The Complete Barbel Book Guide

by

John Smith

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Barbel Bibliography:

Below is hopefully a comprehensive list of every book dedicated to Barbel that

one could hope to find. I have not included reference to the 40-50 or so books that include a chapter here or an article there relating to Barbel.

I must sincerely thank Tim Lennon of ‘a Logical approach’ fame for his help with descriptions on the books I don’t have access to. Not only does the man know his Barbel he is a veritable goldmine as a piscatorial bibliographer.

At the end of the list you’ll find details of some of the sources of books I’ve found that specialise in all things Angling. Those listed are the ones I browse and use. There are lots more on the Internet so dig around if you can’t find what you want.

BARBEL & CHUB FISHING: JW Martin ‘’ The Trent Otter ‘’ 1896 BARBEL; This is a Medlar reworking omitting the CHUB content.
The oldest book dedicated to Barbel I can identify. Now a classic and highly sought collector’s item. A 1^st edition being very valuable, so much so I couldn’t even find an estimated price for one. Though I did uncover someone who has one. The Barbel section of the book covers 68 pages, and contains some extremely fascinating information, which makes you realise how little we have advanced in Barbel fishing in real terms, especially when you consider that certain "experts" advocate the use of centrepin reels and braided lines, both used by The Otter over 100 years ago. Also contains info about large fish and incredible multiple captures of the day and about the mass baiting that was carried out with lobworms.Topically, The Otter describes 3 types of Barbel angler; those that fish light lines with the float, those that fish heavy with the ledger, and a compromise between the 2 was tight-corking (stretpegging). essential reading for those interested in the history of Barbel fishing. Tim Lennon 1^st Edition £loads of money Medlar reprint £35 or £120 for a limited edition leather bound copy.
BARBEL: HOW TO CATCH THEM  S Donald Stone  1955
Strangely not difficult to find considering it is 50 years old. I’ve seen a 2^nd edition ( 1960 ) for just £7. Good 1^st editions are listed at around £10 which I think is very cheap. This is a great little book and much more of an enjoyable read than I expected. It’s age making its comments on fish size and distribution very interesting. Most memorable for me was the line ‘ Fish up to ten pounds are recorded every year….’ Take note those seeking to acquire an instant CV of leviathan Barbel. The author sets out to encourage the reader to have a go as much as how to go about it and encourages you to take a fishing holiday on the South Coast if you want to try. After my unproductive weeks in Christchurch over the last 5-6 years I won’t take that advice myself. This year Worcestor beckons but that’s another story. For the price you’d be mad to leave this off of your book shelf even though it’s a mere 4 x 7 inches or so.
THE QUEST FOR BARBEL: William Howes  1960
Quest For Barbel is 80 pages long and its chapters are; my first Barbel, description and general appearance, spawning growth and habits, distribution and finding the fish, baits and their preparation, tackle, methods of fishing 1, methods of fishing 2. The book is aimed at the Barbel novice, which is hardly surprising when you consider that the vast majority of anglers would have been in 1960 when the species was not widespread and travelling was much more difficult. "two ways of presenting maggots" is the title to 2 diagrams, one which shows a hook carrying 3 maggots and the other shows a hook carrying 12 maggots, revolutionary stuff! also interesting is the 3-hook Stewart's rig for mounting a lobworm; what would the Barbel police make of that one nowadays? Tim Lennon
BREAM & BARBEL: Peter Stone 1964
This one comes in three sections. One covering Specimen hunting in general, another on baits and their uses and finally Legering. The second unsurprisingly covers Bream which I’ll leave alone. Finally, the Barbel section is split into chapters on Tackle, Locating, Legering, Float Fishing and Suggested methods for big Barbel. Although a 12 pounder appear’s to be the real bench mark of monster fish in Peter’s mind he had no doubt that the old trio of 14lb 6oz fish would be beaten. The inference is that he expected it to fall well before Medway Bertie turned up in the early 90s. A great read but an expensive addition to the collection. My near mint unsleeved 1^st cost me £50 plus with Mint 1^st edition going for double that through dealers. You can’t have a collection and leave Peter Stones contribution out. Its probably against the law !
THE FIGHTING BARBEL: Peter Wheat  1967.
Another highly collectable book. It contains contributions from other ’stars’ of the day including Richard Walker and Peter Stone. A new Medlar edition contains additional line drawings and the photo’s have been rescanned. It has become accepted as a classic work but some are not overly entertained by its content in itself. Even Peter Wheat recently acknowledge that today it is little more than a nostalgic read. On par with Peter Stone’s bream and Barbel in terms of it being a must for a serious collector of Piscatorial Literature. 1^st Editions can be found but a mint one will set you back in excess of £250. Good copies go for around £200. The BFW classified have the odd copy from time to time.There’s also a Medlar reprint £49 or £120 for a limited edition leather bound copy.
CATCH MORE BARBEL: Ken Cope  1974
A 64 page paper back with black and white photos and line drawings. Quite hard to come by in any sort of condition due to its paper back format and Size. More of an pocket instruction book for the uninitiated. It reminds me more of a freebie given away for 5 tokens collected from Anglers Mail or the Sun than something you’d buy from a recognised angling book supplier but having said that it would be a good start for youngsters as its easy to read and doesn’t go into too much depth. I’ve found 1^st at varying states of repair between £7 and £20 so be wary buying on line.
BARBEL: Ian Howcroft 1975
A softback general book of 43 pages on the species. It skims the surface of most topics. Some of the content is not only dated but also goes against modern thinking. The advice that the half blood knot is the best, pictures of rigs with leger stops and how to hook native crayfish baits being a few examples. One for the shelf if its going cheep but don’t bust a gut in tracking it down. It does however contain some great paintings by a chap called Keith Linsell. For an unknown reason prices vary massively and range between about £10 and £40 for copies with similar descriptions. I’m not sure why that might be. You really want to look around before deciding where to buy a copy.
BARBEL FISHING STEP BY STEP: Peter Frost  1976
A step-by-step type book with Over 100 pictures showing exactly how its done. Or perhaps how it was done, things have moved on since this was written. Its style reminded me of the sort of picture story’s found in magazines for spotty fifteen years olds in the 70s and 80s. It has many similarities to Ian Howcrofts book with regards to what is just not the done thing any more. Goes for around £10 but is probably only worth that to the collector.
UNDERSTANDING BARBEL: Fred Crouch 1986
When published this was the most in depth study of Barbel behaviour available. Fred Crouch seems to have a completely different way of looking at things to most of us so this one has you really thinking. This man questions everything in his search to get one step ahead in his Barbel fishing.Where it really does stand alone is in its emphasis on Barbel being driven by involuntary responses and instinct rather than experience. I think it was Peter Stone that remarked that the book should be called ‘’Understanding Fred Crouch.’’ I did manage to find a VG 1^st for £85 but any copy will be around the £50-£60 mark wherever you track it down.
BARBEL CATCHERS & FRIENDS: The BCC Members 1988
A brilliant collection of stories as told by BCC members and guests. The members set out to describe the wide range of rivers they fish and the many and varied methods used to tempt old boris, including match tactics of all things. It also delves deeply into locations, tactics, bait and how members approach their Barbel angling.This books makes it plain just how must the average weight of Barbel has increased in the last few years. The record list brings this home very clearly. A bit of a rarity now days so expect to pay in excess of £60 for a good 1^st edition. I did find a copy signed by Ray Walton, Bill Rushmer and others for £80 on one site.
BARBEL MANIA: Dr Andy Orme 1990
A great mixture of technique, ideas, experience and anecdotal tales. Definitely one to search out and probably in the top five or six books for your collection. This one is a must and covers the most diverse subjects from Andy Orme’s fascination with Barbel, the usual how to and where topics but also biology. A VG 1^st edition will set you back £90 but copies of later editions or print runs start at around £40.
GO FISHING FOR CHUB & BARBEL Graham Pullen 1990
Quite useful for the Chubbers out there. Far less detail and space dedicated to Barbel.One to have for the book shelf but not a classic must have. A Mint 1^st goes for £20 but there are very good 1^st edition copies in the£12-15 bracketWhich appear on all the usual sites from time to time.
THE DEEPENING POOL: Chris Yates 1990
Strictly speaking not a purely Barbel book but the bulk of the writing is Barbel related so I’ve added it anyway,. The rest of the book includes work on Carp and a few other species.. A classic and one of the more collectable books around. Written in Chris Yates own style which needs doesn’t need any description from me. £50 will be a required to buy yourself a mediocre condition 1^st edition copy. I haven’t located a mint 1^st but expect to add a good few pounds to that figure.
QUEST FOR BARBEL: Trefor West and Tony Miles  1991
As good as it gets in terms of combining how and when with experiences and anecdotes. Maybe some of its technical content has become slightly outmoded but I have yet to see a more enjoyable collection of memories put into one book. If you are only going to have 2 or 3 books in your Barbel library this is a must if only for Hurricane Barbel. For my money the most readable chapter in any Barbel book. I’ve seen Mint 1^st editions for £80 but £50 is a more realistic price with a reprint going for £40 or so. A 1999 2^nd edition updated with a round up of English Barbel rivers will set you back £25-30 while the 2003 reprint can be acquired for £20.
CATCH BARBEL: John Wilson 1992
This one covers all aspects of Barbel angling. A good place to start if you want a quick insight into all aspects of Barbel and Barbel fishing. Much less in depth, but it does has some similarities to Roger Millers Complete Barbel Angler. There are chapters on The Species its self as well as another on Barbel behaviour, location, tackle and bait. It also covers techniques and rigs. For the price a real bargain. Not really sure why some books are more worthy than others of similar merit but this one is well worth having and its readily available at perhaps the best value price of all. I’ve recently bought a good 1^st edition copy for £11
ROVING FOR BARBEL:Part I,  Theory Dr Andy Orme 1994
An easy to read light weight paper back giving an understanding of the specialist technique of roving for Barbel as practiced by Dr Orme. A useful starting point for those not familiar with the basics of the method. I found the descriptions on various types of bites to be really useful. This book is among the most useful you’ll come across and proves that size isn’t everything. I’ve seen this on Ebay paired with parts I & II below going for nearly £40. Good and well worth having but one of the more expensive.
ROVING FOR BARBEL: Part II, Practice  Dr Andy Orme   1994
I can’t actually find reference to whether part II was published in its own right so if you can put me right I would appreciate it.
ROVING FOR BARBEL: Parts I & II . Practise & Theory Andy Orme 1994
Part I is described above. Part II This volume expands on the theory and elaborates on how best to make use of the theory whilst on the bank. I have to admit to being unable to remember much of the detail as I am unable to find my copy. If you know who I lent it to please let me know !!!
THE COMPLETE BARBEL ANGLER: Roger Miller 1996
At the time this was published the book was possibly the most complete general beginners guide to tackle, tactics, bait and theory etc. I would still rate it as the best place to start for the general angler wishing to gain an instant appreciation of the broad requirements of the specialist Barbel game. This one’s a must if you are just starting out or if you are serious about having the best books in your library Maybe this one didn’t sell as well as it should have because mint 1^st editions can be found quite easily for around the original cost price of £20.
THE RIVER PRINCE: Edited Chris Yates  1998
A collection of Barbel tales from a wide range of sources compiled by Chris Yates.As with all compilations some works are more appealing than others, though those by Dick Walker and Fred Taylor are among the more Interesting. One for the true collector but of little technical use as some entries are many years old with little or no useful info to the modern angler. If you’re building a Barbel fishing library you’ll want a copy but otherwise this is an expensive luxury. Still available from Medlar for £39 or leather bound for £120.
MODERN BARBEL BAITS AND TACTICS: John baker  2001
Described as the 1^st book to detail the history, theory, use and application of modern Barbel baits this is billed as an in depth study of physiology and how get the best from modern baits and techniques. It undoubtedly has a lot to offer, particularly on tempting wary fish. I’ve seen it written that its largely an advert for a certain bait company but I think that’s a little short sighted. It would leave a hole in a serious collection if it was missing as no other book attempts to cover the subject in such depth. Interesting input from Tony Miles, Guy Robb, Stuart Morgan and Martin Bowler. This one is still available in the BFW shop and most other usual suspects at £16.95.
ULTIMATE BIG BARBEL EXPERIENCE: Steve Stayner 2001
Full of up to date thinking and ideas on capturing bigger than average fish. A different angle of designer baits and tips on what to do during those first few seconds after contact with bigger than average fish make this a worthy addition to any collection. Highly praised in some reviews and well regarded judging by all I have seen written about the book. I’ve seen a 1^st for £12. Not sure if there is anything but 1sts on any of Steve’s 4 books.
NATURE OF BARBEL: Nick Giles  2002
Don’t ask me why but I didn’t buy this when it came out. I kept meaning to until it was no longer readily available. This is a little hard to read in places and is more a scientific work than any of the others. I not read it cover to cover and its been a stop start one with me so I’ll not describe it any further other than to say you should get a copy. 1^st editions are available at around £20-30.
BARBEL MYSTERIES, THEORIES AND TACTICAL SOLUTIONS                                                                                                        Steve Stayner 2002
This one was produced by Steve Himself and for reasons I am not aware of it was limited to just 500 copies ( I think ). Its name says it all and it once again its written with Steves own perspective on things. Its rarity has made it quite collectable. Some of that value comes in the fact that it must be seen as being part of a trilogy made up of Steve 1^st three books. Its limited status means copies change hands for £50 or so on Ebay ! Not bad for a 2 year old paper back !
THE IMMORTAL CHALLENGE Steve Stayner 2003
Steve 3^rd and last where, when and how type book. More detailed info on water craft, swim selection and fish behaviour. As with the previous two its full of up to date ideas and thinking. If theories and tactics was more readily available the trilogy of books would make a cracking set for the beginner to get a grounding in the art of tempting Barbel.
A THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE: Steve Stayner 2004
The book is a series of questions aimed at the author with in depth answers to follow. I found this one a very difficult read myself but I can’t deny it doesprovide some food for thought. Steve has a way of seeing things that do give another angle to his answers. BFW shop has this one for £14.99 Next day delivery
BARBEL RIVERS & CAPTURES: The BCC Members  2004
Another classic from the BCC. Taking a slightly different angle this book sets out to put into print the story behind the largest and/or most memorable Barbel taken from each river where a club member has beaten the 10lb barrier. Each ‘double’ river has its own chapter and a write up by the captor of the best fish and in some cases the clubs accepted river expert as well. When I read the descriptions in the chapters particularly on the Teme, Wey, and Medway I was a little taken a back just how closely my experiences mirrored those of the writers, all apart from the size of fish ! This book really rams home the fact that each river has its own character and personality and becoming acquainted with that is a big part of the key to success. If you’re about to take on a new river get this book. I reckon that you will save countless hours if you really use the write ups as short cuts to success. Still available as a 1^st edition from most of the usual places. BFW shop has this one for £22.50 next day delivery.
ELITE BARBEL: Tony Miles  2004
As the name may suggest this book is unashamedly about big Barbel or rather monstrous Barbel. The story begins with Tony’s capture of the then very muchout sized 14lb7 fish in 1995 and follows the trials and tribulations of nearly ten years on the Ouse chasing the leviathans that made that fish seem run of the mill. It culminates in the capture of The Traveller at 19lb plus. It centres on the legendary Kickles Farm and Adams Mills for obvious reasons. Unlike a few books I read over the last couple of years this one was one of those hard to put down volumes. It will provide interesting reading to those who have never fished the Gt Ouse and are convinced that the river is easy-peasy lemon squeezy, a phrase my 8 year old is very fond of at the moment. Brand new so be quick and get your signed 1^st for £24.99 as there are only 500 of those. I landed number 280 ! Try Little Egret Press or Coch-Y-Bonddu for signed copies. BFW shop also have signed copies for £24.95 next day delivery.
BARBEL FISHING: A logical approach;  Tim Lennon  2004
I’ve only just picked up a copy and what with me having a buying spree of books lately I haven’t actually read it yet. But if Tim knows as much about Barbel as he does about fishing books then this can’t fail. The sleeve note’s reveal a little about it’s content which suggest you could buy many worse books. Basically described as a mix of Instruction and anecdote with great photography. Tim is said to reveal all with regards to his ‘edges’ and ‘secrets’ so I will be reading this before June 16^th. Pops up on Ebay and goes for £25-35 pounds. Seems about right when I compare it to other books.
BIG BARBEL: BONDED BY THE CHALLENGE: Edited by Bob Church 2005
Slightly different to any other book on the subject. It contains just 5 chapters and none of the title’s can be found in any other tome. Not a bad read but very specialised and focussed. The Chapters are, a taste for Barbel, Rick Stein, sorry I meant Bob Church. A Barbel Fisher’s year, Pete Reading. Large recaptured Barbel, Guy Robb. Its onlyRock and Roll Ray Walton and Finally a Chapter on the various record lists compiled by Brian Dowling. BFW shop also have copies for £19.95 next day delivery.
To Follow Shortly we hear. ;-) A BRAND NEW TREFOR WEST OFFERING ANOTHER OFFERING BY STEVE STAYNER ME & MY BORIS: The BFW Family of Friends 2005 Chapters to include. Me and My Big Mouse….Neil Harding-Dean, A doubles company, three’s a crowd……Dick Dowing , Failing In again…and again……..and yet again Guess Who Sources of Books available on the Net. There’s loads more but these are ones I have bothered to add to my Internet favourites.
Barbel Fishing World Shop	Coch-y-Bonddu Books    New and Used Book Dealers…..The best I’ve found                              www.anglebooks.com paul@anglebooks.com
Angling Books Quite Useful angling-books.net	The Country Book Shop As above but not quite as good. countrybookshop.co.uk
Countryman Books Not bad but no Coch-y-Bonddu countryman.co.uk help@countryman.co.uk	Angling Books Quite Useful angling-books.net
Classic Angling Books Private Collector / Dealer….and what a collection !!! http://www.classicfishingbooks.co.uk/fishbooks/viewforsale.asp fishingbooks@uk2.net.	Chalmers Hallam Specialist Country Books http://www.chalmershallam.freeserve.co.uk/fishing.htm laura@hallam-books.co.uk
Medlar Press Publishers of Classic old Titles and new works. medlarpress.com/index.html books@medlarpress.com	Little Egret Press l-e-p.com/ books @l-e-p.comA young company in the Medlar Mould
Then of course there Amazon Books and Ebay if you’re determined to get the one you want.

John Smith - April 2005

With special thanks to Tim Lennon

Copyright John Smith 2005