Particle baits such as hemp, seeds and maize are a great alternative for many species. A great tactic is to use a small PVA mesh bag of particles which you can nick onto the hook before casting. The majority of seeds and particles are soaked for a period of time and… Read more
During the winter there is one bait that will usually score when all else fails, and that bait is maggots and plenty of them. Maggots are a great bait not only for chub but also for barbel during the winter. The rig I use is a very simple and one… Read more
In a warm winter flood, don’t forget about a little-used tactic nowadays, rolling meat, as barbel love it! For rolling meat, I like to use a weighted hook. I use either a size 2 or 4 Continental Boilie hook and place a piece of shrink tube on the shank which I… Read more
The River Thames barbel record has been smashed with a 19lb 8oz specimen. Barbel fishing fanatic Dave Broady made angling history and landed what he described as ‘the fish of his life’ when the only bite of a session on the famous waterway produced the fish that beats the current… Read more
Paul Rogers proved the pulling power of luncheon meat when it comes to catching big winter barbel when he banked this huge 16lb 14oz specimen. The Reading-based specialist only needed a couple of hours on the River Kennet to beat his barbel personal best with a size 16 hook. It’s… Read more
One of the biggest barbel from the Great River Ouse in recent times has topped an impressive list of specimens for big fish fishing ace Tony Gibson. The Chairman of the Northampton Specimen Group emphasised the importance of keeping mobile when a handful of the short evening session on the… Read more
