Ping. I’d landed four barbel to about 4½lb and now I was watching something special. A good double, and as she moved to my side of the weed bed I trundled a cube of luncheon meat down to her - she nailed it straight away - fish on - for about 30-40 seconds before the hook pinged out - I watched a potential PB dart back into the weeds...
Gutted. I started making my way home - but there was still a couple of spots I wanted to try on route. And in one my fortunes changed. An unsighted barbel hit my bait - hell of a fight in the fast water, including getting snagged - but by then I’d seen her and waded out to free the line - wet shoes and jeans but totally worth it!
Meatball. A very distinctive fish (Stu named her Meatball) and she’s been out a few times over the years. For a while it looked like she’d peaked in weight getting caught between 9lb & 10lb, but last year James caught her at 11lb 2oz - and I’m glad the growth spurt is continuing - weighing as she did 12lb 1oz - brilliant!
She does look mega! Top catch mate!
ReplyDeleteSuperb condition and fit to burst - looks like a February fish!
DeleteI'll let you know what she goes in Feb :)
DeleteCheers, you can take the photo for me as well if you’re there :-)
DeleteHate to correct you. I do believe I named her meatball years ago when she was 9lber. Didn't think she'd still be here with that meatball growth on her. But made of hard stuff our fish. Some swim around for years with a stump of a tail.
DeleteI stand corrected - and have corrected the post! They are made of tough stuff - half expect to catch one with a stump of a tail - are they still there?
DeleteWhat a corker.
ReplyDeleteStunning looking fish. Made up for loosing the big one half an hour before... But it would have been nice to have landed a brace of twelves - those chances don’t come round often.
DeleteLovely fish - I hope you deducted an ounce or two for the wart :o)
ReplyDeleteI weigh my fish warts and all! Just as well really, that lump pushed it over the twelve mark!!
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