Having planned to target the River Lea’s barbel over a weekend’s fishing with a mate towards the end of the season, Dean Macey arrived to see the river dropping and holding a tinge of colour that ‘screamed’ chub. So, he quickly headed to the tackle shop and bought a few pints of maggots.
Setting up an 8g Avon, Dean juggled with the depths, line and feeding patterns to see if he could get a reaction. After catching a trout, Dean felt confident of a result, and soon after he connected with a fish that pulled a sweeping bend into his 13ft rod. The fish didn’t dart for the snags, and he wondered if he’d hooked a barbel – its sheer weight seemed too heavy for a chub. But, when it hit the surface, Dean realised its identity, and soon after eased it into the net. At 7lb 14oz, it was a great result after what has been a tricky river season for the Essex angler.
Well done Dean!