Thanks to Neil Maidment for these photos of big River Lodden Barbel caught recently from a tricky, narrow and weedy stretch of the river.
A session at the end of June first produced a 7lb fish late into the evening, so Neil really put the effort in and stayed on, taking five more Barbel before dawn to 12lb 10oz – a really fine haul for the Loddon.
All the fish were taken from a very narrow, tight spot requiring a bit of muscle to steer them clear of overhanging bushes and reed beds.
“I’ve very recently started to use the Drennan Gravel Braid in 8lb/10lb, something that, for me, was a very big step having never really used braids before. Confidence is a big part of my fishing and the “fear” of change has really stopped me from progressing in this direction. I’ve been using Supplex mainline for all my fishing so finally bit the bullet, paired it with a hooklink of 8lb Gravel Braid and it’s paid off handsomely” explained Neil.