Obviously on a high and full of confidence l was back on the Kennet the following evening and once again the tip flew round.

Picking up the rod l instantly knew that what l was attached to was something special as the fight was slow and deep. After the initial run the fish hugged the far bank and started coming upstream however whilst in complete control the rod sprung back and the hook pulled. Absolutely gutted, as l know the stretch is capable of producing barbel in excess of seventeen-pounds!
Since that disaster the river rose a few inches and started to carry some colour from a couple of days of rain and although l thought it would stir the fish into feeding it seemed to have the opposite effect and apart from a couple of bream the river died.
The following week was one when getting out would prove difficult, mainly due to work commitments and a press day a Docklow Pools for Korum. Teaming up with Ade Kiddell us a couple of fairly new, younger blood we spent a few enjoyable hours testing out some new kit and luckily found the fish in an obliging mood all catching, carp and chub with Ade proving he’s the barbel master with his first from Stillwater.
My next session was on Friday evening and my aim was to sit in a swim for longer, however after three hours in which l kept nodding of moved downstream on the Kennet to an area ld baited on arrival. A sharp knock within seconds showed that a few fish were around, chub l suspected and l was proved right as after around twenty minutes a modest chum came to the net. Moving back into my original position, now in darkness saw the tip wrap round and after a spirited fight, in which l prayed l was attached to a big chub another small barbel hit the mesh, all four pound of it.
The pest controller will be back next week on the Kennet, however lm looking forward to a roach session down on the south coast.