James O’Reilly 17lb 7oz Barbel

There are few barbel fisheries with a reputation as impressive as Gunthorpe on the River Trent, where PBs are shattered every year.
That was the case for Nottinghamshire angler James O’Reilly, who’s just caught this superb 17lb 7oz fish from the venue. After balling in some pellets, he fished a feeder over the top, using a 15mm boilie hookbait. He’d cast out at midday, and just 15 minutes later, he hooked what he knew was a big fish, as it held deep during the 15-minute fight. James says the moment he drew it over the net was one he’ll ‘never forget’.

Well done James!!