Grandad shows Ben how to catch

This AnglersTale was submitted by Keith Turnbull.
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My grandson Ben Pereira is 9 years old, but he managed to land this lovely 10lb Barbel recently. He has only fished three times, but I have taught him how to fish. I am trying to encourage Ben to progress with his fishing alongside his interests in football and swimming.

The same day I had three barbel and was smashed a couple of times. Ben had a big fish on and a woman boater went straight through his line and took every thing. This after I shouted for her to move over the river. Her words - with no remorse, were he should not fish the far side of the river.

The fish were caught on caster and hemp on 4lb Beyer with 3.2 lb hook-length. The hooks were Animal size 14. We had to increase the hook line to 4.4 lb later. We fished 3 casters and one red maggot, but no maggots were put in the swim.

The week before we had some small chub and were broke a couple of times with big fish, but this latest session ended when we both caught two of the biggest eels I have seen - and I have caught some!

I actually thought the fish would break him, but he held, then let it run, then wound down again - just how I told him. It took over 30 minutes with each fish and the lad was wacked - but over the moon.

Keith Turnbull
67 years