Welcome to the Barbel Society Website. The national organisation for all barbel anglers.

Barbel fishing, Barbel angling and Barbel fisheries

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1995-2000, Approaching the Millenium

1995-2005, The First Ten Years - The Beginning

2000-Present, The Millennium and Beyond

A Fish Called Mavis - Dave Johnson

A Floppy Hatter at Pewsham – Jon Berry

A GOOD INTERIOR DECORATOR

A Very Special Barbel

Anything two can do, one can do better - Fred Crouch

At the water's edge: 20th January 2011

BARBEL BY THE ABBEY

Barbel Handling Code

Barbel School

Barbel School 2012

Barbel Society statement; River predators

Barbel Society supports river improvement

Barbel Society, Research and Conservation projects

Barbel stocking, Barbel Society and EA reach agreement

Barbel’s eye View - Martin Ford

Blueprint for Water

Centrepins and using them.

Christmas - Will Golightly

Close Season Petition

Cormorants – Biodiversity in Danger

Damaged Membership letter

Day on the Frome

Days Out With The Juniors

DRAGGED TO THE TRENT (KICKING and SCREAMING) - Paul Owens

EXCITEMENT, ANTICIPATION, HEARTACHE AND JOY

Friday The 13th - Adrian Kiddell

GOVERNMENT REJECTS CANOEISTS’ CALL FOR STATUTORY RIGHT OF ACCESS TO RIVERS AND STREAMS

Half year offer

Juniors - Tips of the month - JULY

Juniors - Tips of the month - JUNE

Juniors - Tips of the month - MARCH

Juniors - Tips of the month - MAY

Tips for May

The new season is getting close now, and it’s time to start tying up those rigs, getting all the little bits ready and doing those last minute checks.

If you haven’t got a rig wallet, then it’s time to see if you can pick one up. It will save you ages on the river bank if you have a few hook rigs tied ready. Several companies do rig wallets, but have a look at sea fishing types, as they tend to have more compartments and are usually a bit cheaper.

If, like me, you keep swivels in a small container, then you have probably dropped them at some point. Keep a small magnet in your fishing bag and it can save ages trying to pick lots of swivels out of the grass. This applies to hooks too.

If you can get a bit of time to have a wander along the river bank, take a notebook and pencil with you, and make a few notes about different swims. Chuck a small stick or two in and then count how long it takes to float 10 metres downstream. Throw another one in, but a bit further out, and see if it goes any faster or slower. This can give you an idea where the main current is flowing, and might give an indication of where fish might be.
*** Make sure you are safe on the river bank. Never get into the water or too close to the edge. Go with an adult if possible***

Safety Tip
If someone ever falls into the river while you are fishing, NEVER jump in to try and save them, you could get into further trouble. Try to use a rod rest or landing net handle to reach them and pull them to the edge. If you can’t reach them, throw something to them that floats. ( An empty bait bucket with the lid put back on tightly can save someone’s life) Even a stick can help someone stay afloat.
The most important thing – shout for help as loud as you can.

Expert’s corner.
Trevor West’s top tip.

I asked Trevor if he could give a tip for including on this page. He said that in his opinion, the most common mistake that all anglers make when fishing is to make too much noise. When you approach your swim, set all of your tackle up away from the peg, and then creep very quietly into place before casting out.

Just Cause And Impediment

Membership Year 2009-2010 Special offer

My region does nothing for me! - Harry Green

NFA has adopted BS Handling Code

Pin Perfect - Gordon Scott

Press Release

Removing The Errors

Research and Conservation

Research and Conservation Auction

Research and Conservation projects

Research and Conservation Report

Research and Conservation Report - Feb 2009