Over recent years, Leicestershire angler Jarrad Smith has spent a lot of time on a challenging stretch of the middle Trent, but his efforts have just been rewarded in spectacular style with this 19lb 8oz barbel.
Faced with what he describes as ‘absolutely perfect’ conditions, with mild weather and floodwater pushing through, Jarrad simply knew he had to get out. Fishing heavy feeder tactics with a large paste-wrapped boilie hookbait, he hooked what he was initially sure to be a carp, judging by its sheer weight and power. However, after an incredible fight, Jarrad looked on in awe as a huge barbel surfaced, which he managed to safely net soon after. At 19lb 8oz, it’s the barbel of a lifetime.Well done Jarrad!