• You need to be a registered member of Barbel Fishing World to post on these forums. Some of the forums are hidden from non-members. Please refer to the instructions on the ‘Register’ page for details of how to join the new incarnation of BFW...

Back into Barbel fishing - few Tackle Q's

Tim Harris

Tim Harris

Senior Member & Supporter
Hi all - only recently joined after a few years of looking on here. Havent caught a barbel in a few years, and now have a couple of tickets that give access to some good fish and it will suit my available time better than carp fishing all the time.

Couple of questions if i may -
Rod - the rivers are pretty small and fairly overgrown so am looking at an 11ft rod. I had Fox rods (possibly duolite barbel - memory fails me) which were nice enough - though felt like they 'locked up' somewhat about half way down the blank. most of the fishing will be on these smaller rivers, for good fish (to mid doubles). from reading it looks like an 11ft 1.75 torrix would fit the bill (though only custom build i think, which isn't necessarily a problem).
the other i have found is Davis tackle 1.10lb tc 11 SU Avon specialist - though i haven't called up to find out what blank it is built on.

Given that remit, anything else i should consider, or any views on the above?

Net - i still have the large round Gardner net head, absolutely fine but a bit of a pain to carry and store (one further issue of living in London). any views on current armed nets, 32/36 inches?

thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Tim Harris said:
Given that remit, anything else i should consider, or any views on the above?
Click to expand...

Hi Tim, might be worth checking out the Tackle Box range of specialist rods. They have a range called Darent Valley and they produce a number of specialist rods in 11 foot length and various t/c's. I have bought a pair of the 11" 1.75lb TC to use on the smaller rivers (they do them in 0.75lb TC up to 1.75 I think?!). Here's the rub, I haven't actually used them yet, but bench test suggests these will bend right through and seem to have a lovely action, also a mate had the same rods which he used for tench and even floater fishing for carp and rated them highly. They aren't overly dear and seem very well made from what I can see, i'll certainly look forward to using them this year ;)
 
Thanks Rob - i know a chap who uses the 0.75 for perch fishing and loves them (especially for the cash). i hadnt actually realised they did a 1.75 11ft version so will have a look.
 
Hi Tim, welcome,


Tim Harris said:
Hi all - only recently joined after a few years of looking on here. Havent caught a barbel in a few years, and now have a couple of tickets that give access to some good fish and it will suit my available time better than carp fishing all the time.

Couple of questions if i may -
Rod - the rivers are pretty small and fairly overgrown so am looking at an 11ft rod. I had Fox rods (possibly duolite barbel - memory fails me) which were nice enough - though felt like they 'locked up' somewhat about half way down the blank. most of the fishing will be on these smaller rivers, for good fish (to mid doubles). from reading it looks like an 11ft 1.75 torrix would fit the bill (though only custom build i think, which isn't necessarily a problem).
the other i have found is Davis tackle 1.10lb tc 11 SU Avon specialist - though i haven't called up to find out what blank it is built on.

Given that remit, anything else i should consider, or any views on the above?

Net - i still have the large round Gardner net head, absolutely fine but a bit of a pain to carry and store (one further issue of living in London). any views on current armed nets, 32/36 inches?

thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Hi Tim, welcome

I have a Harrison 4 piece

Take a look at the link to Davis Tackle https://www.davistackle.co.uk/index...4&redirected=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Mine is the 11.5' Avon 1.5lb TC 4 piece in excellent condition and perfect for small rivers and as a 4 piece fits in the boot or suitcase.
PM me if interested ;)
 
Hi Tim
While the 11 foot torrix is a beautiful rod I’d probably be inclined to go for something a little more wallet friendly until you are 100% convinced it’s definitely worth the investment of custom builds for you. You might do half a season and think about going back to carp fishing and unfortunately they don’t bring back the investment second hand.
there are quite a lot of good off the shelf rods to go at but all are different in weight and action and I personally wouldn’t buy a rod without first picking one up and giving it a waggle.
if your ever round my way you’d be very welcome to have a pull on my 11 foot 1.75 torrixs to see what you think.

if it’s quite over grown you might want to look at 12ft rods to give you that extra extension past your own bankside reeds.

personally I wouldn’t entertain anything lighter than 1.5lb and if it’s particularly snaggy 1.75 or even 2lb tc.
everybody likes a good players rod for a bit of fun in the battle but I’ve caught enough big barbel on small rivers to know that you don’t want to be playing them especially in clear water where she’s got a good line sight on her side. Light rods and line will end in total disaster before you get chance to make one revolution of the reel handle.

on the other side of the coin mind that rod needs to give something back to the fish especially when there is only 8 foot of line between the tip and her trap. The danger zone!!! Every barbel angler knows about that last powerful lunge when she sees your net and buries her head. a good actioned barbel rod In conjunction with a smooth clutch will save you a lost fish as most won’t net up on attempt no 1.
As for nets I like spoons personally. but if your going for one to roll up and fit in your sling you won’t go far wrong with the drennan super specialist triangle net in 32 or 36. It’s a decent strong net and deep enough to rest em up.
 
Rob Paylor said:
Hi Tim, might be worth checking out the Tackle Box range of specialist rods. They have a range called Darent Valley and they produce a number of specialist rods in 11 foot length and various t/c's. I have bought a pair of the 11" 1.75lb TC to use on the smaller rivers (they do them in 0.75lb TC up to 1.75 I think?!). Here's the rub, I haven't actually used them yet, but bench test suggests these will bend right through and seem to have a lovely action, also a mate had the same rods which he used for tench and even floater fishing for carp and rated them highly. They aren't overly dear and seem very well made from what I can see, i'll certainly look forward to using them this year ;)
Click to expand...
Hi, ive heard good reports about these Darent Valley rods, tempted to grab a pair , are the fittings ( rings, handle etc) fair quality? Not expecting wonders but dont want to waste my money if they are rubbish
 
Tim,
Welcome.
're rods, it depends on your budget really. I go for something mid priced and love my free spirit tamer, 11' x 1.5lb it has a great action and lots of power .
Agree with Richard about the net.
Good hunting.
 
Thanks Richard, all good stuff. Yes, that is undoubtedly the more sensible option.... having used customs on my carp rods for the last three years i have somewhat become accustomed to them! I will still be doing all sorts of fishing (i have an eye on a big gravel pit for my springs carp fishing), some river roaching through the winter weather dependant.

To be honest, some of the barbel i caught on the kennet in relatively open water left me feeling slightly undergunned with 1.5 so yes, 1.75 is my minimum. Good point on the longer rod possibly being a benefit.

I was best man for a mate and had a torrix 12ft 1.75 made for him with wedding date etc on. I very nearly kept it! there is the very significant realisation i have (it appears) become somewhat of a tackle tart.

Thanks for the heads up on the net - i will have a look at that also. Very kind offer to have a look at yours, i will bear that in mind if i am ever up that way.
 
Welcome Tim - what a best man! I got a triple vodka and a fight outside a kebab shop from mine.
I am a massive fan of Harrison Chimeras and I guess they do an 11' version.
I have the 12' x 1.75TC which is a beauty , but I also have an 11' x 1.25TC which is too light for daily barbel fishing albeit I did land my PB on it.
There are a number of excellent rod builders if this floats your boat, personally I use Dave Lumb at DLST simply because I know him from my piking days.
 
Tim Harris said:
Thanks Richard, all good stuff. Yes, that is undoubtedly the more sensible option.... having used customs on my carp rods for the last three years i have somewhat become accustomed to them! I will still be doing all sorts of fishing (i have an eye on a big gravel pit for my springs carp fishing), some river roaching through the winter weather dependant.

To be honest, some of the barbel i caught on the kennet in relatively open water left me feeling slightly undergunned with 1.5 so yes, 1.75 is my minimum. Good point on the longer rod possibly being a benefit.

I was best man for a mate and had a torrix 12ft 1.75 made for him with wedding date etc on. I very nearly kept it! there is the very significant realisation i have (it appears) become somewhat of a tackle tart.

Thanks for the heads up on the net - i will have a look at that also. Very kind offer to have a look at yours, i will bear that in mind if i am ever up that way.
Click to expand...
Yeah I’ve been caught out before approaching a tiny river in a stunning over grown swim only to find I need another 8 inch of length to comfortably flick a bait past the reeds.
It’s catch 22 because that shorter rod is often better for actually getting to the tight swim but the longer been better when your there.
telescopic is clearly the way forward 😂😂.

I think the tackle tart exists in us all to some degree or another when buying rods especially.
Most wont admit this I’m sure but it’s all too common we are drawn to rods with nice chequered or X wrap blanks and beautifully high gloss whippings with actual functionality coming second. I’ll freely admit I’m just as guilty of it😊.
that tackle tart soon gets sucked out of us quickly once that rod suffers the battle scars of been clouted on an over grown river bank. We could say us Roving barbel anglers are temporary tackle tarts when rod n reel shopping. 😂
If you like the 12ft 1.75 torrix you’ll absolutely love the 11. It’s a Completely different rod and I’ll be honest I actually prefer the chimera 12 footer to the torrix 12 footer. I like the semi through action on the 11 foot torrix to offer a leverage compensation but on the 12 I like the chimera’s full through action but seriously powerful.
you’ve really gotta waggle a few cos everyone’s tastes are so different.
 
Richard Isaacs said:
Yeah I’ve been caught out before approaching a tiny river in a stunning over grown swim only to find I need another 8 inch of length to comfortably flick a bait past the reeds.
It’s catch 22 because that shorter rod is often better for actually getting to the tight swim but the longer been better when your there.
telescopic is clearly the way forward 😂😂.

I think the tackle tart exists in us all to some degree or another when buying rods especially.
Most wont admit this I’m sure but it’s all too common we are drawn to rods with nice chequered or X wrap blanks and beautifully high gloss whippings with actual functionality coming second. I’ll freely admit I’m just as guilty of it😊.
that tackle tart soon gets sucked out of us quickly once that rod suffers the battle scars of been clouted on an over grown river bank. We could say us Roving barbel anglers are temporary tackle tarts when rod n reel shopping. 😂
If you like the 12ft 1.75 torrix you’ll absolutely love the 11. It’s a Completely different rod and I’ll be honest I actually prefer the chimera 12 footer to the torrix 12 footer. I like the semi through action on the 11 foot torrix to offer a leverage compensation but on the 12 I like the chimera’s full through action but seriously powerful.
you’ve really gotta waggle a few cos everyone’s tastes are so different.
Click to expand...
I’ve grown to really love owning nice gear but I’ve had some pretty crappy stuff too but it’s only now with kids grown up and.nowt else to spend my money on that im able to do it and this may well change
I don’t think I buy any rods or reels simply because a new version is out
But I might add one to the collection if I feel it might give me a slight edge over current ones in certain situations which is a bit OTT but what the heck
My pal bought some stunning Century carp rods the other day off a proper tackle tart
Paid just over £200 for 3 and they are like new
Apparently a new model just out??
 
Chris Thomson said:
Hi, ive heard good reports about these Darent Valley rods, tempted to grab a pair , are the fittings ( rings, handle etc) fair quality? Not expecting wonders but dont want to waste my money if they are rubbish
Click to expand...

I bought the avon quiver 11ft pound and a qtr and I think its awful. Dissapointing curve to it when playing a fish, its a non action really, not progressive, not my cup of tea.

And @Tim Harris have a look at the 11ft Harrisson Gti blank. Absolute delight. (Peregrine do an off the shelf version).

ATB
 
Chris Thomson said:
Hi, ive heard good reports about these Darent Valley rods, tempted to grab a pair , are the fittings ( rings, handle etc) fair quality? Not expecting wonders but dont want to waste my money if they are rubbish
Click to expand...

Chris, build seems nice for the dosh, only thing that jumped out as 'different' is that the handle seemed quite short, however, being 11 foot rods for the purpose of fishing smaller rivers, tighter swims or just having a smaller rod to chuck in the car, that is of no concern to me. Ash has mentioned his opinion of another rod in the range so it sounds likely down to each user. I can't comment on anything else until I've caught on them! My mate had the specialist 11" 1.75lb rods (same as mine) and liked his. I actually only bought one so my lad (he's 9) can use a rod of his own this year, and I won't be too fecked if he bashes it about, then I thought i'll just buy another so there's a pair there for me to use if needs be :D I also have a set of spangly new Free Spirit Hi-S rods on the way (lots of £££'s) and he ain't touching them, and i'm not taking em anywhere they'll get bashed about 😂

Another budget friendly option are the Korum rods. It's only been my first season for barbel and I have used the Korum 12" 2lb barbel rods for a year, they've taken some hammer and fished rivers small and tight, but also coped with the Trent (with some extra in) and the Yorkshire Ouse, at times with lots of extra in! The weakness I found on the Korums is the rings, I've bent a few but none have snapped yet. And they look a tad shabby after a year. But for playing action and ability, they've been 100% 10/10. The Korums come in 11" also I do believe...

Regards,
Rob
 
Last edited:
I've just realised that my main 'workhorse' 1.75lb barbel rods (a couple of 18 year old Nash rods) have 800-900 sessions under their belt, and I can't remember ever checking their rings, and I know I've never cleaned them. Bullet-proof eh, love 'em. ;)
 
Paul Richardson said:
I’ve grown to really love owning nice gear but I’ve had some pretty crappy stuff too but it’s only now with kids grown up and.nowt else to spend my money on that im able to do it and this may well change
I don’t think I buy any rods or reels simply because a new version is out
But I might add one to the collection if I feel it might give me a slight edge over current ones in certain situations which is a bit OTT but what the heck
My pal bought some stunning Century carp rods the other day off a proper tackle tart
Paid just over £200 for 3 and they are like new
Apparently a new model just out??
Click to expand...
Agreed Paul. Dave Lumb builds a great rod. The oldest of Lumbys Harrison's that I own was purchased 23 years ago. The latest are a couple of 12 foot Chimera's that due to wet weather and my work commitments have only been used twice since last September.

Tim. I could recommend a Korum twin tip barbel rod to get you started. I've one and they are great rods especially for the money.
 
Tim, it might be a bit easier if you mentioned the rivers you will be fishing then maybe anglers that fish those rivers might give better advise. You mention mid doubles, are there many snags, Carp or good chub ? . Small rivers, snags and 15lb barbel need very specialised gear. Maybe someone will Pm you with help too if they fish the river
 
Thanks Mark - fair point.

Colne and possibly the Mole. Will certainly be having a wander down the Wandle as i'm based in Clapham.

I've been offered a nearly new torrix 11ft 1.75 for a decent price so will go and have a look at that when i get the chance.

The last period i fished for barbel was often in the snaggier areas on the Kennet so happy enough - though with the 12ft 1.5lb fox rods i had previously, i didnt feel like i had a huge amount of control.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top