Barbel Fishing

Barbel are perhaps the most revered of all river coarse fish, and for many anglers catching one has turned into a pursuit. It being the hardest fighting fish in our waters. Barbel can grow to large weights in Britain sometimes over 15lb (6.8kg), in European waters where they can feed throughout the year their weight may exceed 30lb (13.6kg).

Barbel prefer it where the water runs clear and fast. Here barbel fishing can be pursued in its purest form. You must stalk the fish, looking for tell-tale signs of fish moving amongst the weed. The best tactic is to travel light so that you can move easily between swims. Look for a good swim which you should prebait with sweetcorn and hemp and then move on. Only once you have baited several swims should you return to your first area and begin fishing.

Pack a selection of baits ranging from, cubes of luncheon meat, bunches of sweetcorn, or in summer, maggots and casters. Use these in the exception of flooded winter conditions and then a large smelly bait would be more appropriate such as lob worm or cheese paste.

On a large wide river a swimfeeder will be your best option, fill with hemp and casters, and cast about 20 times to bait the bottom which should draw fish into your swim. When you hook one, hold on and let the battle of your life begin.