James could you go through the barbel tackle you would use on the Ribble? Rods, reels, mainline, hooklength, hook etc? Do you use feeders or leads on the Ribble?
Hi mate, so on the Ribble and rivers in similar stature I use 1.75 TC rods (the new Barbel Specialist rods that I had on test) loaded with 12lb line as there are some areas where there big rocks and snags so I just want a little protection from that. On the business end I fished two separate baits, boilee and paste on one rod and 1x 12mm pellet on the other rod. Now when the Ribble is in flood I would recommend stepping up the gear to 2.25tc rods and 15lb line unless you able to find inside lines / slacks. Typically these slacks can clog up with detritus, sometimes slacks can provide their own issues but Barbel will seek refuge there. Don't rule out a big bit of luncheon meat though, in the cooler months this will account for plenty of fish. The reels i use on big rivers like that are Shimano 5500 Ultegras or Series 7 baitrunners from Drennan. On smaller rivers I prefer to use centrepins. Lengths of hooklinks do vary depending on clarity of river and time of year but ordinarily a length of 9-12inches is my go to length. Hook size again with depend on the bait I'm using, a 12mm pellet I'll use a size 10, a big lump of meat I'd use a size 4 or 6. I hope that helps!
Most dedicated barbel angler i know, reason i say this is because we chatted everything barbel on my local river 😳 shocked.. But what i found out is that James was more shocked to be noticed 😱 no pictures, autographs 😂 just living in the moment 💙 I'll never forget that day.. Genuine well spoken good guy/ambassador for river/barbel fishing.
@@James_Denison yes james, it's Neil off the river tame Manchester 👍 hope your good brother.. Been hectic since for me making baits plus testing them has sidelined my angling abilitys "loving the journey though" but honestly it puts a massive smile on my face knowing your work is starting to pay off ®️ drennans no1 for me & a future cup winner 🔮🥇 if any1 can out work daniel it's you m8.
@@ebbnflotheenviromanc1127 I thought it was mate, hope you are all good! How have you fared since we last met? I'll be popping up there at some point this season if I can pull away from work long enough to get up. Glad your baits are keeping you busy! Really appreciate it too, as you know just doing what we enjoy. Getting around, seeing different places and catching some fish along the way! 👌
Not sure where barbel fishing is actually going here.. Got every1 doing the same thing 😂 trent convicts.. Should use that sponge to wash the majority of angler's on the trent. 💯%
Great watch. Got me onto vortex baits a few years ago and he's 1 of my favourite anglers. really nice guy too. he knows them trent barbel better than anyone. if you fish big rivers for barbel its a must watch
So, are you fishing free stretches of river? (I see that you mention at the end, you do, but free fishing is not available on most) I ask, as it must work out horrendously expensive joining clubs with rights to these rivers. And speaking for my local clubs that have rights on the two main rivers in Bedforshire, for the last few years, they sell out of club books very quickly before the start of the season.
It's a good question and yes, I do have a fair few club memberships each season and I am spending quite a bit of money, but also some books I have are part of amalgamations and exchanges so it gives me within the cost of my books to fish other rivers or stretches that I'm yet to be successful on. Free fishing is limited as you say on many rivers and researching and tapping into friends advise and knowledge I pick and choose where I think I stand a chance of getting what I am after! There are a few books I've purchased that I've not even used. So that's money I've not even had the benefit of those. I am keeping tabs on what I've spent on books.
Well said that man! Cormorants need controlling without a doubt. Interesting to hear there's 4 to 6 angling bodies that's supposedly looking out for angler's interests. Yet no of tgem have the backbone to do anything about bringing about a culling mandate to the government. So thats why ive revoked my membership fees to anglers trust, who Incidentally told me that illegally introduced otters were not a problem on our waters!
Probably the best way especially during months when the water is warm and less oxygenated; personally, I have a habit of unhooking the fish as quickly as possible and giving it a good rest in the net...btw I also use barbless hooks.
An enjoyable and equally alarming talk. Predation is a dreadful thing. Particularly when we all know how to deal with it but have our hands tied. I recently had a day or two on Graffham and counted two flocks of Cormorants which totalled over 100 birds! So sad.
Absolutely a great watch with loads of facts over the years how the rivers and fishing has changed and what a great speaker Bob is making thing's fun and so much knowledge and stories. Thanks for uploading just a shame not see any comments from Barbel Enthusiasts. Tight Lines All ;)
Thank you John for actually speaking the truth about Otter's and Cormorant's they will demolish our beautiful Barbel and all other fish this can not carry on. I have witnessed on the Severn this year an Otter in my swim actually have a go at a Barbel which I was playing luckily i managed to get it in and released it into a different swim-after that the swim went dead which has never let me down for a fair few fish. This has to be sorted out for the sake of the fish and the future of river fishing!!
There's quite a few in the severn now.dont fish the river anymore as I'm into carp now. But see them when i walk the dog. Keep seeing them around severn stoke
Hi John, a very informative talk and your spot on we have exactly the same scenario at Throop which has been in decline since 2001 due firstly to the arrival of cormorants and in recent years otters, I have fished here since 1978 and the days of catching lots of barbel are long gone! there are still plenty of big chub but how long for? Angling is the biggest participant sport in the Uk and we are the only ones who can change this if we all got together sadly unlike you and some of your colleagues the rest of us do nothing, if you needed anymore proof you have over 400 views and only 2 comments when there should be many more.
