Been quite a sparsely populated season with barbel for me. Numbering just one, barbel have been almost impossible to come by, and not for trying I can say.
I find, though it's very nice to have your string pulled, I've not been propotionately disappointed with such a low catch rate, quite the opposite in fact.
The sight of every kingfisher, my first experience of an otter in the evening, every dace (some really quite sizeable), roach and chub has been nothing but enjoyment.
Damian