Search results

Yes. That was my feeling in it. Thanks Cliff

I have to say that it is a long time since I used feeders on the usual waters I fish for Barbel. A recent trip to the Severn had me clipping on a 'Black Cap' more out of curiosity than anything else. This is of course a popular tactic on the middle Severn and the chap who kindly took me to one...

CC Moore do it. Not the biggest but good quality. God Hemp is so dear now though!

I am not even sure resting a Barbel in the net in the margins of a very warm river is any good either. I do wonder, within reason, whether you are better off letting them get back out in the flow in deeper water. Clearly if the fish is that knackered that you can't do that then you have a real...

Another vote for the 4 turn water knot. In the event of a breakage on a snag I have never had one fail. The figure of 8 knot used for the loop to attach the hooklink to a quick change swivel and the main line is where it breaks. Similarly, a double grinner is also very reliable. 👍

Interesting post. I think that is a very real issue on today's heavily pressured swims. If you have the luxury of plenty of Barbel it is probably not so significant but realistically, back in the real world, you are not likely to be fishing for many fish. Of course, what can you do if they've...

Keith. Looks like you're staying the other side of the river to where I go. I come up about 3 - 4 times a season from south coast but stay in Highley at the Ship Inn. Another vote for Arley. It can be a very popular stretch though. It's a faff changing sides of the river because you either have...

in fast flows fishing small hooks and it copes fine with care. I don't like the handle much though and feel the butt eye is too near the reel. I'm never satisfied! 😅

The 1 1/4 lb Drennan twin tip duo will comfortably cover what you want. Its not a bad rod at all and I use mine for Chub abd Perch. I've had Chub to 6 plus using the straight tip rather than the quiver I fast

Have a look at the thread on combi links. Drennan Gravel braid is good and reliable. It is thin though I'm not convinced that's always a good idea where you have lots of rocks etc. The Bank tackle 15lb braid I have also used without problems and is thicker but supple in 15lb. Not the one that...

High Keith. I am also in Dorset ( Weymouth). I have been going up since retiring 4 years ago. As already said, you want The Ship Inn at Highley. It’s where I stay. I have tried other places but this one has very good parking and good food. They are nice people. You have BAA stretches above and...

Hard to believe now but a 1 1/2lb tc rod was described by Graham Phillips Rods back in those days as a 'stepped up' Barbel rod!

Are they needed anywhere? Not for Barbel, by me anyway. The whole appeal of Barbel and river fishing in general to me is that it is different. A simple, uncomplicated form of fishing. With a centrepin you have a built in alarm system (ratchet) but if you watch your rod most bites are detected...

Yes. I do. Good luck. Deadly method but soo expensive now! 👍

Just ordered some.

Thanks Mike. That's good information. 👍

Thanks Nigel. I'll give them a try. 👍

I bought a dog spike made by Jack Pyke. It's strong and reliable. I have used it quite often on the Severn. I've never tried the crampons though others are keen on them. What they are like for walking long distances over rough ground I have no idea. I was told by a veteran Severn angler that...

I only rejoined the wildlife trust comparatively recently. I resigned over the whole predator issue and their failure to acknowledge there was an imbalance affecting our rivers. I just got fed up with them about it but recently decided to give them another chance. Like you say, they do much good...

I don't disagree with you Neil. I sign many of their petitions, complete their garden bird surveys. For sure they do excellent work. I tried to explain my personal reasons for not being a member. I do though support, the wildlife trusts, National Trust, Butterfly conservation, WWF. They don't...