A change of swim was a great move for HGV driver James Stewart after he landed this immense 18lb 8oz barbel from the River Thames, the biggest reported of the season.
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After introducing some bait whilst setting up in the new swim, where overhanging trees provided cover on both sides, James fished a 15mm boilie on a running rig with a 3oz lead. He fished through the night with no action, but come sunrise the rod hooped over, and as soon as he picked it up, he knew it was a good barbel. The fish stayed deep, surging with great power along the bottom. After 20 minutes, James finally got a glimpse of the fish that set his heart racing. Weighing 18lb 8oz, it’s a new PB, and one he is looking forward to trying to beat.
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