Hold onto your hats, anglers! A new British record barbel has been caught, and it's a true behemoth! Londoner Simon Baker has etched his name in angling history with a stunning 22lb 3oz barbel, a testament to skill, patience, and a bit of luck. This incredible catch took place on the River Lea, a venue that's been consistently producing impressive fish, including numerous 20lb barbel, and even chub exceeding 8lbs and perch over 5lbs.
This isn't just any fish; it's the same barbel that James Crosby caught last year, weighing in at 22lbs exactly. This time, it's even bigger! Simon will be officially submitting his claim to the British Record Fish Committee (BRFC). This particular stretch of the Lea, Kings Weir, is a familiar haunt for Simon, adding a personal touch to this monumental achievement.
But here's where it gets controversial... While modern anglers often rely on protein-packed baits, Simon went old-school, using simple maggots to tempt this giant. He knew the conditions were right, with a spell of mild weather setting the stage for a successful barbel hunt.
"I booked on to the famous weir and managed to get on it for two consecutive evenings," Simon shared with Angling Times. Knowing the river was low and clear, he opted for maggots, heading to his local tackle shop for a fresh supply.
On his first evening, Simon prepped his swim, using a KW bait dropper to introduce a pint-and-a-half of hemp and a few maggots. His rig consisted of a 3oz maggot feeder, a float stop 6ft up the line to prevent debris buildup, 15lb mainline, a 24-inch hooklink of 15lb fluorocarbon, and a strong size 7 hook baited with 10 maggots tipped with a fake one.
The first evening was quiet, but Simon remained confident. The next evening, he returned to the same spot, repeating his tactics. At 7:30 PM, his friend Dave Robinson stopped by. They discussed the low river conditions, agreeing that the turbulent weir pool was the best bet for a barbel.
Then, the magic happened. A subtle bite on Simon's rod tip. He lifted the rod, and the fish immediately took off, stripping line into the weir pool. "That's a monster," Dave exclaimed as they caught a glimpse of the fish.
A tense battle ensued, with the fish wallowing in the bubbles before Dave helped Simon net the absolute beast. It was immediately clear that this was a special fish, particularly due to its immense width. After weighing it on two sets of scales, the final weight was confirmed: 22lb 3oz - a new British record!
And this is the part most people miss... The success of Simon's catch highlights the importance of understanding your venue and adapting your tactics to the conditions. His use of simple, natural bait proved incredibly effective.
What are your thoughts on Simon's record-breaking catch? Do you prefer modern baits or classic techniques? Share your opinions in the comments below!
