Barbel Society 2024.

 A few weeks back I had a slot at the annual Barbel Society Show which was held at Notts County Football Ground in the heart of Nottingham on the banks of the mighty Trent. I was asked early in the year if I wanted to take to the stage to waffle on about all things 40 Rivers Challenge.

 Yes, you guys here know all about it but many anglers out there on the banks of the rivers don't even realise that there forty rivers across England, Wales and Scotland that hold Barbel, let or lone double figure specimens! For me it's some of the unknowns or catching specimens from rivers that don't usually produce them or not rivers anglers would typically venture onto to target Barbel of any size.

A section of the seating that would become filled for the talkers.

 In every region there is a big river ( Thames, Trent, Severn, Wye, Ribble, Yorkshire Ouse or Hampshire Avon ) those rivers are quite well spread out and offering vast amounts of water to tackle with good heads of fish throughout of all sizes, so why would anglers target lesser know rivers and areas when "easier angling" is available. That's one of the reasons I really love this journey so far, it has taken me to many different places, from urban settings like the Tame, Wandle and soon to be the Aire to paradises like the Wye, Hants Avon and Wharfe. 

 Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but for me natural settings do it for me but once again, the rough and ready areas need the attention too. These are some of the things I touched on during my talk and for my first effort I think I did okay but I was nervous and was all totally off the cuff, I was supposed to write up some bullet points and expand upon those, but went out for curry and beers instead :) 

 My challenge has just restarted with a visit to the Blackwater which I will touch on shortly.

 I hope you enjoy the video, 37 mins of your life you won't get back but it's possibly better than the drivel on TV nowadays.... I hope you enjoy and possibly find something of benefit.

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Barbel Society "My Chat". 

Summer Barbel on the Pin.

 

 After a busy day at work I had two options once I'd finished with my last client, either go home or have a go for a Barbel or two on the way home. With the thick cloud overhead and cooler temps over the last couple days I opted for the latter and glad I did.

Real jungle warfare, great conditions for stalking.

 Three quarters of a loaf to use I opted to fish dead simple, a size 8 ESP cryogen hook and a single AAA shot when needed and trundled the flake to fish I could see or in runs I expected Barbel to be and was not disappointed. 2hrs later I had ended my short visit with five Barbel with the best weighing 8lb 11oz and in fantastic condition, the others were between the 3-5lb mark, all gave great scraps on the light gear.

Chalkstream Barbel at their finest.

 That was fun and a nice little teaser on local pastures before I restart my Barbel Challenge as I look to chalk off river number 25. The Kentish Stour or Arun will hopefully get a bit of attention soon once the weather becomes favourable and time becomes available.