Monster Barbel and Chub | Alan Stagg | River Thames

Monster Barbel and Chub | Alan Stagg | River Thames
Alan Stagg has enjoyed an incredible few weeks fishing on the River Thames and has landed some huge Barbel and Chub. In this film, Alan runs through his tackle, bait, chosen rigs and how he goes about locating big fish from this mighty river.
#fishing #fishingvideo #barbelfishing #chubfishing

[@lewisholmar2454]

A Brilliant brace. Fantastic. Alan.

[@TargetSpecimen]

Thanks Lewis! We hope you enjoyed the film.

[@lewisholmar2454]

That Chub Matched My PB from the Upper Thames Caught in the Late 80's

[@walkingwithgiants1]

A great and modest angler, inspired me for a long time. A quality presentation indeed.

[@TargetSpecimen]

Thanks for the very kind words and we're glad you enjoyed the film!

[@beardconfidence]

Cracking little vid guys. Some top tips and mega fish! Looking forward to more content from the channel. Will have to get out chubbing soon. This has certainly whetted the appetite.

[@TargetSpecimen]

Thanks for the comment and we're glad you enjoyed the video.

[@chrisponsford1327]

Excellent Staggy ,you might have encourage this old fella to go out in the dark for a chuck using your tactics and rigs .👍😀

[@TargetSpecimen]

Thanks for the kind words Chris and we hope you're well!

[@MUCKER671]

Great video bud, lovely atmosphere..😊 i film a lot of free fishing spots on the Thames for people with disabilities but haven't been able to fish the last couple of years. Was gagging before your vid but now i can't sleep co's of it.. Lol..😂 Plans to film June 16th in me Bellyboat either Chertsey or Shepperton.🤔🤞Thanks for the vid bud..⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Inspiring..

[@TargetSpecimen]

Thanks for the feedback and we're really pleased you enjoyed the film!

[@thebarbelproject]

Cracking video guys 👍🏻

[@TargetSpecimen]

Thank you and we're glad you enjoyed it!

[@daveewens6578]

Brilliant

[@TargetSpecimen]

Thanks Dave and we're glad you enjoyed the film!

[@derekmay8679]

I would love to see exactly what is living in the mighty Thames.... Theres stories of police divers seeing huge fish over time... The carp are over 50 now,barbel ,chub are all getting huge... Anglers hook fish that just power off and break you etc... My uncle saw something huge in Abingdon in the 80s...reckoned it was easy 6ft long.... I think there would be some huge surprises in there if you could drain it ...

[@TargetSpecimen]

This is one of a number of reasons why fishing the Thames is so exciting. We hope you enjoyed the film.

[@oldgreg1]

6ft long in the Thames is either a catfish or a canoeist!!

[@derekmay8679]

@@oldgreg1 would have been a dead canoeist lol...it was just under surface as I remember it...lol...I always said Catfish...Then to think that fish may well still be in there .....

[@oldgreg1]

@@derekmay8679 could of been a cat, not sure how many places in oxland had cats in the 80s. Orchid club lake possibly? Long li e the mystery!

[@derekmay8679]

@@oldgreg1 Cats to 50 lb plus in Thames...another at 67 lb recently caught in the river Trent ...they're recorded catches too...,

[@smurflover6275]

3:43

[@hughjeale1948]

Really enjoyed this video. One question: if you had to chose one month to fish for Thames barbel which would it be? Obviously each year conditions are different, but just assume the river is prime for that specific month.

[@TargetSpecimen]

Great question! October can be very good as can the middle of February until the end of the season.

[@hughjeale1948]

Thank you Alan. Definitely agree with you on this one. I think I prefer February onwards as the river is usually clear of any floating debris by then @@TargetSpecimen

[@readie2sr]

Great watch! Can I ask why 15lb flouro as hooklink?

[@TargetSpecimen]

A great question! Alan prefers to use fluorocarbon as it's more subtle compared to skinned or braided hook links. When it's carefully straighten out (as shown in the video) it settles perfectly straight on the riverbed.. Alan loves Mirage fluorocarbon as although 15lb may seem strong to some anglers, it's able to deal with any large carp or barbel that are often encountered when fishing big rivers such as the Thames. It is also able to deal with initial bolt when a fish picks up the hook bait, where some inferior fluorocarbon hook links can fracture or snap. We hope this helps!

[@filbertuk1]

Super first vid for the channel. What in-line leads do you use Alan and how do you rig them? Cheers.

[@TargetSpecimen]

We're glad you enjoyed our first video and thanks for the question. The leads featured in this video are 2oz flat pear inline leads from Gardner Tackle. They are used in conjunction with a size 8 Covert Kwik Lok Swivel (and a Covert Anti-Tangle Sleeve) so it's very easy and quick to change the hook link. There's no need for a leader of any kind above the lead as the Hydro Tuff main line that Alan uses sinks really well and is very abrasion resistant. We hope this helps!

[@filbertuk1]

Excellent 👍 Thanks 👍

[@TargetSpecimen]

You're welcome! @@filbertuk1

[@stevehodges4092]

@@TargetSpecimen Hi, A Great video and some good tips. I tried to purchase some 2oz flat pear inline leads from Gardner Tackle but they do not appear to be in stock anywhere. Is there a shortage of them or can you suggest where they may be available, Thanks.

[@mattwilson836]

Excellent video Alan What bobbins do you use please ? Can you add or remove weights too ?

[@TargetSpecimen]

Hi Matt, thanks for your comment and we're lad you enjoyed the film. Alan was using Micro Bugs from Gardner Tackle. Bug weights can be purchased and fitted to the bobbin if extra weight is needed. We hope this helps!

[@mattwilson836]

Brilliant Thanks for the reply

[@TargetSpecimen]

@@mattwilson836 You're welcome Matt!

[@wayne3006]

Not sure I'd ever recommend using a stronger breaking strain hooklink that my main line! Normally the other way round for presentation and fish safety reasons....

[@TargetSpecimen]

Hi Wayne, thanks for your comment. Our Hydro Tuff main line that Alan uses breaks (with a good knot) above the 12lb breaking strain that is stated on the spool. It's a very abrasion resistant line and able to deal with hooking large barbel and carp that inhabit many stretches of the Thames. We hope this helps!

[@streetcat1510]

What Make of Rod were you using, Thanks.

[@thetreeoflifegardeningserv9590]

When you are coming to fish a bit upstream in Oxford ?😊

[@TargetSpecimen]

So many great stretches to explore. It's just finding the time....

[@Accyboom]

What test curve rods does alan use on the thames

[@TargetSpecimen]

Thanks for your question. Alan uses 11 foot 1.75lb test curve rods, which have a lovely playing action but enough power to deal with big barbel in high water conditions. We hope this helps.

[@Accyboom]

@TargetSpecimen yes great video. Lots of tips in a short time. Well done. Good work.

[@TargetSpecimen]

@@Accyboom That's great to hear and we're pleased you enjoyed the film!

[@Accyboom]

@TargetSpecimen I just also want to mention that although you do have to mention gardner products in no way was it over the top and not a complete advert like some companies. It was plenty of good advice from a great angler. Really enjoyed it.

[@TargetSpecimen]

@@Accyboom We really appreciate your feedback and kind words.

[@DarrenJamiesonJamieson]

There's a swim on The Tidal Thames: Carp 30+, Barbel 17+, Roach 3. 12oz, Saw a perch over 10lb. Nearby the largest pike ever to be caught on a lure. 🖕 Next time I fish it Chub 7+

[@TargetSpecimen]

Good luck!