Barbel Fishing - Big BARBEL on the pin! (Video 153)

[@DjDolHaus86]

Landing that beast was like trying to have a sword fight in a game of kerplunk, wonderful angling as always. What a creature and what a way to catch it

[@francolinobasco]

I absolutely love how you have said this. I really could not sum that up any better, it was like sword fight in a game of kerplunk haha. You've made me chuckle and I think your comment is worthy of being pinned to the top of this video page.

[@esppaul644]

Fantastic angling mark, not only using a pin but also only using one rod. The barbel was immaculate and well deserved, effort=reward

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much Paul. I generally feel using one rod is a case of less is better, as it is easy to over load swims on small rivers and spook fish.

[@davidhaddon2854]

Short session, single rod and centre pin FANTASTIC Mark

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks David, sometimes those short trips just cannot be beaten, I rarely use two rods these days, less really is more at times.

[@davidhaddon2854]

@@francolinobasco Cor thanks for your reply Mark . I only use centre pins these days , not many do for big fish , but the full on contact and control plus the sheer thrill is addictive to put it mildly. Thats what attracted me to your vids seeing you using your pin. Tight lines mate , Dave .

[@costas_karpi]

OMG....What a fish! your right, no words required....What a beauty !!!

[@francolinobasco]

Heya Costas, too right sometimes being simply speechless is the best use of silence. Happy Christmas to you too.

[@michaels247]

I love your Videos. So I get hope to catch in small rivers, too. Nice landscape, nice rivers, good filmed and a sympathetic fisher! Great!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much Michael and good luck to you on the small rivers too.

[@Maschinensatan]

Barbelfishing, bloody hell! A great Video, thank you very mich

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers it was a well built fish and good battle. You're welcome. Thank you for watching and wishing you a Merry Christmas.

[@neilsmith7547]

Well what more can I say mark. Big congratulations on that massive barbel. Brilliant video again mark. Awesome fight.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Neil, must say the fight knackered me, heart going ten beats to the second, or so it felt! Happy Christmas to you.

[@RichardParsons65]

Nicely done, Mark. I've been using a 'pin exclusively for a number of years, for barbel, whether the river be the Dove or Trent and agree that there's really nothing as exhilarating as hearing the reel scream off, and the ensuing fight with a large barbel. I've had them to 14-10 from the Dove and I use braid mainline as well as a braid hooklink (obviously with a soft through-actioned rod). The Loddon looks like a lovely little river with bags of potential. Well done, again.

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Richard and thank you, it was a fraught battle but the feeling of control with the pin is quite maginificent as you well know yourself from being a fellow pin user. The Loddon is in my blood from an early age and without wishing to sound overly melodramatic, if you cut me open you'd find me bleed some of this river. Like many rivers it has seen its better days but there are still good fish to be caught for those whom persevere and learn that fishing isn't just about bites but the complete picture.

[@markbuckingham125]

Great video again Mark. Please keep making them.

[@francolinobasco]

Why cheers Mark and I will try to keep on keeping on. Merry Christmas to you and your son.

[@MrDorsetD]

Classic barbel fight and exhilarating viewing, Mark. 👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Steve, it was a hard fought and fraught scrap. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@MrDorsetD]

@@francolinobasco All the best and I hope you have a happy and fruitful 2020.

[@eddiefettin1798]

Well that barbel beat you up good and proper, excellent fish and on the pin. keep the great vids coming.

[@francolinobasco]

Didn't it just! Got the old ticker pumping a bit too haha. I'll have to be careful in future with bank sticks creeping up behind me as well lol. Cheers and a very Merry Christmas to you Eddie.

[@wokingsaint]

Absolute stonker Mark, great video as always.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks mate, fair old scrap too, especially with a bank stick trying to take me from behind oooh errr LOL.

[@BUFF498]

Mark, Well what a fish and that’s not even your PB. What a way to reinforce the message that you have given on many of your other videos. It does not matter what type of fishing you do Lakes or Rivers every trip is a learning experience to review amend and change things and to try a different approach and learn the venue thoroughly and eventually the rewards will come. May I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a great new year.👍

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there John and cheers, it was a special one and after having a few tough trips I was very happy to be rewarded to say the least! Happy Christmas to you and your loved ones too! I'll pass your festive message on to the family.

[@esoxchris]

Beautiful Mark well done loved it 👍🏻

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Chris, have to say aside from struggling on the perch front I am enjoying this season. Would kill for a decent perch before the end.

[@michealtaylor6038]

What a brilliant fish mark, welcome to the 14 club my biggest being 14lb8oz got one last season of 14lb 1oz absolutely over the moon for you!

[@francolinobasco]

Heya there Michael, thank you very much, whilst it is not my overall barbel pb, it is my largest on the centre pin and means the world to me. Merry Christmas to you!

[@insideout2600]

Put exactly right . what a fish . wow !

[@francolinobasco]

I could not agree more :D

[@delevo51]

A monster barbel well done mark

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Del :D

[@markfrosttiling936]

Superb fishing Mark. Good luck in the new season.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you and good luck to you also.

[@philiplloyd7189]

Ow my God where have I bin..just came across your vid man can not stop watching Well done ..corker

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Philip! Thank you kindly Sir.

[@paulbaker3465]

Now that is a beautiful fish

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Paul, she was immaculate .

[@rawsonandperrin]

Wow! What a stonking fish. Congrats!

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Rawson! Merry Xmas :-)

[@billmalcolm1441]

What. A....Fishy! lol - awesome

[@francolinobasco]

haha Malc! Yes made my day mate. Sorry for the delay in replying just had a throat cancer scare which I was given the all clear on (camera down nose/throat) and my fathers dementia has not been so good lately. I hope that you are keeping well.

[@banktobankfishing6486]

A brilliant fish, couldn’t be caught by a more appreciative person! Well done Mark 👍🏻

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers mate I couldn't have said it better as appreciative I was and some. Really enjoyed your chub video by the way, watched it a few days ago and meant to comment then (have done now). Merry Christmas to you.

[@boldersa]

Hi Mark, what a splendid evening/night to be out on, it was lovely to hear the pheasants going up to roost and the call of the owls in the still of the night and then to top it off with a barbel such as that , it's no wonder you were on a high. Anyway, happy New year and I hope a good one for you, best regards Andy.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Andrew. Yes after the lean spell it was nice to not only connect with one of them but also a bit of a brute such as this. As you could tell she beat me up good and proper. Glad to see you back out on your new video and enjoying yourself alongside your brother for company too. Sadly the last few days my fathers dementia has got worse and he now cannot do his own blood sugar readings or insulin, he gets up and sits around in his long johns and is very irate and confused. also his blood sugar readings have gone haywire and through the roof. I spent yesterday at hospital and day before at the doctors and looks like today will be the same with an emergency appointment to GP needed. I can't really control the emotions I am currently feeling for him as I'm very very sad about it all. It seems I am losing him to dementia badly and it is like the last 72 hours someones switched off a huge part of his memory.

[@boldersa]

@@francolinobasco Mark I am very sorry to hear about your father's condition, and I cannot begin to imagine how you and your family are feeling and what you are going through at the moment, dementia is one of the cruelist, for both the person who is affected and for their loved ones especially in the early and mid stages when they are aware that something is wrong. My deepest sympathies to you and your family Mark.

[@martingleeson2362]

Nice vid Mark always enjoy your fishing vids. Happy New year Mark.

[@MidlandAngler]

Fantastic ... and well earned as always

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Baz! You soon forget the quieter trips with a fish like it. Merry Christmas to you too.

[@timjames6190]

Stonker mark what a fish

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Tim! Hope you also have a good Christmas :-)

[@456graper]

Cracking barbel Mark!!!!! Gave a great fight. Wish weather would sort itself out as dying to get back on the bank. Have a great Christmas 👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Graham! Argh yep, good for barbel not so great if you plan other things, or cannot get near a river where the flooding is worse .Have a Good Christmas mate!

[@456graper]

Mark Erdwin Thanks Mark!!

[@longnetter]

Cracking video Mark and stunning bertie what a fight we'll done. Loved the other wildlife sounds of pheasants going to roost also the owls hooting away. Well worth the wait 👏👌👍

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Mr Smith. The wildlife really makes it perfect, sets an atmosphere that an angler could listen to for a few lifetimes.

[@Rob-zq8sy]

OMG what a fish, end of the rainbow stuff or what (yes I know it was dark but you get the gist!!) :-)

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Rob. Haha yes I get your meaning. It was light at the end of the tunnel after a fairly lean spell.

[@DBCooper2]

Wonderful stuff from the modern day “Mr Crabtree” Thanks for sharing Mark.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you John and you are most welcome mate.

[@mattmatt4847]

You’re a lovely chap and that’s a well deserved fish. Merry Christmas! X

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you Matt, that is too kind of you, but honestly I do have my cynical moments and can be a grumpy git at times, but I try to keep a bit of a reign on it when possible. Merry Christmas to you too mate!

[@andredevries4987]

That is à very big barbel. Nice catch mark. I wish you and your family à very Nice christmas and à happy and fishy newyear. Gr André from Holland .

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Andre! Thank you she was a beautiful fish and I was very fortunate. Thank you so much for the Christmas message and I give you the same. Be healthy, happy and here is to a good start to a fresh New Year for you and your loved ones.

[@cliffordjackson1791]

great vid mate well done

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Clifford, glad you enjoyed it!

[@doogled6749]

proper fishing.

[@francolinobasco]

I won't disagree with you at all on that!

[@alexpeach6615]

well done mate cracking clean fish. merry christmas!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Alex, she was a very clean fish. Merry Christmas back at you too mate.

[@janjr7357]

Hi Mark, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and good 2020. And keep the lines tight again. Greetings Jan 👍👍

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Jan, I also hope you are well mate, thank you for the Christmas message and I wish you a good 2020 and more important Good health!

[@janjr7357]

@@francolinobasco Also wish you a lot of health Mark . And many PB for 2020.

[@lukehollinrake3457]

that fish looks light i bet it will put on a couple of pounds yet 👍what a fish . rare as rocking horse up north on ribble

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Luke, yes she has room to fill out much, more maybe a couple of more pounds by the back end of the season. Merry Christmas to you.

[@sme70]

Happy Christmas ,looking forward to vid

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Sme! Happy Christmas to you too mate!

[@itsgottabecarpy3994]

Fantastic mark what a fish and a mega battle getting it in . Quality as always mate. 👍👏👏👏

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Barrie! Heck yes it was quite a scrap to say the least.

[@ericfuhrich8643]

Hello Mark The king of the night on the river!! for fishing what else!!! big fishs only!!! congratulations see you soon

[@francolinobasco]

Bonjour Eric. Merci it was a good battle with this fish. joyeux Noël a toi !

[@ericfuhrich8643]

@@francolinobasco thank you very much joyeux noel et plein de cadeaux!

[@scottshepherd5230]

Belting barbel, well done Mark. Cracking video as always, keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Scott, hope all is going well with the carp fishing. Merry Christmas to you too mate.

[@bartomiejbiba9333]

One of my favorite channels on YT. Beautiful barbell.

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you so much fishing in the shade! She was a very healthy fish. Merry Christmas to you.

[@bartomiejbiba9333]

@@francolinobasco I like fishing in secret. :) Merry Christmas Mark.

[@allanforsdick6636]

Outstanding

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Allan, it was a very welcome fish.

[@rayhensford8157]

top angling mark brilliant video you get better and better happy xmas tight lines

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Ray, sometimes I get luckier and everyone needs a bit of fortune, especially after the blanks prior. Happy Christmas to you and best wishes for 2020.

[@shippo1159]

Beast mode activated. What a fish Mark congratulations 🎊

[@francolinobasco]

Hah Clive yes something like that mate, a very welcome otter dodger indeed. Have a good Christmas mate.

[@johnburling9969]

Congratulations mark cracking fish nothing like playing them on the pin 🎣👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks John and no you're right there is nothing, absolutely nothing like hearing that pin sing or playing them on one. Merry Christmas to you.

[@barbelwhisperer303]

Just watched this again Mark, it's such a superb looking specimen. Guess the 3 haters are loving it too because they cannot stand seeing you holding a fish like that! Tight lines and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Whisperer, as your name suggests I thought you'd enjoy it. Haters will be what they will be as will trolls. Kill them with kindness and more videos ;).

[@yellownev]

Great passion great fish and such enthusiasm a really enjoyable watch thank you.

[@francolinobasco]

You are very welcome Nev. Happy Christmas to yourself.

[@Kevin-rh5li]

Top angling Mark

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Kevin. Merry Christmas to you.

[@billmalcolm1441]

What an epic session! Wow. I would definitely be on cloud 9 if I had caught such a monster. Amazing angling as ever.

[@francolinobasco]

I was overjoyed although that scrap in the pin nearly did me in.

[@FERDIEBRUNO]

GUDONYA MATE. NICE BARBEL ON THE PIN! HAPPY NEW DECADE!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much Ferdie and the same to you!

[@richardduce1209]

Clonking fish after a relative lean spell from all accounts. Well done. Inspiration for me to keep going during lean spells.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Richard! Yes it was a lean barbel spell and so nice to pick such a fish up, although the scrap nearly done me in lol. Yes you have to just keep on trying and as I say sometimes push those blank trips to one side.

[@barbelwhisperer303]

Looking forward to this Mark!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks, pretty lucky to be fair.

[@grzegorzjacek3571]

Nothing to say, Master.Happy Christmas.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Grzegorz and a Happy Christmas to you too!

[@rosstaylor3741]

Magic mate just magic what a lovely fish.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Ross, I was buzzing to say the least.

[@Georgeolddrones]

Thanks mark love the video 🎣👍 from my family to your family happy Christmas 🎄👍🎣🎣

[@francolinobasco]

You're very welcome George and a Healthy Christmas to yourself and your family and a safe start to 2020.

[@jamesb99]

First time I have commented. Fantastic barbel and a great video keep up the good work and well done!.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you James for taking the time to stop by and comment, it means a lot and helps with the video being recommended by youtube more so thank you for stopping by and watching as well as commenting. Merry Christmas!

[@stephenisom6089]

well done mark 1st class as always the length of that fish is amazing and in perfect condition . catching from flooded rivers can be tricky babel are one of those fish that like high water but are not easy fish to catch ,and not all rivers run to form ,for example all the books say chub like rafts of debris and hang around them for years i read that ,and although i have caught many chub over the years never once from under or near a raft of debris,on some rivers that may be the case ,you have to fish rivers for a while then you find their holding places in winter and summer ,and they may be close in area but fish differently ,and rivers change over the years and thats what i enjoy about rivers they are more of a challenge ,well mark cracking video our rivers are a no go as they are to high 8 weeks now ,looking forward to the new year and getting down the river again ,so mark merry Christmas again and a great 20 20..tight lines,

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Stephen, thank you mate, now that is very true indeed, especially what you say about uniform stretches of river providing good chub fishing, it truly is surprising how such areas go overlooked, in fact someone ones said to me "all you need to do to catch a chub is find any tree roots or snags on a river and cast to it" which was quite a bad generlisation to say the least. My rivers are currently in the red, at elast ones I want to fish, so I feel your pain Stephen, but will the rain ever stop :(. Happy Christmas mate and here's to a slightly less wet start to 2020.

[@FERDIEBRUNO]

GUDONYA MATEY! HAPPY NEW YEAR! LUV YOUR VLOGS! TIGHT LINES FOR 2020! WISH I CUD TALK LIKE YOU! GUDONYA MATEY

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Ferdie, glad that you enjoy the vlogs too.

[@harryturner3063]

Another most enjoyable video Mark. What a great decision to skip dinner at home! What a scrap and you were rewarded with an enormous and beautiful looking barbel played most skilfully on the pin, well done. I have a centre pin reel myself, keep meaning to try it out but haven’t had the courage to give it a go whilst barbel fishing. I fished all day on the Warks Avon yesterday as the level had dropped a little but was disappointed with the water temperature of 5.7c. I had just one take all day and then managed to lose a nice barbel which had been on for a couple of minutes. Most annoying as that makes three lost barbel in the last four trips. You deserved that huge barbel Mark after displaying so much patience over many hard trips. A very Happy Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@francolinobasco]

Hey Harry! Yes Nic mentioned you'd lost one, way it goes, pretty gutting though especially when you have lost a 3 on the bounce. I would recommend getting the pin out and giving it a go, it is a brilliant way to play them and gives a good amount of control, just takes a little getting use to. Happy Christmas to yourself and family and wishing you many more Avon Barbel.

[@andymurphy6478]

Congratulations Mark on the barbel PB on Centerpin 😀👍 This is also my first comment, having watched your channel for the past year or so, but the fight that one gave you made my laugh out loud and I just wanted to congratulate you landing it successfully! Your comment about patience also rings true as I've been chasing my first barbel on the river Wey for some time now without luck. Next time though 😉

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Andy and thank you for stopping by to type a comment. Heck yes this fish put me to the sword somewhat! Yes you need controlled impatience always and I hear you regarding the River Wey, just got to keep on keeping on at times. I hope you eventually get your well earned reward too. Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@kevinmatthews4070]

Great fisherman great result 👍🏻

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Kevin, every squirrel finds an acorn or two once in a while. Merry Christmas to you :)

[@georgemarch6752]

That is a monster.i have caught 3 barbel in my whole life and they were from a lake so I sort of feel I’m cheating.I am from Norfolk and it’s frustrating that I never got to fish the wensum when it was barbel heaven.but I’m heading down to the middle Severn in February to fish for barbel so hopefully will get a few.merry Christmas.

[@francolinobasco]

Hey George thank you! Yes the Wensum at its peak was pretty good for barbel, sadly predation changed that pretty swiftly. I hope you get a few barbel off the Severn too! Merry Christmas to you as well :)

[@larryroberts1844]

What a fish Mark well done she bashed you, but you won on points lol

[@francolinobasco]

Didn't she just Larry, she killed me nearly lol.

[@petewilson1093]

Well done Mark, love your enthusiasm and dogged determination. Keep up the good work mate and hope 2020 brings more great fish resulting in more great videos.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Pete, sometimes as my dad would say "you just have to keep plugging away" my persona allows me to be a bit like a dog with a bone at times, which is hinderance in some things such as arguments and a positive trait in other things such as the above fish. Merry Christmas to you and hoping you have a safe healthy beginning to 2020.

[@petewilson1093]

Thanks Mark, you too mate :-)

[@geraldhino2009]

Bravo

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Geraldo :D

[@Arfabiscuit]

Magnificent specimen Mark a once in a lifetime fish for mortals .

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Arfa, one I was very lucky to land.

[@timjames6190]

Been a quiet one my friend but nice hope yours has been fun , have happy new year tight line and new memories for 2020 👍

[@marcusalbert9816]

Absolute beaut! Very inspiring.i Must get out this weekend..no whiskers at my local but some decent chub

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Marcus and thank you so much, she was rather fine. Good luck to you on the chub front as they are one of my favourite species. Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@peterrobinson6355]

Added to my collection of your videos mate brilliant as usual. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Peter! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones too :D

[@thebones]

Amazing Mark, I felt like I was right there, especially as a centre-pin angler for large French carp. I don't know which species but sooner or later you will be a U.K. record holder.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Bones! Heck yes there is nothing like playing fish like it on a pin, I find it odd when I go back to using a fixed spool at times, it works and is nice enough but feels lacking in control and perhaps could be said as feeling a little soulless in some ways. That is a very kind thing of you to say regarding records, who knows! Merry Christmas to you too.

[@thebones]

@@francolinobasco :-)

[@peterthomas9632]

As always a brilliant video I just love watching you fish Mark you’re so enthusiastic which whets the appetite to get me out on the bank. Merry Christmas Mark 👍👍

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Peter! Happy Christmas to you too.

[@peterthomas9632]

Mark Erdwin merry Christmas to you too Mark 👍👍👍🎄🎄🎄

[@johnmule9656]

Awesome Barbel!!!! A merry Christmas to you and have a productive New Year on the bank!!!

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there John! Thank you and the same to yourself, hope you get out over the festive period for a bit of fishing too.

[@johnmule9656]

.... family commitments allowing, I fully intend to.....!!!

[@logan1227]

Very nice barbel, Im still yet to get out this season and get one

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Logan, you should give it a go at some point .

[@sullysullivan9320]

Truly a fish of dreams. Good job mate 👍 Merry Christmas and Happy new year.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Sully!

[@sullysullivan9320]

@@francolinobasco you're welcome mate.

[@louiscarpfishing4348]

👏👏👏👏

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Louis!

[@davewalker2167]

Superb chap..back on the barbel.luv it. Ur enthusiasm is infectious as always, look forward to the next video.whats it gonna be?? 🤔🖒

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Dave! Who knows maybe perch, chub, barbel or pike. Merry Christmas mate.

[@eric41140]

Hello Mark, this is still one question, probably already asked. Why do you use center pin? for the fun?? it's for stick float to the origine? thanks see you soon

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you for asking Eric. I sent you a message on instagram and I hope you enjoy your new centre pin reel when you purchase one.

[@eric41140]

@@francolinobasco THANKS AND SEE YOU SOON

[@richardwalker4220]

Great video Mark! Is that Essential black snail boilies yr using?

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Richard and do excuse my slow reply as I recently had a health scare regarding throat cancer which turned out at least thus far negative. Yes they are the Essential Baits black snail boilies.

[@richardwalker4220]

@@francolinobasco thanx 4 reply Mark Hope everything turns out ok fella!

[@troutking7986]

Great stuff Mark, a fantastic barbel, congratulations. I was just thinking; I fish the Loddon periodically, but never with the same success as you. Have you been prebaiting the swim for some days (weeks?) before fishing and catching beauties like that? Also, from a filming point of view, as anglers we all know, whatever the discipline, the best and most exciting moment is the take (or bite) itself rather than the actual fight with the fish. Maybe you could try and get more of these (rare and infrequent I know) captured on film. For example You could use a bite alarm to signal the bite when fishing in the dark ( I appreciate you don’t actually need one for fishing purposes). Keep up the brilliant channel and all best for Christmas.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Dave, glad you enjoyed it. I never pre bait, in fact I'd say that I have not pre baited any area of the Loddon during the last decade, let alone days or weeks. I do obviously bait up lightly whilst fishing, but I actually hate the idea of people putting in pre bait as some (not all) seemingly like to pile it in with the thoughts that more and more baiting will increase their chances, far from it and having witnessed this on plenty of occasions on the Loddon and other small rivers it has usually lead to me to try to rationalise with said anglers but they think you're trying to stop them for your own ends, rather than trying to understand less is really more. I am not against some light baiting up prior with some bits of paste or the odd boilie but on some areas of this river I have witnessed people taking buckets of pellets and boilies down and literally emptying them in, then they complain how the rivers not feeding, not good at all. Believe me I would like to film the take but remember at night this isn't so easy as it would mean during the build up to the take that I would have to put my 100 l.e.d filming light on the swim and that could well put the kiss of death on many of the bites materalising into fish, especially given the intimate nature of said waterway, other wise risk killing off ones chances totally. Happy Christmas to you too and wishing you a healthy and dare I say peaceful one with some bank side line wetting well away from all the noise and overly commercial side of things.

[@troutking7986]

Mark Erdwin Many thanks for clarifying your approach Mark. Much appreciated. The fact that you clearly don’t prebait is enlightening and encouraging ! I’ll be on the river first week January

[@davehugill8565]

Mark i Bow my head to you Sir what a cracking Barbel credit where it is Due well done

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Dave, it was some tussle too, I was overly relieved to see her slip over the landing net cord. Merry Christmas to you.

[@barbelwhisperer303]

Well that was worth the wait fk me what a beauty!

[@francolinobasco]

Haha yep was a corker to be fair.

[@grahamjones3906]

you need a bigger net ,what a scrap beautiful condition well deserved

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Graham it was a good scrap indeed. No the net is more than ample, it is a "Wychwood quick fold" specimen net 30 inches in diameter. poingdestres.co.uk/wychwood-22-25-30-specimen-quickfold-landing-nets.html

[@wayne3006]

A minute plus of chat whilst holding that barbel isn't good for the fish.. No wonder it needed a good recuperation.....

[@francolinobasco]

Is that the best you can do in the way of trolling my channel on many of my barbel videos... Come now...you can do better than that surely :). Thanks for watching and in doing so helping my channel to be found by other anglers (many of whom are not trolls or dick heads like yourself)