Whats the biggest change, for better or worse, that you have seen in your barbel fishing career?
There are so many examples of change and influence, particularly over the last decade, on which I could draw to answer your question. Tackle improvements, and the fact that the important messages regarding sensible choice of rods, line strength, etc., are being heeded by more and more anglers who turn to the species is well worth a mention. Let’s face it, Dave, more big barbel are now being landed and consequently returned hook-free to the water than ever before, which is testament that the message is being received. This is not only great news for those of us who love hooking and banking barbel. More importantly, it’s a sign of respect to the fish that one actually adopts a policy towards their welfare. Fish safety (the emphasis on safely playing, landing and returning them to their domain as quickly as possible) is, in my opinion, of paramount importance. It is a principle that should be adopted by every barbel angler long before they consider placing a hookbait in the water. Given t
