THE UK’S FIRST 20LB BARBEL - 2004

AS the millennium dawned it was easy to dismiss 15lb barbel, such was the growth rate of this species. All bets were off as to whether a 20lb fish would be taken.

It was only a matter of time, given the domination of the Upper Grest Ouse at Adam’s Mill, which had produced a string of record breakers. Northampton’s Tony Gibson finally got over the line with a 20lb 6oz new British record.

Tthe record went a few times after that historic catch and Grahame King enjoyed a fine run of form, but this was the last breath of a dying giant as the river went into decline. The angling world now awaits the next record barbel – could it come from the Trent? Only time will tell.