Barbel bites/ takes

[Anthony Pearson]

I have caught a fair few of these stunning creatures. Everyone one of them has been an aggressive/ vicious takes ie rod doubled over baitrunner screaming off... but the one i caught on the tidal was strange. As I said In previous posts this was a typical bream or eel take.
I can honestly say I think the barbel had mouthed the bait. The hook had just nicked its mouth... until I lifted the rod and set the hook home and that's when all hell broke loose. Freight train springs to mind. What's your thoughts?

Chris, I had a similar problem with a finnicky bite on the Nidd, during a warm spell in December a few years ago: small intermittent taps. In the end I touch-ledgered and decided to hit the first tap. It worked, resulting in a very pleasing big 'nine.' I can't recall having another barbel bite quite like it.