Russ Pike
Active Member
Thank you for letting me into this wonderful BFW!
I am learning so much already! (Ref my surname, No Dads Army jokes please guys, if I had a quid for every time I’ve heard… )
Being Nottingham born and bred, I spent most of my childhood on the Trent but over the past 40 years I’ve been in and out of fishing with the usual commitments in life.
I still consider myself a newbie to the barbel fishing world and especially after reading some of the knowledge, wisdom and tackle you guys have.
So, I’ve spent a few quid on various amounts of kit to help improve my course fishing and what I thought was half decent gear, until I arrived here! My current barbel arsenal primarily consists of 2 x 1.75 12ft Drennan Specialist Barbel rods paired with Diawa GS 500s and 2 x 2.25 Drennan Specialist Barbel rods paired with Guru specimen 6000 reels. Along with all the other kit, accessories and terminal tackle, etc…
Obviously, I’m not anywhere near a seasoned pro like many of you guys. But my question is and my thinking is now: have I wasted good money on buying into commercialised crap! Is this kit fit for purpose. I am enjoying using it but now reading some of these threads on various tackle topics, I’m questioning my judgement. Not trying to run before I can walk but have been thinking… hmmmm!
Any response or criticism is welcome and appreciated.
Warmest wishes
Mr Pike
I am learning so much already! (Ref my surname, No Dads Army jokes please guys, if I had a quid for every time I’ve heard… )
Being Nottingham born and bred, I spent most of my childhood on the Trent but over the past 40 years I’ve been in and out of fishing with the usual commitments in life.
I still consider myself a newbie to the barbel fishing world and especially after reading some of the knowledge, wisdom and tackle you guys have.

So, I’ve spent a few quid on various amounts of kit to help improve my course fishing and what I thought was half decent gear, until I arrived here! My current barbel arsenal primarily consists of 2 x 1.75 12ft Drennan Specialist Barbel rods paired with Diawa GS 500s and 2 x 2.25 Drennan Specialist Barbel rods paired with Guru specimen 6000 reels. Along with all the other kit, accessories and terminal tackle, etc…
Obviously, I’m not anywhere near a seasoned pro like many of you guys. But my question is and my thinking is now: have I wasted good money on buying into commercialised crap! Is this kit fit for purpose. I am enjoying using it but now reading some of these threads on various tackle topics, I’m questioning my judgement. Not trying to run before I can walk but have been thinking… hmmmm!

Any response or criticism is welcome and appreciated.
Warmest wishes
Mr Pike