Barbel

	Scientific Name	Barbus barbus
	Other Names	River Kings
	World Record	17Lb 4oz

Description

Barbel are perhaps the most highly regarded of all river coarse fish, and for many anglers the pursuit of this species becomes an obsession. It is little wonder, as the barbel is the hardest fighting fish found in UK rivers, known as the "kings of the river" they shoot off upstream when hooked, using pure muscle power in the swift current to create a charging fight which will leave you breathless or fishless. For this reason special consideration must be given to tackling up when targeting this species. As for there is no doubt that the barbel is the hardest-fighting coarse fish in the river. What's more, they grow big.

Habitat

Barbel prefer rivers and fast flowing streams, collecting at weir pools and water falls, They are often found in clear patches of gravel in streams with good weed growth. Barbel also like snags and can often be found sheltering under overhanging vegetation. They are a shy fish and often feed in the hours of darkness. In wintertime they prefer and gather in deeper parts of the river and holes in banks.

Feeding Habit

Barbel feed on bottom invertebrates, such as, mayfly larvae, caddis-fly larvae, dragon fly larvae, pea mussel, gudgeon, worms and snails. over clear gravel. during observations Barbel can be seen sucking at weed growth feeding on insects that frequent its stems.

Age and Growth

Recognisable by its long body, with prominent snout and ventral mouth flanked by 2 pairs of barbules. Barbel have 55-65 scales along the lateral line. Anything over around 10 lb is considered to be a specimen. The maximum Length is 90 cm.

Tackle and Methods

Various methods can be used from floating fishing hard on the bottom, free lining, to one of the most popular swim feeder building up a large carpet of free offerings to attract and hold barbel in the swim. What ever your chosen method as Barbel fight so hard make sure your tackle, rod, reel and line match the swim you are fishing and the size of fish you are likely to encounter. For baits any of the following will work. Crust, maggot, sweetcorn, luncheon/sausage meat, caster, hemp and combinations. Ground bait, loose hook bait in bait- dropper, swim feeder or block end and mixed with bread or chopped meats.

Related Species

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Mirror Carp

Common Carp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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