Barbel Fishing on the River Blackwater (Video 112)

You join me on the River Blackwater for two late evening barbel fishing trips. During the first and despite what were very good conditions the end result was a sound blank, so my mind was made to head back down for another late evening session and was pleasantly rewarded, at the same time I wanted to show both these trips as it is nice to have some transparency regarding the videos and how things don't always go to plan for us anglers.
The vast majority of this video was filmed on a Go-Pro so please do excuse some of the low light footage.

[@TraceurFlyingPhoenix]

Great video as always Mark and a lovely prize to snaffle those stunning barbel, especially after a blank. Nice to see a real video, no lies just good honest fishing full of integrity, easy for people to fall for the illusion that is social media and believe every session equals fish. I dream of fishing the Blackwater, such a lovely looking water. Can't beat wrestling with a lobster... I mean crayfish 😂

[@francolinobasco]

Many thanks Traceur, that was what I was hoping to convey regarding these two fishing trips.

[@nenemannick4455]

Excellent reply,i`m glad someone else thinks like me when it comes to these fishing videos,fishing don`t always mean fish . There`s no end of honesty and integrity in marks vids and fair play to him,he deserves all the plaudits.

[@cns180784]

Great as always and i like how you think the same as me, in that its just nice to be out fishing. Even with a blank, you've had a nice day out with nice surroundings by a peaceful, tranquil river. Cant get much better than that but then it does with that Chub and two lovely Barbel you caught. Makes me look forward to my day out fishing on Saturday that bit more with watching your videos. Hope you keep making them but in the meantime i have plenty more of yours to watch still.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Cns (sorry don't know your name). That is exactly how I see it, first and foremost you made a plan to go fishing and you went, anything on top of that is really just a bonus. I promise that I will keep making the videos, as I enjoy making them and to find that people enjoy watching them is just very special.

[@FrenchFishing]

Always amazed to see such big fish in such a tiny river. Sometimes I wonder if their backs are sticking out! Well done Mark.

[@rosscooper8045]

Stubbled across you’re Channel. Seem like a top bloke and appreciate the videos. Keep it up 👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Ross!

[@GazBrown]

Great fishing again Mark,some cracking looking swims,fantastic colours and markings on those Barbel and I totally agree with your philosophy on fishing,I treasure each time I go fishing even when I blank so when I do catch it's definitely a bonus,tight lines mate.

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Gary and thank you, that is exactly how I see it, just enjoy the fishing as it also gives us time to switch off from other things too.

[@tattoos1988]

Barbel with their elegant shape remind me of sharks they are the fresh water sharks in our rivers lol but not the jaws type subtle gentle and gorgeous the gentlemen shark of our rivers absolutely loved this video mark thank for sharing 👍🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Thats a good description mate and thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@nenemannick4455]

Always a pleasure waching your exploits mark,i look forward to them. Someone else has kind of posted what I was going to say,in that theres plenty of honesty and integrity in your videos,warts and all and you don`t catch everytime you go fishing. There was a time when I went fishing and used to beat myself up,when I caught nothing but like you,i`m happy just to be there,wether it`s on my own or with my daughter or one of my fishing friends and if I or we catch something,then that makes the trip a bit more special.You`re on a bit of a barbell roll now,keep up the good work matey .

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Nick, you must mean Traceurs post, I am happy to share such moments as you say yourself, that is fishing sometimes it happens and sometimes it is not to be, I think a few of us have been through what you describe, I certainly went through a spell years ago where I put pressure on myself and I think at that particular time filming the videos added to it, but nowadays I don't have that issue, the ultimate factor is just to enjoy being out there fishing and for the right reasons as you say.

[@boldersa]

Hi Mark, what a delectable piece of water, even when you are not catching the tranquillity and the character of the river really comes across. It's interesting what you said about "Just being there" I used to catch a lot more when I was younger (No it's not rose tinted specticles) I think I don't try as hard now for the very reasons you stated "being there is more important" and I feel as I've got older I have less to prove. Lovely video Mark and always enjoyable.

[@francolinobasco]

Well said Andrew, exactly that. I think also you learn that you can challenge yourself yet do it in such a way whereby you are not placing pressure on yourself in the same way as when you were younger in your angling and maturity be that angling based or life based combine in aiding that understanding. I think I enjoy different challenges as much now as I did when fishing as a youngster, but at the same time remember to not just look but see, not just breath but smell and take in the whole scene when bankside and see that as the real bonus. A friend once said to me "Mark I always say every fishing trip is a success, because if you spend the day on the bank then you have already succeeded, regardless of what the end result might be, catch or blank"

[@RicTic66]

Not going to waffle much on this post Mark lol just to say your water craft and ability to read a river is first class, hence the fact you continually get among specimen fish. I personally have learnt a lot. Thanks for sharing your knowledge : )

[@francolinobasco]

haha Ric, I do gab a bit at times to be fair. Thank you and I am glad to have been of some help if possible. Yes water craft helps, but I always say you need a good slice of luck too.

[@Rob-zq8sy]

Enjoyable as ever Mark, noticed you cast left handed but play right, you funny bugger!!! So much for barbel feeding in high coloured water Blackwater barbel obviously haven't read the right books.

[@francolinobasco]

Hey Rob thank you, yes I am a bit of a mixed up soul and do indeed fish exactly in that style, not sure why, I just started like it as a child and it stuck ever since haha. Yet I happily eat with knife and fork ambidextrous, but write left handed. Yes I thought much the same regarding the perfectly coloured conditions on the river, they certainly did not want to read the usual coloured water barbel o'clock conditions.

[@TheRiddler79]

Another decent video! The highs and lows of fishing but a nice few fish to way out weigh the lows. Looking forward to the next video keep up the good work.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Hayze, those two barbel were quite special, especially from such an intimate swim and hopefully they will have a bright future.

[@medicatedflowers821]

Absolutely loved this one mate intro was great as we got to see different swims ect great fish too looking forward to the next ep

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Reece, glad you enjoyed it mate.

[@ianspicer1529]

I could do a set of videos like this Mark....in my case, a spectacular blank - immediately followed by another! :-/ You did terribly well ! Thanks for sharing as ever.

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Ian, how are you? I must admit they certainly did not read the script when the river looked spot on during the first part of the video and I don't know about that, after all I could say much the same for myself with regards to fly fishing.

[@StNeotsTown]

Terrific Mark I loved those stretches of river, so many features and always exciting when you know you have the option to move to another just as exciting swim, those barbell are the sort of size id be happy with 6lb, I can imagine they fight well like miniature torpedos! I will one day experience it! true about blanking its how it goes I had 2 different sessions in my next video due to be uploaded soon, I caught one day blanked the next, and I learnt a lot about fish behaviour and as you mentioned crayfish behaviour! its true they dislike the muddy bottoms kinda amused me! great video as always that's why I always watch tight lines and wet knees (fish safety thing)

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Graham, it really is one of those rivers you can't ever have too much of, every swim is as enticing as the last and I wanted to show how contrasting the trips were in showing some realism.

[@gavt3082]

Great video Mark, thank you for sharing your trip with us all. I think blanks are a huge part of getting better because that's when I really start thinking about what I'm doing and how things can improve. After all, if it was simple and we caught a monster every time, it would take a huge amount of the pleasure and achievement out of it. It is called fishing not catching after all! Well done and thank you for sharing Gavin..

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Gavin and I could not agree more with what you have said, this subject is what I touched on during one of my winter chub videos last season, you learn more about yourself as an angler during the harder trips than when the fishing is straight forward. Personally I enjoy watching videos with the odd blank as it is realistic, besides there is always more to a trip then "went fishing caught a fish, went fishing blanked and went home" always so much more to be garnered and enjoyed from such moments,whether that be the understanding of your watercraft or your fishing spirit and ethos. Which is exactly why I wanted to show these two different trips.

[@gavt3082]

Thank you for your reply Mark. I think we approach angling in a similar way. Watched the sun come up this morning through the trees and over a reed bed. Perfect A 12Lb 2oz PB bream helped but it was a magical morning Love the videos.... thank you

[@francolinobasco]

Oh very nice Gavin, that is a fair old Bream, congratulations.

[@itsgottabecarpy3994]

Another fine instalment of your fishing mark. 👍👍

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Barry.

[@geraldswain3259]

Those fish a absolutely mint Mark ,you deserved those fish ,and a bloody good session and video to boot !!!. Regards.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gerald they really were in pristine condition.

[@geraldswain3259]

Mark Erdwin Mark,you couldn't pay me to fish for those boilie bellied pool carp!!!.

[@francolinobasco]

haha thanks Gerald. Do you have any pictures of those Salmon you caught on the Boddington bobbers at all? I'd love to see them. My email address is on my channel page under the "about me" tab and under business enquiries.

[@benwatts2121]

Another good video, well done mark. I'm still yet to catch a barbel can't wait until I do.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Ben they both fought very well, I'm sure you will eventually have a barbel and in my opinion you never forget your first barbus.

[@kevinlawrence7541]

at last ..someone that doesn't mind showing a blank session....too many out there that only show sessions where they catch fish...absolutely brill vid Mark...oh and the 16th is nearly upon us...I can't wait...tight lines mark

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks so much Kevin, that does go on a hell of a lot I am afraid and usually those doing it seem to think everyone else hide their blanks, I have always been one to say about blanks I have had, I have never felt the need to hide such things, we are all human and there is nothing for certain in this world, be that catching fish or how long we will live, we are all going out of it at some point, as such there is no reason to hide such things in hope that you will look superior. Best of luck to you this coming weekend if you are out on the rivers too.

[@kevinlawrence7541]

I'm out on the 18th or 19th Mark going to do a few days and nights on river swale north Yorkshire.......hoping for some chub and barbel....or whatever is willing to sniffle up my bait.....but more important I just want to get out on the bank regardless of if I catch or not....cheers Mark..

[@sme70]

Great video thanks for the time you spend to make them.

[@francolinobasco]

You're most welcome it is a pleasure to share them.

[@delevo51]

Another great video mark!!!it was a joy to watch mate

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Del, it was great to be able to share it with you too.

[@MarkCarp]

nice fishing mark....and no sign of otters sounds like good news👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Mark and yes it was quite relieving not to see any activity.

[@garethjamesplunkett]

Always love your material dude. Cheers

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you Gareth.

[@arthurhaddon2380]

Really enjoy your vids M8 keep em coming ! Hopefully you will chase them big perch again in future vids ! : )

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Arthur, glad that you enjoy them and yes I certainly will be going after perch again this season.

[@markpressley3746]

Nice fishing and watercraft me old mucker really enjoy your videos

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Mark, it's just a real pleasure to be able to share the videos with all of you.

[@jamiahbond7571]

Well done Mark great video. My uncle told me to go on your page and it's really helped me. Keep it up

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Jamiah, it's really good to hear from you and also that the videos/vlogs have been helpful.

[@wokingsaint]

Perfect fish Mark!

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers mate, they were fin perfect.

[@davewalker2167]

Great to see you back on the barbel fishing again chap. Its been a while. Was beginning to think you had given up on them?? Enjoyed them alot & well done, i hear there aint to many left in the blackwater these days?

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Dave, oh no certainly not stopped fishing for the species, they probably make up over thirty of my vlogs/videos on the channel and along with chub are one of my favourite species, I had a trip the other day and landed two barbel, sadly I didn't film though as on arrival to the river I managed to get a size 6 in my finger right next to the finger bone and past the barb, which was not much fun, after much tugging and eye watering I ended up having to use forceps to extract it. The good news was the hook was still sharp and caught me a couple, however my hand and finger looked like an extra from a horror movie lol.

[@jammyjimbob]

Hi Mark, another great roving video as always. I am always so impressed at how light you travel. Would you ever consider a video or perhaps a blog post detailing items like your bag, chair and net etc? Or does one already exist? As an angler who is new to roving I would find it mighty useful. Many thanks.

[@francolinobasco]

Hello Jimbob and thank you, that's a very good suggestion and a few chaps have asked in the past, but I did wonder if it would be of use, on thinking about it from your point of view and also having you suggest it, I guess it would be quite a good idea to share and show what i pack/take with me, or leave out to save on weight.

[@jammyjimbob]

Mark Erdwin I think some of the beauty of fishing is discovering new fishing tackle and accessories however I have wasted so much money on useless items. Having insight from someone like yourself would be a great help to myself and others I think. Would love to see it. Either way, keep up the good work 👍

[@paganoutdoors3193]

Cracking video Mark, them 2 barbel were stunning, beauties indeed, what rod/centerpin was you using please, thanks for taking us along with you, cheers craig

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Craig and you're very welcome, thank you for taking time to view the video and post a comment/question. The centre pin is a marco cortesi (about £30 from sports direct or dragon carp) and the rod is a shimano Vengeance barbel rod (1.75 test curve)

[@deandavy2924]

Stumbled across your videos whilst searching for information on a local river. Can I just ask is this the blackwater in essex? I don't want to ask for any specifics but if it is then it at least gives me a starting reference great vid very informative and well structured 👏

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Dean and no this is actually the Hampshire/berkshire blackwater sorry mate!

[@gazzadon2447]

Hi mark, is this the river in essex, if so its right near me and never knew it had barbel which i go to the river lea for.

[@dieangeln]

Nice one Mark.

[@paulhughes7609]

Well done mark always look forward to your videos.can you tell me who makes the snail boilies as I have been struggling on the river wye this year and would like to give them a try as they seem to work for you.regards Paul Hughes

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Paul and yes you're welcome, they are made by Essential Baits, they have a website/shop if you google their name. They make shelf life black snail or you can purchase them as freezer baits, or if like me you might wish to purchase one of the base mix buckets and roll them to your own liking and consistency.

[@poolyman2011]

you can put some pebbles in with your ground bait to make it sink faster.

[@paulbillingham4594]

Hi Mark Is this the Essex River Blackwater. Great Video!

[@charlottehammond8158]

Amazing 😁

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Charlotte.

[@00markelliott00]

Nice video.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Mark.

[@CB-xr1eg]

Hi Mark. Just a quick question for you. Do you ever fish the rivers for roach, trotting style, or trot a float for any fish? I've watched most of your videos and they seem to be mainly chub, barbel or perch.on leger.

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Clive I do indeed, videos 101 trotting on the blackwater with the speedia (need to get that pin serviced really) and 105 on on the home made Boddington Bobber floats using the j.w youngs purist pin. I am first and foremost a fanatical link leger angler, as some of the smaller waterways that I fish are much more suited to this approach due to surface debris, deadfall and confined swims.

[@stevebrookes7971]

Hi Mark, do you ever use good old fashioned luncheon meat to fish for barbel? I only fish for them a couple of times a year (Severn at Ironbridge) but always find the meat to be the most reliable bait to catch a few. And I 100% agree that a 6lb barbel puts up a stunning fight...especially in a powerful river like the Severn. ATB Steve.

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Steve, yes I use to fish Luncheon meat and tinned sardine a lot quite a long time ago, in fact the latter was one of my favourite winter baits for barbel and chub,but due to the ever increasing population of crayfish which has spiralled out of control on most of my local waterways I do not fish either nowadays and as I recall crayfish are something you thankfully don't have to deal with on the Severn, so I would understand you using it. However some of my Thames tributaries really are that bad for crayfish, just to give some indication as to how bad, last season one of the trappers removed just over 1 ton of crayfish from a few stretches, hence why I won't risk using luncheon meat and prefer to roll boilies to a harder consistency on some of my waterways as this usually ensures that I have a bait that is actively fishing or else I would happily go back to using luncheon meat with regularity.

[@stevebrookes7971]

Thanks Mark, that makes sense. As you say, crayfish have never been an issue for me. My local river Dane is very similar looking to your Blackwater but again no crayfish problems so meat again is my top bait for the lovely chub that live there and also gets me a bonus grayling every now and then. :)

[@1000000trs]

Nice. I'm very much liking the swim analysis Mark - very informative for we less advanced anglers always keen to learn. What strength line and hook length did you go for plz ?

[@francolinobasco]

You're welcome Tim, I was using 12lb shimano technium invisitec and drennan sink braid hooklink material in 12lb. Hook size i usually use an eight or a six depending on bait/bait size.

[@poolyman2011]

how's your mum Mark, as all way's the the darkness provides. Nice looking barbel much better than commercial barbel. keep the vids coming. do you ever fish for grayling?

[@francolinobasco]

Hello Weiwei, that is very good of you to ask and I let her know that you had asked after her, she replied "don't be silly no ones asking after me" But when she saw you had she was pretty surprised and said to politely say thank you for asking. She is ok but suffering from a lot of pain with gout in her feet and legs, despite this she is still doing her best to taxi me about, she really is a one in a million as mothers go and I am very very lucky. No I don't really fish for Grayling mate, but at some point I may do some fshing for them on the Itchen.

[@poolyman2011]

hope she gets well soon Mark :)

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you, as do I as the pain she is suffering from is at times very bad.

[@harryturner3063]

Great video Mark as always and two lovely barbel. I agree with you that barbel in the 7 - 9 lbs range give the hardest fight. As a point of interest I have never heard you mention hemp - do you ever use it in your barbel fishing?

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Harry and thank you, in answer to you regarding hemp that is because I don't use it these days and stopped using it a long time ago, as I felt it was a more common place and at times overly used particle on our rivers. Instead I prefer to use birdseed as my chosen particle and have found it to always perform very admirably, this combined with the fact that a variety of seeds are included in the mixture rather than just the one, I feel has a much better draw to it than hemp alone, especially on many stretches of river where the norm is hemp. Add to this the fact that you also have a natural sugar release with enriched with aniseed content, which if you look back historically and by that I don't mean for other species for which aniseed is commonly regarded as being a good attractant, but barbel especially, although I feel it was never as well publicised for barbel, it is in fact an intergal ingredient which I feel they home in on very well, add to that the mixture of seeds which gives a better base particle to fish over or indeed carpet with than hemp, that is my personal opinion anyway.

[@harryturner3063]

Thanks Mark for explaining your reasons for using birdseed. I presume normal seed from a pet shop or market stall will do? May I ask how you prepare it, is it the same as for hemp? Also how do you add the aniseed, is this in liquid form or as a spice?

[@francolinobasco]

You're welcome Harry, I generally try to keep to a bird seed mix that has aniseed too (not all of them do) the two in particular that I use are Haiths Redband or Bamfords TK conditioner, there is no need to add aniseed to either of these as they come as standard with it. For preparation directions I can recommend the following link below. www.haiths.com/haiths-baits/red-band-pigeon-conditioner-/

[@seanmills8324]

Great vids I fish Blackwater and the river brain and never caught barble where this

[@francolinobasco]

Sean it is the Hampshire/berkshire Blackwater mate.

[@Welcik]

Hi Mark very nice barbel. Where is this River close to the Camberley? Regards Damian

[@francolinobasco]

Thats the one Damian!

[@Welcik]

I have been fishing in the vicinity of a large Tesco for several years and I have never seen a barbel on this river and I am shocked. Which stretch are you fishing on? Thanks Damian

[@choppergibbs100]

Where abouts is this stretch is it a club water or the free stretch? Nice fish, never had anything near that size on the blackwater

[@ibcatchin1]

I truly appreciate keeping it real whilst on the Banx showing that every session is a successful one even having bloopers ... To the 2 haters who gave the thumbs down you know you really liked it that's why your still subscribed to the channel but your such big hater so you did what haters do😂

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Rafa and I'm sure they love me really,perhaps just too insecure with themselves and their own negative personality. I would like to also take this chance to thank them for their extra video views which will empower me to create more videos, thank you chaps ;).

[@robfrancis9992]

Good, genuine video as always Mark. Quick question, are you still using the Symetre 500 for your Chub fishing? I bought today after watching some of your earlier vlogs. Omg, its tiny! Its to team up with an old TFG River & Stream so will hopefully make a nice pair. Tight lines, Rob

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Rob (hope I have got that correct), I most certainly am still using the Symetre 500,it is paired with my purist river feeder rod, such a brilliant reel and very light at around 6 ounces, so light that it feels like you are just holding a rod and nothing else. Haha yup it is an exceptionally small reel, it does garner some comments, I have even had people call it a "toy" reel, however it packs a high performance experience into a light body, with a very smooth clutch and has landed me many species, from river perch, to carp,barbel and chub. I hope it gives you a long and pleasurable experience too.

[@robfrancis9992]

Thanks for the reply Mark, Ive fitted it to the rod and your right, you can hardly feel its there. I only really fish close in on small rivers so I think it will suit me well. It feels 'right' for flicking baits out accurately too as its so light. I use 6lb line as I think you do, what brand do you prefer? Do you ever get issues with the small coils due to the small spool? Cheers, Rob

[@francolinobasco]

Trust me Rob you will love every fish you land on that reel, it is a joy to use. You're much the same as myself I have had people say to me "thats tiny where are you going to fish with that" fact is on most small to medium rivers 70/80 yards of line is more than enough on a little reel. Yes you will find there is a bit more coiling due to a smaller spool, which is sadly endemic to most smaller reels, however I found that when I switched a few seasons ago to the Shimano invisitec line (6lb) that the coiling has been a lot better. So might be worth you purchasing and loading with a spool of that.

[@robfrancis9992]

I tried the 500fl today Mark, no fish to test it unfortunately, I saw some nice Chub but the river was so low they just didn't want to know! No issues with coiled line and it's really light when carrying the rod from swim to swim too. I usually use Korum Xpert line but will get a spool of the Invisitec to try soon. Cheers, Rob

[@francolinobasco]

Hello again Rob, it's good to hear that you have had your first fishing trip with it, I am looking forwards to seeing/hearing about you christening it, which judging by your sightings of those chub won't be too far away.

[@andrewoconnor8902]

Is this Blackwater river in Hampshire. Great video

[@francolinobasco]

That is correct :)

[@andrewoconnor8902]

@@francolinobasco wow all the years I've fished there I only Hever caught a few babies on float and maggot but just thought they must have came in on flood water. Really good catchs mate well worth the effort

[@stevedouble3664]

A Blackwater barbel is always a result, two in a session is top work! Agree re fighting qualities...8/9lb is their optimum fighting weight in my view.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Steve and I definitely agree with you on that too.

[@lukedrew2043]

Is this the black water that runs though northcamp and camberley

[@lukedrew2043]

??

[@leesurman2331]

Hello Mark I just want to tell you that I think you are a fantastic angler I have subscribed to your channel and I have watched just about every 1 ov your videos and watched you catch some real specimens. I think you are a lovely bloke. But I just want to be honest with you mark you really have to start thinking about your weight mate and I don't mean this in any way horrible mate I my self had to do it. If you need to chat feel free to reply

[@francolinobasco]

Wow thank you Lee, I have actually lost nearly 3 stone as it happens :)

[@danieltrisnan2395]

When you go fishing how long do u go for ?

[@francolinobasco]

Hello Daniel that very much depends and varies based on firstly the time available or alloted and then that is tailored to what I will plan to fish for and how I will apply myself and also whether I will film, as filming does add up to extra, as you do then have to think about other factors rather than just focusing on fishing. However as some insight during these particular trips I fished from 8pm in the evening till around 2am So around six hours each per trip.

[@geraldswain3259]

Forgot to say, 158 views and only 15 likes !..come on chaps ,show your appreciation ,it's just bloody laziness!!..or being forgetful.

[@francolinobasco]

Gerald that really is kind of you to be so supportive mate, thank you.