This sublime 16lb 1oz barbel has topped the list of specimen catches in what’s been another fantastic start to the season for the species. 

It was banked by Nottingham-based angler Den Willets and was the gem in the twenty barbel he caught during a week’s fishing on a section of the middle Trent.

Having arrived in his swim at 4pm on Friday 15 June, the 37-year-old caught steadily from midnight right through to Saturday the following week – but it was his catch on the Thursday that really got heads turning.

Den told Angling Times: “Some friends and I just sat down to start cooking on the Thursday morning when my left rod on the inside line ripped off.

“I got off to a bad start as it took me into a snag but after five minutes I managed to get it out.

“In another cruel twist of fate, it then swam into another snag that had been plaguing my mate Wayne during the week. I thought I’d lost it but didn’t give up knowing that something special was on the end.”

After a tense few moments, Den finally managed to free the fish and his other friend Luke jumped into the water to net the prize.

“When he brought it up the bank I couldn’t believe my eyes and I knew then it was a new PB,” Den added.

“When the scales read 16lb 1oz I was over the moon and couldn’t stop shaking – getting a fish that big on my first session of the season was unreal. I ended the trip with over twenty barbel, which included eight doubles.

“I lost at least five big fish and caught endless amounts of chub, a couple of bream and an elusive river carp. It’s a start of the season I shall never forget and doubt I’ll ever have another like it.”

Den’s new barbel best fell to Vortex Baits Hydroshrimp cocoons fished over a scattering of the same in dumbbell form.