www.barbeel.com

Hello Andy,

How many years are you fishing for barbel?
I’ve been fishing for barbel since 1995. I started when fishing with a couple of friends one night for any course fish when my rod suddenly took off! After landing a weighing my first barbel of 7lbs I was hooked!

How many barbel did you catch so far?
I’m not sure how many I’ve caught in total though I’m still no expert I’m afraid. There’s always something to learn.

What is the biggest barbel you catch ?
I’ve recently caught my new PB of 14lb 2oz. It came at dusk on a heavily flooded Bristol Avon from right under the rod top.

What was the most barbel you catch in one session and in how many hours?
11, this was a few years ago on the first day of the season. All fish came in an 8 hour session.

Your favorite river?
The Bristol Avon. It’s my local river and is very varied. It’s very intimate in summer in the upper reaches which is what I like.

What is your favorite hook bait and groundbait?
I use a basemixes that are designed by some friends of mine with a little input from me. I tend to use

What is your barbel technique?
Generally a running lead, a hair rigged bait usually mounted on a braided hook link, I always fish with mono these days and have been really impressed with GR60 for its strength. Free offerings are provided in PVA bags or on stringers.

What is the rod you use?
I use a BFW i-power with the heavier tip fitted. In my opinion it’s the best barbel blank available. The rod was built by Bob Gill and is a work of art. I love using it. Its through action makes it a superb fish playing rod.

The best barbel month?
I love February for it’s high coloured water and big fat barbel!

The best hours to catch barbel?
This very much depends on the venue though dusk is generally best on the stretches I fish.

What is your greatest memory/ story in barbel fishing?
I’ve had many exciting or memorable experiences, some involve meeting new friends through BFW and some involve catching fish. I think the capture of my recent PB is probably something that will stay with me for a long time. I arrived at the river to find that it had burst its banks and the field between me and the river was completely flooded. Luckily the spot I wanted to fish was clear of the water so I decided to wade across the field. After only a few steps I found out that my wellies were shallower than the flood water and my feet became soaked in icy cold water. When I arrived and my swim the river looked prefect so I baited with a small dropper and waited a while. As my feet started to freeze I decided I’d better get fishing. After only 10 minutes I had the tiniest of taps and I struck. After an amazing fight I finally netted a hue looking fish that shocked me when it went over 14lbs. I’m so pleased I decided to venture across the flooded field!