Fishing for Barbel

Hi to everyone, I write regarding recent derogatory remarks made of myself, and pictures shared around. Thanks to so many of you for your support and for getting in touch! Yes there are two sides to every story and this one more than ever!

I had rescheduled a day`s fishing on the Wye from Tuesday to Thursday last week because of the heat. I had been following closely the forecast drop in temps and the water release levels reaching the lower river, and the difference this would make, I took water temp readings on the Wed and Thursday and indeed there was a drop of nearly 2 degrees. The water was open on our side of the river, so I knew the perfect spot for these conditions where the water is well oxygenated and weir like. The gentlemen with me would all fish the same area rotating turns and having a much needed family day.

Further more the calamities photographed were solely due to my having to cross the river to hear someone telling me off! One of the gentlemen was into his biggest ever barbel and his father (at 70+) rushed to try and net the fish….  because – as some of you maybe saw in the photo – I was still returning across the river! He would not have been falling otherwise!!

We had already caught several fish, most returned without leaving the water, those that did leave the water left for seconds before safe return! The gentleman’s story and pictures shared are just that, “his”. My client’s had a fantastic and memorable day with the only dark cloud being the half hour they met the gentleman filming them on the opposite side of the river.

In fact the elderly gentleman (David) said to me that I had made his “dreams come true” by helping to get him his first ever barbel! This is why I do the day`s I do… He had a few more too!

The fish were feeding not “dying”…

Even though I should not have to explain myself, I feel duty bound to.

I would like to say a massive and emotional “thank you” to all those who stood up to defend me without knowing any of this already and having faith in my judgement.

A lunchtime start saw me on the banks of the lower Severn on a fairly mild (for the time of year) day before Christmas. The wind was blowing warmer than previous days and the barometer was saying “low”, normally good conditions for winter barbel. A walk upstream from my first field swim of choice might buy me a bite or two.

After 15 minutes or so with rod in hand, pasted pellet on the hook, and a feeder full of goodies, would they resist? Could they resist?

Nope!

Two in a row before darkness descends and teatime looms, lovely. Moving nearer to the car, we were treated to a Geminid meteor shower, shooting stars while catching barbel, two more followed on this mild evening. A good sleep and move to catch up with some friends for Christmas before another try on another stretch. 

The water temps had risen and so had hopes of a bite! Until that is, I met a chap packing up after 2 bite-less days. Oh well, in it to win it and all that, I`m here now, (after a long walk with a squeaking bucket, bag and boots)! 

I chose a spot to leave the bait as long as possible…40 minutes in, it ripped off! Steaming downstream for freedom, the fish was strong and heavy, it finally came upstream towards me before running headlong through a whole bramble bush, & tethering my side of the line so that I could only pull against the flexible branches of the bush.

We were in a fix, the fish was well hooked, but we were both pulling to no effect, so with no other option, but to open the bail arm, I did. Then I set off for the long walk back to the car to collect my loppers, saw and waders, this had become a simultaneous capture “and” rescue service. Eventually, after “much ado” the fish was safely landed and the bush trimmed! I was also well warmed up after the walk and gardening…The troublesome beauty was 11lb 2oz and well worth the hassle!

After just the one cast taking so long with weighing and photographs etc added to the rescue, I had to have another and within five or so minutes this time, I was attached again!! A great scrap and this resulting fat fish of 10lb 4oz….

This one had a mark on it which I believe may distinguish it as one of the tagged fish from the recent tagging for the Teme/Severn barbel movement study, this is a nice turn-up to know that the fish is well, and back in the area that it was before, after extensive travelling through the summer!

After this pre-Christmas session I had no chance to get out until a post-Christmas/new year session with my youngest son. So a bit of camping and touring around the countryside was in order as well as a fish or two. Conditions were good again, catching the end of some mild weather new years day!

We were caught in some showers just getting to our swim and he was already “freezing” and letting me know it!! Luckily it didn`t take very long at all for our rod to bend into action, and this fighting fit fish of 8lb 8oz to arrive….

He was chilled.

A great result and strange to see that the fish only had one full barbule and 2 completely missing!

We moved on then to dry off and check out the Shropshire countryside, where we stopped off and slipped the net under another beauty before heading for home, happy with our lot. 

This winter is proving to be very mild and the fish are responding well , lots of bites on many rivers, check out the predictions page here…and make the most, tight lines!

Predictions of fishing on various rivers

A big hello to all those who are reading this! 

It is close enough now to taste the new seasons arrival, so good luck to you all for a season filled with expectation, I hope it brings all that you hope it will and more!

To follow my progress, check in here for some regular updates on catches and experiences over the coming weeks, thanks for all the support you have shown over a very strange past season.

Tight lines & wet nets,

Shaun.

Not long now folks until midnight and the start of another season! 

Good luck and tight lines to all of you who look in on here, I wish you all the very best wishes and fishes for the year…

Tight lines,

Shaun.

The 16th finally came, and with it, some fairly exceptional rainfall!! The rivers rose fast and were near the banks and over for some, but where you could get a line in to find the fish, they were generally there to find you and bite… as was the case with my biggest season starter here of 12lb 2oz!

A flooded summer starter!

With the season begun, it was time for camping and refreshments (Ray) as well as a few fish. Also good fishing on falling rivers for a few of my customers, with the Wye and Severn both producing the goods. I`ll be sure to be out looking again this week and will keep you all posted….