Birmingham Anglers Association

First dip back in the river at Coomby's farm (Stanley Water) for a few weeks, managed a 3.5-hour evening session.

The river was quiet, no other anglers, a bit of pace but not much colour or extra water.

The sun was out so I had an hour session on caster on the stick which brought 5 lbs of 1-3 oz chub, small dace and perch. A lot of small chub around, bodes well for the future.

First hour on the halibut pellet - bomb rig was very odd - a bite every cast, but no fish - until one 8 oz chub hooked itself. As I said, a lot of small chub in the river right now.

Then the barbel moved in for the last hour, with fish of 2.8, 3.0 and 3.5 kgs, topped by a 4.2 kgs (9 lbs 4 oz) fish just before dark - 4 barbel for 13.5 kgs, 29 lbs 12 oz.

Total just over 35 lbs, very happy with that!