Son gets better of dad

ON local rivers water levels have dropped steadily but colour and temperature have remained, giving opportunities for barbel anglers to score.
On the barbel front a dip in overnight temperatures brought a drop in water temperatures, which slowed the fishing a little.
It was not long before the odd fish was starting to feed again with doubles showing from the usual local suspects including a big fish to 12-year-old Ryan Smith, who fished a session with his father, Peter, on the Loddon at Twyford.
After a quiet start to the session Peter was the first to score with a chub of 4lb and then another slightly smaller.
It was late in the afternoon when Ryan had his first bite only to miss a solid pull round and when dad went on to net a small barbel of 5lb 8oz he thought he was going to return home with a dry net.
Thankfully he got another chance when his tip pulled around again at dusk and he found himself connected to a powerful fish which stayed deep and fought slowly.
Winding in his own rod to give Ryan space, Peter offered advice from the sidelines and was on hand to do the honours with the landing net when the fish was finally beaten some five minutes later.
Weighing in at 11lb 6oz it was Ryan’s first double-figure barbel and also beat dad’s best by 4oz!
n To report catches call 07780 755138 or email ian@bigfishtrail.com