"Biffa @ Work" wrote in message
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"Richard" wrote in
message ...
"Biffa @ Work" wrote in message
...
Hi,
Fancy a change from the usual carp/pike this bank holiday.
So a couple of mates & myself fancy targeting the old bearded bottom
scavenger.... (fnar).
We're in the middle of Oxford, Swindon, Newbury & Reading, but I've
heard that the Thames ain't that great for Barbel.
Can anyone recommend some where not to far, that may be an easier fish
for barbel ?
Did most of my barbel fishing on the R Lee in Hertfordshire and lots of
that at Kings Weir so not too much help there I'm afraid.
I'm guessing that pellets and paste
Meat is a good alrounder, especially pepparami.
and fairly standard carp rigs are as good as anything else for targetting
these beasties as well ?
I'll throw in a few things here which are general tips for all and will
hopefully help some a little bit.
Standard carp rigs work fine. Years ago (late 60s) when we fished the
white water in weirs it was rods tips to the sky and tight line to bait
via adequate holding weight. Although a free running set-up because the
line was locked the result is similar/same to what we would now
experience on a semi-fixed in-line bolt rig, only a lot less fancy ....
and instead of taking line the rod tip hits the water (virtually).
One tip I was given (which transformed my catch rate) from an experienced
barbel fisherman at that time was to use a short hook link in weirs. His
theory was that the barbel normally take the bait moving up-water so you
got indication much earlier than if you used a long(er) hook link. Anyway
it worked for me too so I stuck with it.
You will enjoy playing barbel a real fighter. They don't give up easy and
often are extremely fatigued when netted so be sure to give them adequate
recovery time before final release.
One of the local lakes I know fish (spring fed) has some still water
barbel which go to 6/7lb ...... so babies really. I was always against
still water barbel but these seem happy enough and still put up good
scrap. One or two of the match fisherman have reported catches of babies
(would that be barblets I don't know) but I have never seen any.
Hope some of that is of interest to some ........ Richard

Just another quickie on basics.....

I've been informed that the big hallibut gobstoppers (21mm pellets) are
working well at the moment.
I've got lots of braid and mono hair rigs already made up, so that end of
things is sorted.

The other end leaves me in an flustered quandry.

Having never fished for barbel before I am unsure of the basic techniques.

I guess my carp rods (1.75lb to 2.50lb TC) are going to be a bit to heavy
duty for the job.

I would use the 1.75lb TC ...... a bit/tad heavy but it isn't a bad choice
for decent barbel .... and you do have it .... and you might get one. Ime a
barbel (even those in still waters) give a much more ferocious and longer
battle than carp. You will wonder what the hell is going on if you hit a
10lbs+ fish ...... especially if it is your first.

If they are not would you fish for them like carp and wait for the bite
alarm.

Or should I be using one of my feeder rods and fishing for them with a
quiver tip ?

Venues I fish/fished I would use the 1.75lbTC rod as you would your feeder
rod .... they will bend that tip big time no problem.


Also, what sort of poundage breaking strain mainline would you use ....
?


8lbs.

So many questions.... !


Wish I could go ....... I have had a quiet couple of months (knee ligament
damage) but that is almost behind me now.

--
Cheerz - Brownz

Good luck .......... Richard