The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Early season barbel, the great enigma. I find they do stay on the shallows for a week or three and only move after a spate in July (at least that's the Wye's usual form). As for getting on the bait, well they have been gorging in high water for a week or more so do they need pellets?

However, when I sit out the start of the season it usually gets off to a flyer but if I get there early on the 16th...... zilch. It's enough to make you reach for the golf clubs

I have my ear to the ground with regard to catches on my stretches of the river and, on the opening day, very few anglers caught. In fact I only know of a couple who did.

As a result, tomorrow I shall be trying a new still water in search of a big crucian. (Any crucian would be nice, thank you)

Tight Lines BB, look forward to reading about your new PB crucian tomorrow I take it you will be using a proper rod, as Mark puts it, and not one of those black plastic jobs that scare fish away