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Good to keep busy Ralph. I have a Chimera 1 that I got cheap. Too many rings that are too big at the butt and far too long a handle. Seems a shame to break open a factory finish rod but I won't use it like it is. I think I read at the time that the Stef Horak rods were good but should have had...

For some reason the XT Loaded in tests has been rated less in strength than the ordinary XT. I have used both and prefer the XT which I have used for several years for all my Carp and Barbel fishing. I recently bought some Gardner GT 80+ in 12lb. I only have it on my centrepin at present. First...

I dont know much about the Stef Horak rods. I believe they were marketed through Bob Church but my mind may be playing tricks here! I should imagine they would have had a traditional action and so may well have been similar to the Harrison. I would imagine if Stef Horak was involved they would...

The Torrix is a fine rod but very different in action to the SU Avon. Having used both I find the Avon better for use with the pin and the Torrix the opposite. Something to do with the feel when playing a Barbel. Both have their merits. Just my personal preferences. 👍

Nor me. Why do you think I travel all the way to the middle Severn Mike?! Some 4 hours ( almost). 🙂

I think there is no best bait. Only the right bait on the right day. For my own part though it has heightened my awareness of how effective it can be on its day. 👍

Yes Mike. I believe you are correct about the t.c. Yes, I guess the size of fish has played its part but before the days of the Trent it was less common to be swinging such great leads about which must have a bearing on the switch to heavier test curves. I was never happy playing Barbel on the...

Hi Ralph. Yes I would say it does. It is less whippy and noticeably firmer. It is quite a powerful rod once you bend into it. It all depends what you want it for I suppose but for anywhere where there's a chance of bigger fish or where you need to hold them more firmly I think it is a better...

Good point! Or Eels! 😟

That's quite a result! There's all sorts of things I used to use that would stand resurrection. I've had Barbel over 11 on Garlic sausage and my first 12 plus Stour Barbel on pepperami after fishing maggot all day. Instant response as the light faded. 👍

Thanks mate. 🙂

Ship Inn Highley. I see dogs in the bar ( not being funny). Worth checking though.

This blank, as many of you know, has been around for a very long time now. I bought a SEER Rover from Andy and Jill Orme more than 20 years ago now (built on the standard Harrison Avon blank I believe) and have caught some good Barbel on it over the years. Recently retired with a bit of time (...

Good luck to you. You never know. I've hardly fished there yet. Let's hope for more rain! 👍

Steve. Your results are impressive. I know where you fish ( I think). 👍

Yes I can certainly see what you are saying. It is the old 'greedy pig' syndrome at play here no doubt. 👍

I caught my first Barbel way back at the start of the 80's on luncheon meat. Many of my early Barbel were caught on it and even into the 90's I caught some good fish on it. My first double was caught on a tiny piece fished over hemp and finely chopped meat. Somewhere along the way I stopped...

No. I've not used them but I know people that have. I think all these particles will work but I have just never found the need. Yes. It was fun and games alright Etienne! 😀

Last October on a flooded Stour I hooked what I thought was a very big Barbel but really I should have known it wasn't. Too fast. It was a 20 plus Common Carp which gave me some real trouble in a river pushing through hard.

It's a very good read and quite funny in many places. Rod was famed for his writing style. He was a pioneer in many areas of Carp fishing, particularly the use of particles. Another book that has quite a bit on particles is 'Carp fever' by Kevin Maddocks. These old books were at the forefront of...