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Back to basics I would never fish for barbel in a lake, or a muddy puddle, regardless of how big the unfortunate creatures were. As ever Hugo

Not Paulista but.... "If you want a picture of the future, Imagine a boot stamping on a human face....for ever." Orwell 1984 Alas that Paul is no longer with us...... Regards hugo ]

There is a new Paul on the forum with an attitude bordering on arrogance......reminds me of someone. Such fun! Regards, Hugo

As Aristotle expressed it " Nature does nothing without purpose or uselessly. " Hugo

Neil, I don't actually think that fish think about the implications of their spawning, and I am sure that your post is tongue in cheek. Like mere mortals, they just can't help themselves. I believe that it is called instinct. Regards, Hugo

There are barbel that live in rivers and swim wild and free, and there are Stillwater barbel that don't. I prefer to fish rivers but who am I to criticise those who want to catch them from lakes, at least it keeps those 'anglers' away from the rivers. Regards, Hugo

Absolutely. Hugo

i have been browsing through Barbel Rivers and Captures by the Barbel Catchers, which was published in 2004. It is amazing how things have progressed. Many rivers did not even merit a mention and I think that only one river record remains and that is from the Somerset Frome. Now I am...

Dave, That really brought a tear to my eye and I agree that such a wonderful dog cannot be replaced. Warm regards, Hugo

As part of the Curgudgeon Estate we have miles of fishing rights on The Upper Pinn plus several fabulous lakes. All this has been in the family for generations, virtually! Wonderful stuff! Regards, Hugo

Absolute corker! Well done! Regards, Hugo

Mark, Great photos and yes it is crazy that dog walkers are allowed but not canine companions on many waters. Regards, Hugo

John, I appreciate your need for a long break from a real friend. My break was 40 years, as I was heartbroken when my wonderful Welsh collie died at 18 months of age. I wish you all the very best with your young terrier. Warm regards, Hugo

Bob James' dogs were highly trained flat coat retrievers. Back to the labradors, two years old is about right. They can be hooligans when very young. My late, lamented dog completely destroyed three old armchairs in my daughter's playroom, but turned into the most wonderful friend and...

You must be joking! Hugo

A labrador every time. Best dogs in the world and if you train them properly, they won't leave your side. Regards, Hugo

Anthony, This was on the Kennet and I held the rod, fishing weed beds close to the bank, so there was no problem with keeping the bait in place. It was immensely exciting and worked even on moonlit nights when one could see the barbel take the bait. Happy days! Regards, Hugo

Paul, In those halcyon days I used to catch barbel at night by casting a lump of free lined meat on to the ranunculus and letting the barbel find it. Exciting stuff! Regards, Hugo

Dave, I totally agree! Regards, Hugo

It is open house on the Democracy Fishery next season. Come one, come all! Oooh big burbot.........:D 10lbs 2ozs Regards, Hugo