Recent content by Stuart Linton

It certainly feels like there is an increase in pollution incidences. We can only hope that more legal cases makes a difference as it's the only way. Of course constant protest outside the homes of these CEO's might be more persuasive.

It's worth noting that there have been a record number of criminal cases against water companies since labour have been in power if anyone was looking for a positive and no, I'm not a lefty communist.

I have had alot of success in the past fish worms on longish hooklinks behind a method feeder. A stodgy pellet mix that stays on the feeder rather than breaking up provides a massive scent trail to draw fish up to the worm bait. More often than not I would simply lower this into a marginal spot...

First thing in the morning from day break brake onwards is the lowest point in the oxygen cycle. This is the time to take DO readings to get a baseline. It's a fascinating subject especially on how it affects fish behaviour. Those periods of low pressure stormy weather that are associated with...

Hemp quality is very patchy now. The batch I bought this year hardly split after a soak and boil. However boil/simmer for 30 mins and then let soak in the hot water overnight produced much better, usable results but still not perfect. I agree that large hemp does not split as well.

Waiting for air bubbles to be expelled from the gills is a good sign of being near ready for release and this can take a good long while even in ideal conditions. I've always assumed this was excess air being taken on from being out of the water, some form of buoyancy adjustment. I never really...

I'm guessing DO levels of less than 4mg/l is the critical mark. That is my understanding for stillwaters but is this the same for rivers and in particular do barbel need a higher minimum DO level. Bit of a specialised question but would be interested and sure someone on here will know.

I've lurked on here since 2000 odd when I first started going barbel fishing and although not an out and out barbel specialist, I find this to be one of the best fishing forums around. I would hate to see it fall away. Ninety people at a tenner a pop should really be achievable. Thanks to...

Paid £5.50 a pint during the spring. Don't know how that compares with everywhere else.

The problem with using a bait that is naturally found in abundance within the river bed is that it becomes a needle in a haystack of similar food signals. I'm guessing you would need to be eyes on with a fish in that the bait can be delivered from hand to gob.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'm erring towards the drennan sling.

There is a good interview with him on The Creel podcast.

Bit of a boring one but thought it was about time I replaced the decades old sling and don't want to kiss alot of frogs to find my prince of weigh slings. Any recommendations for a barbel sized weigh sling. TIA.

I've done so much carp fishing involving alarms over the years that when I fish for other species then I want to immerse myself in other methods to get away from monotony of being sat behind buzzers. There is alot of information missed by not watching the tips, especially on pressured stretches...

She's the brains of the outfit Graham.