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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...

There are Barbel all along this stretch both upstream to the Ship and Burts and down to Arley. It is though very rocky in places. The area opposite the BAA access is particularly rocky but there are decent numbers of Barbel. Upstream almost to the gate right next to the house is a good area.

Etienne. Famous Carp angler Rod Hutchinson swore by sprouted chickpeas. Soak them until they germinate then boil. They are supposed to be more attractive like this. If you are interested in experimenting with particles try and get hold of a copy of Rod's book 'the Carp strikes back'. I think it...

There is a school of thought that maintains Barbel will eat almost anything if you fish the right swims in the right place etc. Maybe an over simplification? If you fish over hemp I think there is some truth in that maybe? Personally though I always use a good proven bait and in sensible...

I know with Chub what can work is to bait an area then fish your hookbait away from that area. Barbel will sometimes hold back from the main baited area. Also just fishing singe hookbaits so as not to attract the Bream in numbers. If you can see the Barbel that is a big advantage of course...

If it were me I'd just concentrate on fishing as effectively fir the Barbel with good baits and rigs and just take the Bream as they come along. Bream will eat most of what a Barbel will. Trying too hard to avoid them will reduce your chances with the Barbel I think. Sounds to me like you're...

I think that is exactly where I am at Barry. Well put. I have recently joined a club that only allows 1 rod. It was a deliberate move in my part to avoid the circus. 👍