WHERE TO CATCH A 15lb+ BARBEL

1 River Trent, Long Eaton/Cranfleet Lock, Nottinghamshire

This area has plenty of pegs which have produced barbel to 18lb. Darkness is the prime time. Contact: Soar Tackle, 01509 670436 Price: £15 (Dec 1-April 30)

2 River Thames, Datchet/ Old Windsor Weir, Berks

The Thames holds barbel to 20lb. Weir pools are perfect holding spots. Contact: www. owac@hotmail.com Postcode: SL3 9DA

3 River Lea, Kings Weir Fishery, Hertfordshire

Barbel regularly put in an appearance at this big-fish hotspot. The pegs near the weir are prime dusk feeding spots. Contact: 01992 468394 Postcode: EN10 6EX

4 Hampshire Avon, Royalty Fishery, Hampshire

Rolling meat around the Waters Meet and Pipes area of this famous fishery has produced barbel weighing over 16lb. Contact: 01202 485169 Postcode: BH23 1QE

5 River Great Ouse, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire

You can fish at night down here which is a prime time for these cautious fish. If you do latch into one it’s usually a lump. Contact: 07506 378748 or Vauxac@yahoo.co.uk Postcode: MK44 1NP