A Midlander is claiming to have caught a barbel that would set a new River Severn record at a massive 18lb 5oz.

Upton angler Matt Adams had baited up an un-named stretch of the venue with catfish in mind after hearing rumours of some tackle busting Wels catfish in the area, which is interesting in itself. He tackled accordingly up with a huge bait – double 24mm halibut pellet on a size 2 hook and 15lb line. Pictures of the fish, although poor quality, indicate that he certainly landed a very big barbel indeed, and in fact his ultra selective approach saw him bank a greedy double figure bream as well, which he says went over 15lb and would also almost certainly be a river record. Although barbel can grow to over 20lb in a smattering of UK venues, the Severn, although famous for the species, has never been close to that league with the river best standing at 16lb 5oz.