Unbelievable news this week from our area of a match angler taking a monster 15lb 3oz barbel during a match.

Alan Clark had been fishing local club matches all season but, until this week, suffered in the draw bag.

The match was fished at Upper Benyons on the River Kennet and as soon as Alan knew he had drawn the stumps' peg he was sure he had a chance of a barbel.

Fishing caster on a 16 hook to 6lb hooklength and 8lb mainline, Alan only one bite all day but what a bite.

He said: "I knew it was a good spot for barbel but when the tip dropped back I thought it was a chub I soon realised I was wrong."

Alan's fish was just 11oz short of the venue record.

Credit

Tolworth's Matthew Smith is having his best season ever with double figure tench and 10lb plus thames bream to his credit.

But a 32lb 4oz Mirror Carp from an undisclosed London Park (it doesn't take much figuring out) has given the 15-year-old his first ever 30lb-plus. Matthew's whacker fell to a Nutrabait Trigga pop up.

The Surrey region of the Barbel Society are having an entertaining meeting on Tuesday November 27 at TS Swiftsure, Badshot Lea where members and non-members are welcome.

Andy Orme will be the guest speaker and there will also be a quiz hosted by Fred Couch plus a stall selling fishing merchandise.

November 23, 2001 17:30