Having struggled to hold bottom during a trip to a flooded River Itchen, Rikki Barrett was thinking of going home for some sleep after an all-nighter the day before. But he decided on one last cast to a bit of slack water in the margin and, around five minutes later, saw his rod bed over and sit solidly.
Lifting into the fish, Rikki knew right away that he’d hooked a barbel, however it wasn’t until the fish rested in the net that he realised he’d landed something special. At 16lb 13oz, it’s a fish he was delighted with having put much effort in with the species over the past few months. After landing it, he didn’t bother recasting and headed home for some much-needed rest. A piece of hair-rigged Spam was his successful hookbait, presented below a 3oz lead to hold bottom in the strong flow.
Well done Rikki!