Barbel bonanza before breakfast

Another dawn start saw me toddling down to the Avon, this time in search of Barbel. I travelled light not even bothering to take a seat as I planned to stand in the river all morning. As usual luncheon meat was the bait but this time it was the popular (amongst anglers not sure any humans consume it!) garlic flavoured Spam. I trotted it below a two swan loafer and on the third run down I had a bite. A sluggish fight ensued and within no time at all I was slipping the net under a good fish. On the scales it scraped past the 10lb mark by a mere ounce.

An excellent start to the day and my first double of the season. I continued catching regularly after that taking a five pounder with a big paddle............

and then a six pounder................

and then followed that one with my second scraper double of the session, this time 10lb 2oz.

I remember feeling more pleased than I look!

The very next run brought another fish, this time weighing 5lb 11oz.

A quick check of my watch and it was only 8.30am. I decided it was time for a wander, tried a couple of other swims but the result was just one lost fish before I called it a day. Did see the biggest ever Duck nest though.

Not a male in sight and I don't blame them, who would want to live with nine women?!