Colin's Sussex barbel is a record breaker

A Petworth and Bognor Angling Club member, Colin Smithson, has broken the British record for barbel.
The record barbel caught in SussexThe record barbel caught in Sussex
The record barbel caught in Sussex

His 21lb 2oz monster took the honours by just one ounce – breaking a record that had stood since 2006.

Smithson, a long-term member of the club, caught the fish during a short afternoon session at one of the club’s waters and at first thought he had hooked a big mirror carp he seen rolling in the swim earlier.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After a terrific fight he was amazed to see the giant barbel surface which then immediately dived into a nearby snag. Thankfully the fish freed itself and was landed safely.

Colin SmithsonColin Smithson
Colin Smithson

After having the fish witnessed, weighed and photographed he had to wait a few weeks before the fish was finally confirmed as record beater.

Smithson dedicated the catch to his late brother Roy, who had passed away a few months earlier at the age of 63. “I’m sure Roy was looking down on me and I know, as a keen angler himself, would have been immensely proud to see me catch this fish,” he said.

Petworth and Bognor Angling Club offer anglers a wonderful range of fishing venues, all of which can seen by visiting www.sussexangling.co.uk – new members welcome.

Related topics: