Caught by Nathan Buckingham, it’s the same River Lea fish that had just been confirmed as a British Record for Simon Baker, which he landed in autumn last year at a ratified weight of 22lb 1oz. On that occasion, the fish was caught from the stretch at Kings Weir, but this time, Nathan had the fish a little way further downstream from the Fishers Green stretch.
Nathan, who is no stranger to big barbel after landing fish of 20lb 9oz and 19lb 8oz last season, was blown away by the specimen. “It was just massive – its belly was solid,” he told us. “When I caught the twenty-pounder last season, I could see that it still had room to fill out. This one has clearly been feeding hard prior to spawning.”
Having started a new job this year, Nathan hasn’t had much time for fishing this season. However, knowing that the Lea’s huge barbel are often caught at the end of the season, he decided to head out.
“I visited the river for an after-work session, having seen that a few barbel were being caught on the Lea. The river was in good condition, carrying extra water after recent floods and temperatures were slightly milder than they have been lately.” Nathan started in a swim at the top of the stretch, just down from the end of the Kings Weir water, but ‘wasn’t feeling it’ so decided to try elsewhere. “I moved down to a bit of water between two swims that nobody fishes,” he revealed. “It’s an area that doesn’t look much, where it’s only a few feet deep and gravelly. But, with the extra water on, I thought it looked good.”
Knowing that the fish travel up and down the stretch, Nathan knew they would have to pass through this area. “In the past, I’ve watched the barbel come out from snags and feed on the gravelly areas as the light fades,” he added. “Even though they sit under the cover, I don’t think they’re always feeding whilst there. The fish are pressured and act like wary carp.” Settling into the area, Nathan cast out a piece of luncheon meat and fed nothing.
“Whilst many anglers use big bits of meat, I use a small piece, about the size of a boilie, fished on short hair. I had a sense that something was going to happen. There was lots of birdlife in the area, and everything felt right.” Twenty minutes later, Nathan received an aggressive bite and hooked a fish that charged off in the shallow swim.
“As there are no snags here it just headed downstream, taking 30 yards of line. I wondered if it might be a carp, even though there aren’t really any in here, such was its weight and power.” Nathan’s tackle – a size 8 hook, braided hooklink, and a 2.25lb TC rod . When it neared the net, I knew it was huge, when I went to lift it out, I knew it had to be the British Record.” Upon weighing the fish and seeing a figure of 23lb on his Reuben Heaton scales, Nathan gathered a few other anglers to witness the capture.
“The fish was weighed on different sets of scales, with the same weight indicated each time. I was absolutely shocked! I suppose though, for a fish that’s so big, putting on an extra pound doesn’t take much over a few months. I was talking to my dad, Phil – a lifelong Lea angler himself – and he told me that I don’t quite realise what I’ve done yet. He’s right – catching the fish still hasn’t sunk in.” Nathan plans to submit an official claim with the BRFC and we will be providing updates on their verdict over the coming months.
Well done Nathan!