The fish which sets a new record for the River Thames, is the third biggest recorded barbel in angling history, swinging the scales round to a staggering 20lb 9oz! It was landed by time-served barbel fanatic, Rob Phillips, who was understandably delighted with the capture, claiming “I still can’t believe… Read more
With water temperatures on the rise after the recent cold snap and snowmelt, one bait that comes into its own is luncheon meat. With more rain due before the end of the season, the water temperatures will continue to rise and that will provide one last chance for barbel. Meat… Read more
Lee Noakes decided to stay and fish for a further 15 minutes proved golden when he slipped the net under a record-breaking barbel from the River Itchen. The impressive fish weighed 17lb 3oz, beat Terry Lathwell’s capture of the old record by 9oz and was taken on simple maggot feeder… Read more
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
