Thanks to preparation, I wouldn’t be caught napping when warm floods put barbel on the feed – but the river was a hazardous place

Things are slowly warming up now… and sport can be red-hot

THE ADVICE YOU NEED TO GET THE BEST FROM YOUR FISHING

Two swollen rivers, three tense days, and right at the death I land a decent barbel to bring a season of mixed fortunes to an end...

THE BEST FISH YOU’VE LANDED THIS WEEK

Join top match anglers Lee Kerry and Rob Wootton each week as they unveil the tactics and techniques that really make a difference