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trotting for barbel

J

Josh Foster

Member
Hi I am looking for some information and advice on trotting for barbel what rod would I need, floats, best reel, floats, any help much appreciated thanks in advance
 
Hi Josh

Keith Speer, a master of float fishing for Barbel wrote this article

Floatfishing For Barbel - by Keith Speer

Floatfishing For Barbel By Keith Speer When I was asked to consider writing a note on float fishing for Barbel my first reaction was to run screaming for the door, I reconsidered because I have received such a lot of positive remarks from my post "An alternative viewpoint", also last...
barbel.co.uk

He’s very thorough in his approach but it’s a good place to start.

What’s your budget for a rod and reel and what rivers are you looking to fish? How big are the barbel?
 
Hi Josh,
The Okuma will do absolutely fine. Where are you based? I’ve a Korum 13ft Power Float in new condition which does’t get used which I would sell for £55.00 but not interested in packing and posting i’m afraid but if you are within my work area I’d be happy to meet up with you somewhere so as you can have a “wiggle” ?
Regards
Bill
 
Trotting is my preferred technique for barbel, well any fish really. My approach is not subtle. Power float rod, mine is a Harrison GTI SU 13 foot, but I have used a Drennan carp waggler and a Shakespear Mach 3 Power Float 13 foot 6 inch which was stolen, a great rod that comes up occasionally on fleabay, possibly mine, before I bought the Harrisons, not new I can't afford that. I use a Okuma Sheffield centrepin plus a couple of others with one inch wide spools, Lewthan Blue Magnum and a Stillwater Wensum, a bargain at £30. Drennan Float Fish in 6lbs direct to Drennan Super Specialist in 10,8,6 or Kamasan Animal hook to nylon in the small sizes. Drennan Loafers bulk shotted and in shallow water of 2 foot or less I use a Drennan Puddle Chucker or a Speci waggler over depth and let the bait get dragged through the swim. Stret pegging is a great method for slack water close to a feature or for searching faster flowing water. I feed hemp and trot lobworm even in low water but do use maggot or caster occasionally. I always search for water with a good pace and fish to the usual features, brushing the willows. I managed three session, all short, this year for five barbel with four on the float, the one fish on the tip came on opening day when the river was too high to float fish. Float fishing is a great method it keeps me active and thinking I also tend to move swim if there is no action, I know some say build the swim and the fish will come but I feel lobworm as a natural bait will bring quick results.
 
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I think it it's by far a very over looked method and one I think makes total sense to their feeding habits. I have no great wealth of experience not living local to any barbel rivers. However fished the float last year when very little if any static method was working and caught regularly and fairly easily. Not to mention the fun it was.
 
Michael I was literally looking at the Shakespeare agility 2 match rod 15ft. Considering purchasing one at only £80 they retailed at £120 or so originally. Might be worth a look for you Josh to
 
I do a bit on the float. As a change I fished a top and bottom slider float in 6 gram on a fairly deep stretch on the Trent. Very pleased with the results. Takes buying a long rod out of the equation imo. Will be slider fishing from now on I think, waggler too. Really opened my eyes tbh.
 
Nice Jon glad you've had a magic session. I've got to limit my mine to lakes around me but can still capture some of the magic. Especially with a home made quill and some staking in the margins.
 
Jon Frisby said:
I do a bit on the float. As a change I fished a top and bottom slider float in 6 gram on a fairly deep stretch on the Trent. Very pleased with the results. Takes buying a long rod out of the equation imo. Will be slider fishing from now on I think, waggler too. Really opened my eyes tbh.
Click to expand...
Jon,
I like the idea of sliding floats for a couple of my still waters as well as trotting for Barbel but my local tackle shops mainly cater for Carp anglers so the selection of floats are sparse. Are your floats home made or commercially available ?
Regards
Bill
 
Bill Walford said:
Jon,
I like the idea of sliding floats for a couple of my still waters as well as trotting for Barbel but my local tackle shops mainly cater for Carp anglers so the selection of floats are sparse. Are your floats home made or commercially available ?
Regards
Bill
Yes they are.
www.benwick-sports.co.uk

Sensas Alain Sliding Bolo Float

Bolo Float
www.benwick-sports.co.uk www.benwick-sports.co.uk
If you want wagglers go to DJK tackle. He makes them for the England team.
Click to expand...
 
Many thanks Jon...appreciated
 
Got some sliders recently. Seem to be good quality and arrived quickly. Think the ratings are a bit out though, I needed something like 10 swan shot to cock the 6 gram one.
rover.ebay.com

Sensitive Bodied Waggler Floats Bream Roach Sliding Fishing Tackle 2 3 4 5 6g | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Sensitive Bodied Waggler Floats Bream Roach Sliding Fishing Tackle 2 3 4 5 6g at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
rover.ebay.com
 
Bill Walford said:
Jon,
I like the idea of sliding floats for a couple of my still waters as well as trotting for Barbel but my local tackle shops mainly cater for Carp anglers so the selection of floats are sparse. Are your floats home made or commercially available ?
Regards
Bill
Click to expand...
Hi Bill,
You can get away with decent sized, bodied wagglers, say 6AAA plus....
 
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