Rob tames giant on Thames
ROB PHILLIPS signed off the season in style by landing the River Thames’ biggest-ever barbel. Weighing in at 20lb 9oz, the giant is the third largest whiskers ever caught in Britain. Rob, who has been pursuing barbel on the Thames for 20 years, lured the fish on coloured river using a legered lump of garlic-flavoured meat. TOP 3 UK BARBEL 1 21lb 1oz, Grahame King, Gt Ouse, 2006. 2 20lb 12oz, Mark Rylands, River Wensum, 2008. 3 20lb 9oz, Rob Phillips, River Thames, 2018. AMBITIOUS plans to unite anglers around the globe have been revealed.
World Fishing Day, which will take place on June 23, will connect millions as they take part in fun events. There will also be a 24-hour live broadcast.
TV’s Ed Burgass, who conceived the idea, said: “The studio base will be London but then we’ll be linking live all around the country and then round the world, in a truly global celebration of the sport.” FISH ‘O’ Mania started its 25th year with a bumper catch in the first of the qualifying matches. Somerset day-ticket venue Viaduct Fishery kicked off the 2018 event and out of the 116 anglers, six topped the 100lb mark.
Top rod was Dave Romain, who netted 191b 15oz from Cary, peg 77, using pole and pellet in the margins.
The victory means the Devon rod has booked his place in the Sky Sports-televised final.
The winner of the overall prize walks off with £50,000.