I'd been fishing this stretch for chub when it had been cold, with less success than I expected.

The river was still low and clear now  but warm enough for barbel to feed well so I left the tip rod at home. A small barbel came out to play then the Crab Pellet-O was away again. It was deja vue. Another barbel mimic. This chub was big enough to put a smile on my face. Another three ounces and it would have been a Cheshire cat grin, but 5lb 13oz will do nicely. Two more barbel came along later making for a good sesssion seeing as it hadn't been planned.