Thanks for all the comments, it was a lovely autumnal day.....almost like something from Crabtree. I don't use this rod enough but today I was reminded to get it out of the cupboard more often. Handled this fish at distance which was impressive. Well done Andrew. Stunning rod.
“A life that partakes even a little of friendship, love, irony, humor, parenthood, literature, and music, and the chance to take part in battles for the liberation of others cannot be called 'meaningless'...”
Thanks for all the replies. I sneaked back down the river this afternoon but it was all very quiet until the end........not far of 16lb this one......odd looking Barbel. It was a bit dark but around 15lb 08oz with HUGE teeth. Bloom'in thing snaffled the luncheon meat when it was under some branches for the barbel.
"Beside the water I discovered (or maybe rediscovered) the quiet. The sort of quiet that allows one to be woven into the tapestry of nature instead of merely standing next to it." Estaban.