“I KNEW I WAS INTO A GOOD ONE”

Ricky Woolfe 17lb barbel

“Arriving at my local stretch of the River Lea, I was surprised to see the water was up with a hint of colour. I prepped the swim with half a dozen droppers, cast out my rigs and waited... With only a dace and small gudgeon to show for my efforts and the temperature dropping to around freezing I thought the barbel weren’t going to feed but just as I was packing up the tip slammed round and I knew I was into a good one!

I’d upped my PB to 16lb 10oz four weeks earlier but unfortunately the photos didn’t come out too well, so I was thrilled to get another chance with this stunning fish.”