Barbel - Slacks and Creases.

How many other obsessions can spring such huge surprises in the least likely of conditions?
For the avid angler, every nuance of the art is a joy, but, arguably, nothing beats the euphoria of success wrestled from the most adverse of conditions; whether that is simply a nice fish, a personal best or the 'fish of a lifetime'?
NB: George and I would like to apologise for the inclusion of adverts at the beginning of these videos. Throughout, we have striven to avoid any form of advertising within our films, believing that angling should and could be a world beyond the reach of crude commercial interest. Unfortunately Google have changed the rules of engagement so that we can longer prevent it.
Music - I don't know anywhere near as much about classical music as I should but to the best of my sadly failing memory, this is what I used, all of it from royalty free sites readily accessible on the internet.
Adagio for strings - Samuel Barber
Liebestraume S.541 - Franz Lizt
Violin Concerto in F major_II Adagio - Antonio Vivaldi
Violin Concerto in F major_ Autumn - Antonio vivaldi
Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis - Ralph Vaughan Williams

[@rogermorgan23]

Are you Mr. Crabtree reincarnated? "THE" best fishing videos on KZbin (and no company logos!).

[@artificialflight1942]

Thanks Roger. Surely the greatest compliment a couple of young at heart anglers could wish for! Product placement is indeed illegal here.

[@jimknight2331]

Excellent video, nice to watch someone who knows what they are talking about 👏👏👏

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you for watching Jim, much appreciated.

[@MrTim207]

I have watched thousands of angling videos, and fished for many many years. This film has to be one of the best I’ve ever seen. You capture the essence of angling perfectly. Well done, and thank you!

[@artificialflight1942]

Blimey Mr Tim. Praise indeed. We're just so pleased that people are enjoying them in such a miserable period of our lives. Thank you.

[@davesutton6499]

So good to see a fishing video that is about fishing rather than promoting so wonderous bait, reel rod, or line.

[@artificialflight1942]

It would seem the basic requirement Dave. We'd agreed there! Thanks for viewing

[@portcullis5622]

As much as I hate carrying one on a river session, even I would not have sat out in that deluge (at the start of the film) without an umbrella! Lovely film though. The perfect antidote for the depressing fodder that is served up as modern angling 'journalism'.

[@artificialflight1942]

It was a brief burst of heavier rain but of course it seems exaggerated when you miss the light showers either side of it in that clip. We were caught out by that though I must admit! Thank you for your comments, the latter being an interesting observation for sure.

[@jasonw4053]

Yours are some of the best fishing videos ive ever seen, anywhere. Such a soothing and comfortable tone, wonderful narration...just a perfect package. The muted colors of English winter appear identical to winter in Ohio, USA, where im watching from. Love them all, but this one especially above the rest for some reason. I know producing something like this is a lot of work, but boy, would I do a backflip if you made some more! Thanks.

[@artificialflight1942]

Very generous of you, Jason! We're pleased to hear it's not only in the UK where there is an appeal.

[@barbelover]

nice winter fishing video 👍 and beautiful barbel 👌

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you for your comment. Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. Here we are with floods again now! Hopefully a few more barbel to be had...

[@paulharris6886]

So immersing. You capture the spirit of the pursuit that ignited my fascination as a small boy which has remained with me for 55 years. Marvellous 👏

[@artificialflight1942]

Thanks for commenting again Paul. It is appreciated.

[@catchingkipperscatchingkip2130]

What a fantastic, and thoughtful film. I was instantly drawn in by the imagery and poetry in your narration. Fantastic. I am now subscribed, and all it took was the first 10 minutes of this film. Thank you.

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you for those kind words KC! Hopefully at some point this year we might be able to add some more fare to the channel.

[@peterleecatchpole1056]

the magnificent barbel just never gives up i have spent over 15 mins many times waiting for them to revive fully after a fight

[@artificialflight1942]

Thanks for watching and your comment, Peter. Much appreciated

[@threadkel]

The old fashioned way. So perfect and far from the hectic world we live in now. What a fantastic series of films. Well done.

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you for your comments Mick, very kind

[@riveranglertv2311]

Another wonderful production from you guys, your films inject the childhood magic back into angling that is rarely found in today's offerings. That said there is a need and desire for all angling content available to us today. Stay safe and Happy Easter. Thanks Mark 👍

[@artificialflight1942]

Hi Mark, thanks for your kind comments. Very welcome. Look after yourself too.

[@stevequinny]

Unfortunately I've fractured my toe and instead of being at work (or casting a line) I'm stranded at home scouring KZbin for fishing videos and was delighted to watch this! Have to say the zero advertising is wonderfully refreshing. I guess I will watch the rest of them this afternoon 👍

[@artificialflight1942]

That's bad luck Steve, sorry to hear that, but at least you get to watch them! Thanks for the message.

[@robbiemorgan1676]

Truely awsome video ..credit to you 🎣

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you so much Robbie! We're very pleased that you enjoyed it so much

[@marktunleytackletv]

Very lovely filming. Now that's how we like them. More more more. I applaud you. 👍😎👍

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you very much Mark, 'pleased you enjoyed it!

[@eldoncollins7254]

Simply brilliant, totally captures the essence of our chosen passion.

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you so much for confirming that our intentions have been conveyed, as that's certainly what we hoped, and it's very difficult to judge your own stuff isn't it?

[@MidlandAngler]

Simply fantastic George as ever . Your words , opinions and outlook really sit well with me . I personally feel your work is some of the best modern day angling on KZbin . And a perfect tonic at this period of controlled incarceration . Lovely to see you catch a barbel down that end as well . Some very big fish get down there over winter 😊... Kind regards Bazpeck

[@artificialflight1942]

Too kind (again!) Baz. We are hoping it'll add a little bit towards keeping people sane at present.

[@peterthomas9632]

Just found your page. Wow what a breath of fresh air no blatant advertising or outrageously expensive bait. I will be looking out for further vids thank you for sharing. I’m someone who loves my fishing but can’t get out due to knee surgery that went a bit wrong. Oh and then there was something called COVID 19 🤬. Take care 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you very much for your comments Peter. So sorry to hear about your misfortune but hope the films will keep you amused in the meantime

[@chefinwood4706]

Inspirational and poetic. Always a treat. I'm a fan of the no-frills, minimalist approach too. Thanks once again

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you for your comment William. Yes, anything you don't need can stay in the shed!

[@mattjohnson9143]

So nice to watch videos that are about the fishing and watercraft rather than product endorsement. Simple tactics and being able to read the water will always work. The latest bait or rod does not catch anymore fish.

[@artificialflight1942]

Spot-on Matt. 'Good of you to take the time comment, thank you

[@minkyandbear]

Thank you for posting another excellent film George, it really captures the feeling of being on the bank perfectly. Roll on the pleasure of wetting a line once again.

[@artificialflight1942]

Oh good, thanks for that thought, an angle we hadn't thought about before. Yes, the sooner we get back on the water the better for all of us.

[@PESCUITSPORTIVcuMike]

Absolutely brilliant filming, a true pleasure to watch, thank you so much for sharing

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you Mike. Very pleased that you enjoyed it so much

[@alexandermcbride]

Just watched this and absolutely brilliant. Natural fishing at its best. A joy to watch. thanks for sharing and you have a new subscriber. Keep up the good work lads.

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you for your kind message Alexander. We intend to do a bit more...when we are let out again!

[@briantimson1397]

Quality production, narrative and fishing.. well done...

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you very much for your kind words Brian

[@portcullis5622]

The point about the satisfaction of success against the odds sums up a lot of my fishing. A decent fish on a cold winter's day from a difficult venue is always more enjoyable and memorable than a similar fish caught in comfortable summer conditions.

[@artificialflight1942]

...or even a number of easily caught fish! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@MidlandAngler]

That’s THAT fish 😉😉it all adds up now ... fantastic George .. fantastic !!

[@artificialflight1942]

You got it Baz!

[@walkingwithgiants1]

A beautiful well shot little film, great angling, great content, thank you, subscribed :-)

[@artificialflight1942]

Thanks for joining us WWG1!

[@tutts999]

A wonderful piece work. Sums up perfectly why we make the effort to go angling.

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you Tone, very pleased you were happy with it.

[@paulhughes7609]

Just to say what a wonderful film and the music was very relaxing and looking forward to some more films thank you

[@artificialflight1942]

Not sure whether we failed to reply to you or whether YT is playing-up but we really appreciate your kind words Paul. Thank you

[@TheCherriesTV]

Very much enjoyed again. Love the short films, keep them coming

[@artificialflight1942]

Glad to be keeping you amused! Just started a new one today as it happens. Thanks for your continuing interest.

[@jamesatkinsfishing]

another brilliant video, starting to love your films,bring back a lot of memories to me, please make more.thank you again

[@artificialflight1942]

Thanks again for you comments, James It's great to hear peoples thoughts on what we're doing as it makes it all the more worthwhile

[@Cloudrider11]

Fabulous. Been anticipating another episode for a while. Thank you. A blessed smile during a rather rubbish time - lockdown 2020. Stay well George.

[@artificialflight1942]

Nice to know it had that effect Nige, thank you indeed!

[@longnetter]

Superb film many thanks. Its certainly been a very testing winter for all us river anglers.

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you Wolfie. There were times when we wondered if the tip would ever go round!

[@rogerdoran8153]

Wonderful video , so well made and informative and so evocative of a more thoughtful era .

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you for you comment Roger. An interesting thought, indeed!

[@123scruffydog]

Now there's film to warm the heart. Wonderful stuff, yet again. Bravo sir ..bravo

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you for your interest and the kind of comment we just love to receive. "Heart warming" is what a few people have called the films and it's a constant concern that it won't hit the mark, when in the making .

[@steveames8286]

Would have throughly enjoyed this anytime, but even more so just now , wonderful.

[@artificialflight1942]

We were keen to release it now in the hope it would have that effect, even if only for a few minutes. Thank you for your comment Steve.

[@machomanOOOOHYEEEAH]

Incredible video, thank you. Stay safe, some of those rivers would take you in an instant 😮

[@artificialflight1942]

True Matt, and a very relevant comment. Thank you

[@mareusappare]

This really is an art of fishing film. Please try to get out and do a few more ! Beautiful work! A waft of passion about it

[@artificialflight1942]

We'll do our best Sam! Thanks for your support

[@seeitpickitbinit2510]

Had the best week of my life on the Nene, in frightening flood and heavy rain, personal best Bream, a specimen a day and beautiful 6lbs Chub, which almost took my rod with it. Loads of agressive Roach. Rain equals fish. The Barbel have been left alone, because I feel angler’s obsessional passion, means they never get a rest.

[@artificialflight1942]

Yes barbel are certainly taking the brunt of anglers interest on rivers presently. Everything slowly changes though and before we realise there'll no doubt be a new favourite. Thank you very much for your thoughts.

[@portcullis5622]

I agree about the pressure on the barbel. It is the same here in Yorkshire, especially on the Swale. I fish summer rivers a lot less than I used to, but I look forward to autumn and winter chub fishing.

[@ROBBOTUREBLUE]

Great video Watching it thinking that is the Warwickshire Avon.....looking back we was all thinking that the floods was a problem for us......little did we know what we had a head of us with Covid 19.......hopefully as with the floods we will pass through it also fingers crossed....looking forwards to more of your videos..👍🤘😎

[@artificialflight1942]

Don't know how this slipped past me Robert but YT seems to randomly list comments when trying to respond on a phone. Well we're still in the grip of Covid but at least we have the riverbank to escape to. Thanks very much for you comments

[@artificialflight1942]

Oh, and yes, Warwickshire Avon - correct!

[@paganoutdoors3193]

Such a wonderful video, just come across your channel, your video imparts the soul of what fishing should, reminds me of some of the old school videos, in its capturing the essence of what fishing is, truly superb, well done, cheers Craig

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you for your kind comments Craig. It's comforting to hear that they make you feel that way as that's a big part of the aim.

[@jangojango4823]

Another really great watch gents. A perfect little treat to lift the gloom of the current situation. The effort and lengths you guys must go to in producing material of such a caliber is to be applauded. One comment; I’ve got to say you’re a braver soul than me George! - Fishing without any protection in torrential rain is a thing of the past and, to my mind, now exclusively the pursuit younger/hardier types - I’m a really staunch advocate of the minimalist/travel light approach but nowadays must confess I’d sacrifice the second rod and replace with the “luxury” of a lightweight 45 inch brolly in such conditions! ...... perhaps I’m just going soft! Staff safe all and Happy Easter.

[@artificialflight1942]

I must admit we weren't expecting such heavy rain at that time in that opening shot and in the final scenes frankly I forgot it, but these things happen, and it made for more interesting viewing I hope. Thank you very much for your extensive thoughts JJ, 'much appreciated.

[@jangojango4823]

And there was me thinking you were both ultra-hardcore (sic!).....similar but the polar opposite of mad dogs and Englishman go out in the midday sun I suppose! Joking aside, another brilliant piece of work And as enjoyable as a typical Hugh Miles production. Give yourselves a big pat on the back chaps, we’ll done again! Ps out of curiosity what was the weight of the barbel?

[@jangojango4823]

Well

[@artificialflight1942]

@@jangojango4823 We had a chat as to how long it would be before someone asked that question. You get the imaginary award! 16lbs 10ozs JJ.

[@jangojango4823]

Wow! Well done; what a fantastic creature. I estimated 15lb+ but that’s an absolute monster of a fish. Certainly must of made fishing a long gruelling winter all the more worthwhile 😊

[@Fishwish]

If Carlsberg made fishing videos, they would be a lot worse than this. Enjoyed every second of it. Thank you!

[@artificialflight1942]

Ah, thank you for your kind comments. 'Pleased you liked it!

[@davidcook6614]

Really enjoyed that George thank you

[@artificialflight1942]

Hi Dave, Pleased you liked it. We're never quite sure until comments start coming in! (Man of few words today? 😉). Thank you.

[@davidbowering5964]

What a beautiful video on every level. A hearty well done.

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you David. Every level, eh? You clearly weren't looking at the angler then 😉

[@daveberry9922]

hey nice music my friend, i listen to classical when fishing its such a buzz,

[@artificialflight1942]

You do? I've never thought of it tbh. Too busy dreaming of the big one no doubt!

[@daveberry9922]

@@artificialflight1942 try it, get in the country. lock your self in ang listen to some good classical music, get in the zone, i like swan lake, many thanks for a great vid,

[@stephenfield4588]

Woke up this morning to find your new video on my KZbin page, eagerly I knew what was coming 😊 yet another master class and fabulous fishing video, thank you for lifting me back to the river bank in these difficult times and leaving me on a high. Your simplistic approach (no brands in sight) or advertising your sponsor is a refreshing to see and deserves much credit. It's a big thank you from me. So look forward to your next video hopefully this lockdown won't last for much longer.

[@artificialflight1942]

Wow! Generous words indeed Stephen, thank you so much. Yes, the sooner the better, eh? We need to get our next project underway too!

[@stephenfield4588]

Just really enjoy your videos George your approach to angling so close to my heart.

[@artificialflight1942]

@@stephenfield4588 thank you very much for sharing on your barbel group!

[@stephenfield4588]

Just thought I would let you know some of your videos are cropping up on wefishtv.com ??? I'm sure they must have asked first ?

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you @@stephenfield4588. Will investigate...

[@robertharris2818]

Beautiful once again thanks for brightening up my day

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you for comment Robert, surprising considering it was wall to wall rain and wind! 😁

[@AndrewWheelerVisuals]

Great video as always, thanks!

[@artificialflight1942]

Thanks for your support and comment Andrew, we do appreciate it.

[@MultiJimF]

Superb, I have been waiting for your next installment. Quality over quantity. Thank you.

[@artificialflight1942]

That's always been the intention James and it's so pleasing to see it so well received

[@shippo1159]

How I've missed out on this for so long I don't know. Fabulous

[@artificialflight1942]

It happens Clive! Thank you for taking the trouble There are four others films to amuse you if you're interested too

[@richardneale6828]

Pure gold 👍👍, absolute pleasure to watch

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you very much for your kind comments Richard

[@ss.carpltd.9557]

Absolute Top Draw...keep them coming .

[@artificialflight1942]

Just in the process of discussing where we go next SS! Thanks for your interest.

[@johnthefishermanjohnhoyle5763]

Beautiful to watch, the barbel at the end was the best :)

[@artificialflight1942]

I've tried to reply a couple of times John, but it doesn't seem to have worked for some reason, so I hope this will. Thank you for commenting and, yes, it certainly was!

[@johnthefishermanjohnhoyle5763]

@@artificialflight1942 thanks very much. Hope to see more :) tight lines

[@stephenmachin9344]

Absolutely brilliant thank you.

[@artificialflight1942]

Very pleased that you enjoyed it Stephen! Thanks for your comment

[@samran9054]

Some worms from the compost heap, a few slices of bread, a tin of luncheon meat or sweetcorn are all i generally use. The money some anglers spend on their bait 'ey

[@artificialflight1942]

Yes indeed, Sam! Thanks for your interest.

[@martinpiggins5772]

Really enjoying the vlogs, I fish to the northeast of you just up the road in Leicestershire on rivers such as the Soar, the Sence and the Wreake.

[@artificialflight1942]

Sounds interesting Martin. Thanks for commenting. Any decent fishing to be had there? It's an area I've often pondered but never really made it to in recent years.

[@martinpiggins5772]

There is good fishing to be had even with the natural predators in evidence. I was reminded of the river Wreake when I watched the vlog on the River leam and thought how similar they both are. Your area is one that I have pondered upon also.

[@artificialflight1942]

@@martinpiggins5772 the Leam is quite a challenge as the opportunities for a catch of fish on the natural river are few. It's often a case of one chub and move on unless you are lucky enough to catch it right

[@christophersimpson4093]

Quality 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟😀

[@artificialflight1942]

A few too many fish there I think but thanks for the encouragement!

[@rupertburdett]

Another superb film, and nice to hear a reference to Tony Miles, I stumbled across your channel by accident, and have thoroughly enjoyed all your work so far. It's about the best substitute for getting out on any water that were all going to get for a while. A small snippet of what we all love to do, amidst these times of gloomy uncertainty. Roll on the summer Barbel and Tench with any Luck (fingers crossed)!!

[@artificialflight1942]

Only just seen this message, I know not why Rupert, but we appreciate your interest and thoughts. Here we are now, summer has been and gone, and the rivers are flooded again!

[@RAINBOW44100]

Yes I liked that too. Coincidentally the last time I spoke to Tony it was about 100 yards upstream of where that huge barbel was landed!

[@timtheobald9545]

Wonderful thank you so much

[@artificialflight1942]

Pleased you enjoyed it Tim. Thanks for taking the time

[@berylmeister]

Superb. Vaughan Williams too!

[@artificialflight1942]

I was wondering myself what music Eric would set to it Rob, he keeps that under wraps til last few days and, though I am too ignorant to be able to name the composer, I agree his choice does work rather well. Thanks for commenting.

[@iangardner4158]

Great film very interesting, love the commentary very informative

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you Ian. We're pleased you found it both enjoyable and useful

[@stevejeffrey7948]

Thanks.

[@artificialflight1942]

No problem, thank you for visiting Steve!

[@davidhaddon2854]

George, just found the bell informing me of your vid, another very informative and an unusual subject not very often covered . Reminded me of the flooded Trent. Take care and stay safe . David .

[@artificialflight1942]

Thanks David, for some reason this comment didn't show initially although your PS did. Very odd. Well, yes, we are very much of the view that there is much more subject matter out there yet without resorting to the run of the mill. So hopefully we'll have a few more ideas to entertain you yet! Thanks again

[@davidhaddon2854]

George , thank you for your reply, its much appreciated. All the best , David.@@artificialflight1942

[@Se7enUK]

Nice work

[@artificialflight1942]

Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to watch Paul

[@sallyfolkes2650]

Truly brilliant

[@artificialflight1942]

Steady! Far too generous...but thank you very much indeed

[@piscatorialquagswagging]

Something different from the humdrum, really shows the solitude some of us seek when we are fishing with only the wildlife getting in the way. I dread to think how long it takes to put this sort of thing together, but let's hope there are more to come. Bullheads next ?

[@artificialflight1942]

I think if you worked out how many hours it was you probably wouldn't bother Mick! I guess everything has its place doesn't it, from the single angle vlog to a TV programme/feature length film? Yes there are (virus-delayed) ideas in the pipeline but catching bullheads?, I think that's beyond us. Thanks for formally commenting, we do appreciate it.

[@seandarcy9684]

How fishing should be ... beautiful video .

[@artificialflight1942]

Thank you Sean, very kind. Glad you liked it.

[@peggy-qv6fv]

Great stuff! Hope this lockdown ends before June 16th

[@artificialflight1942]

So do we, so do we! Thanks for taking the time to view Peggy.

[@chrisfoster5098]

👍🏻👍🏻👏👏

[@artificialflight1942]

😊 Last one 2moro, Chris?

[@chrisfoster5098]

@@artificialflight1942 lol couldn’t wait 👍🏻

[@andyanglingcoachandguide9106]

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣

[@artificialflight1942]

Ooer! Thanks for viewing Andy

[@davidryley4162]

Saw this a few years ago

[@artificialflight1942]

...watch it as often as you like, David. We won't complain! Thanks for your message.

[@davidryley4162]

@@artificialflight1942 It was a nice film. I enjoyed it

[@rami7463]

Welcome. At 17.10, what is the name of the round holder into which you place the risked feeder? Thanks.

[@artificialflight1942]

It's a bait dropper Ramona. When the weight hits the bottom it opens and releases all of the feed. So you don't need to keep casting heavy feeder out every time you cast if you think it might not help. Thanks for asking.

[@davidhaddon2854]

Ps , has anyone heard from Mark Erdwin , he seems to have gone quiet on his channel . kindest regards to all David .

[@artificialflight1942]

Sorry David. Not someone we're in contact with I'm afraid. Let's hope he's okay

[@jack14kd]

What rivers were they

[@artificialflight1942]

Generally the Warwickshire Avon Lee. Thanks for your question and interest.

[@wharfeego]

"...in these predator-ravaged times..." Is that a reference to fish predators?

[@artificialflight1942]

Yes, Andy. The tenancy for big fish to feed at dawn and dusk due to predation.

[@wharfeego]

@@artificialflight1942 I guess that's us two-legged predators that have created that scenario - upsetting the balance of nature.

[@ukmartin2569]

No such time span as millions of years, sorry.

[@artificialflight1942]

FYI, according to fossil record, fish first evolved 500million years ago, Martin. Thanks for watching.