST BARBEL RODS ARE REQUIRED FOR LANDING MONSTER FISH LIKE THIS ONE!
Alfie vacated the swim to allow any feeding fish to settle, a tactic that he favours on this particular river. Roving around a few other swims with little activity, he returned a few hours later as the light was falling, and before casting in he applied a bit more bait to encourage the fish to keep feeding.
"Using a fluorocarbon rig and an inline lead with a chopped-down boilie as bait, I carefully lowered my rig into position. I ensured a backlead at the end of my rod to avoid disturbing any fish present," he said.
"An hour later, my rod suddenly went into meltdown. A very heavy fish was holding the bottom and making strong runs downstream. Luckily, I managed to turn it and gradually worked it out of the main flow. After a few more powerful runs, the fish was mine."
"When I looked down into the net, I immediately recognised the distinct markings of a known big fish. In that moment, I realised I had just landed the fish of a lifetime."
"It was great to see the fish I have wanted to catch in such great condition and despite the challenges the barbel face on this river, it looked perfect!"
BARBEL FISHING CAN BE A WAITING GAME, SIT COMFORTABLY ON ONE OF THE BEST FISHING CHAIRS.
