Small River Fishing - Big Barbel - Brassy Chub & Perch! (Video 160)

Important Notice - This video was not filmed during the current close season, it was filmed during March before the river season ended.
Can I firstly sincerely apologise for not getting around to uploading this current backlog of videos a bit sooner or replying to comments as I had been planning to do (I will be replying to all comments as usual very soon). With the way things have been I have been very depressed and down in myself, verging on suicidal. This is a terrible time right now for everybody. Please stay strong and be there for one and other as it takes a toll on our mental health and well-being we need to be there for those who aren't coping so well.
You join me for a late afternoon trip out on the link leger, the river was fining down quite nicely from some terrible rainfall and recent flooding, the plan was to target only a couple of swims for some of the resident perch and chub, although there would be a welcome additional reward too.
Rod used during this video - Advanta Discovery RVS Rod River Ambush 5.5ft
www.anglingdirect.co.uk/advan...
Reel Used - Goture Spinning Fishing Reel Metal Spool 6bb for Freshwater Saltwater 500 ( I got mine on a very special sale £3.97)
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Follow me on Instagram!
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[@wokingsaint]

You keep waffling sir, we love the enthusiasm!

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers pal :D I shall waffle away with my "bread of liquidised bread" lol

[@jo15518]

your face when you netted that Barbel..classic..well done, great fishing !

[@francolinobasco]

Haha thank you, I think I might have just browned my boxers a little during the scrap too lmao.

[@constantinraulpaduraru6396]

you are a very pleasant chap, thanks for your videos

[@francolinobasco]

So nice of you, thank you kindly!

[@tattoos1988]

That barbel mate what a hog lol looks bigger than it weighed and the scrap was immense I was jumping in my seat every time you went to net it lol it’s fair to say I was sweating for you mate lol and to top it off a cracking perch stay safe mate thanks for entertaining us during this horrible time god bless P.S anyone who knows your channel knows you wouldn’t break the season rules top angler mate 👍🎣🐋

[@lukehodson7630]

Been making your paste and copying your link ledger rig, worked a treat last season and can't wait until june 16th. Cheers Mark, your a star, waffle away.......

[@francolinobasco]

Glad it has worked well for you Luke :D

[@smiff4748]

Well done for the PB Mark. Your enthusiasm is wonderful my friend. Thank you for sharing

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you kindly Sir.

[@brechfaknives8187]

Mark, cracking videos! Im just getting back in to my fishing after a near 20 year hiatus due to work. I find myself locking on to your rod tip as I watch and urging you to strike when you get a knock! Im of next week to a commercial fishery near me that has some big perch. I can wait. Super content from a real gentleman - Thank you

[@thebones]

that was worth waiting for Mark, we all have to live vicariously through your videos. What a barbel and a nice Perch to close. Thanks Mark, be safe.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers it was nice to edit it as I had got stuck in a rut, a mixture of depression and worse. Stay safe yourself too and one day we might get through this.

[@walkingwithgiants1]

An anglers angler (and a very good one) and a damn nice fella, great film presentation Mark!

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you so much for your kind appraisal.

[@Cuz_lufc]

Wow that Barbel, just shows how good these back waters can be. Think I would have fallen in whilst having a heart attack if I had caught that from there 😆

[@troutking7986]

Great stuff again Mark. Very exciting fight from that superb Barbel! I was glued to watching the rod tip - nice work capturing the bites on camera.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you David I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes the action camera on the bank stick approach works so very well for capturing those sudden bites and moments, as well as the ones where an angler loses his composure and turns into a hyper version of the Pilsbury dough boy lol

[@florencedoberman8336]

What a clonking Barbel !! Well done Mark - I would never have thought that swim would hold such a beautiful fish.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Florence. Well that is what I base a lot of my fishing ethos around with these smaller rivers, sometimes it can be a goose chase as such but usually it pays off at some point in a variety of ways.

[@markstewart9323]

Hello. LV your vids learning a lot keep em coming 🐟🎣

[@adamgoodsell6782]

Fantastic skill in landing that barbel, loved watching that vid. It,s short rods all the way for me now, your an inspiration m8.

[@francolinobasco]

Go for it man good luck too and thank you!

[@61barrackroad]

Buzzing for you on that barbel Mark wow.❤❤❤

[@carlgilbert7418]

Absolutely cracking bit of fishing. You could really see how much you enjoy it can't wait for the next vid 👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Carl I was thrilled to pieces!

[@neilsmith7547]

Beautiful chub but that barbel omg what a fish. Congratulations mark.

[@stevebonner1024]

unbelievable mark,this is why we go fishing,not all this corporate i have to spend thousands on gear to fish someones stocked garden pond,you have took me back mate,love your videos,what a barbel respect ,and keep your chin up bro,we can all help eachother ,you inspire me man

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much Steve and I agree with you on both fronts, which is partly why I love making the videos, as at times it is easy to lose sight and allow marketing to fool you.

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

Yes sir, WOW indeed! Really really awesome Mark! Love that big Ol Barbel! Very cool! Hope you all are safe and well! Take care! Doug

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Doug and thank you she was a fine looking creature,but I don't think she knew that she had caused an angler to soil his underwear lol.

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

Mark Erdwin - Hahahahaha! I bet! That was absolutely fantastic catch though! I liked seeing you catch that fish!

[@alistairbellamy7680]

Wow what a barbel take a bow sir. Top angling Mark on simple tactics great video. 🎣🎣🎣🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers man!

[@davidhodgson3565]

Mark what a corka that Barbel was @ 12 Lb 2 1/2 oz mined you it gave you a brilliant scrap as they always do from rivers, tight lines Mark stay safe mate.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers David that is correct, it put me to the sword a bit on the light line for sure. All the best to you and also wishing you a safe time.

[@4192362]

Keep your chin up Mark, really appreciate you posting this video. Certainly kept my sanity going for another hour or two. Thank you.

[@francolinobasco]

You're very welcome, we are all in this together and we will make it through.

[@liam7500]

Fantastic work mark , great angling. cracking piece of film.

[@francolinobasco]

Glad you enjoyed it Liam!

[@liam7500]

It’s crazy to see such specimen come out of such a small river , and on light gear too 😅👌

[@francolinobasco]

@@liam7500 They are there some times when you least expect it and always the way on the lighter tackle. Think I was done in with adrenaline afterwards.

[@1000000trs]

Fantastic!!! That was totally thrilling. Whole family watching (as usual): we leapt out of our seats on _"Barbel Guys!",_ and didn't sit down again till it was in the net, when we were all roaring along side. Angling at its best. Thanks for sharing.

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Tim, I hope you are all keeping healthy and safe during this bad time. Really nice to know it had the whole family cheering haha! Glad you guys enjoyed it mate.

[@charlieneilson1239]

What an absolute cracking Barbel ... and some serious angling footage to play her to the net on such sized-down tools. Thoroughly entertaining. Particularly liked the reaction when fish landed !! Well done and good to see you back, Mark!!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Charlie I think I blew a fuse when I landed her, could have edited it out but heck wouldn't be like me :D. My heads in a better place for having got round to editing too.

[@neilpotts2368]

Quality session again Mark. What a great end to the season. Nice work on that rod and reel. Keep them coming!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Neil!

[@davewalker2167]

What a session that was?? As for the barbus...whoa!!! Who would have thought such a small waterway as that could contain a fish of that proportion.well done chap👍👍

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers dave it was something else and to think I could not decide earlier that day whether to go or not in the afternoon.

[@johnmule9656]

Great video as ever Mark- and a cracking Barbel!!! So lovely to see when we're all missing the river and hoping for restriction free June 16th!! Keep your head up- these are difficult times, but never forget there are people out there who DO care and WILL listen. All the best Mister 😊

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks John, well I am very happy you enjoyed it and I too hope for a lockdown free start to the river season I really do! You take care and thank you for your kind words.

[@lestrem11]

Cracking video, well done Mark, thanks for sharing these moments, G.T.

[@benstormbadass1936]

The Chub are barking mad there mate 🤣🤣 Nice video Mark well done 👍🏻 Great fish

[@francolinobasco]

Tell me about it haha.

[@richardduce1209]

That last swim was good!! Quality chub, barbel and perch! Good angling.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Richard, yes it is a nice swim, cover and lovely gravel runs.

[@rickgregory1]

Superb fishing! Well done mate!

[@manikinskywalker766]

The moment you got that Barbel on I thought hello we going to have a 5 foot rod breaking in half on camera 🎥 magnificent Barbel and landing it on that Rod was classic. Great seeing another wonderful video from you Mark very uplifting...Hope you and your family All well ...and indeed All Viewers watching and your families we will get through this wishing Everyone The Best ..be back on banks fishing sometime 🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Mr Skywalker! (I also sense the force is strong in you). It is a very good rod and at a budget price. My family are doing better than me with the stress or maybe they mask it better than me. let us just hope we see light at the end of what has been one dark and very very sad tunnel.

[@manikinskywalker766]

Mark Erdwin Hello Mark I’ve got 30+ years experience in stress and anxiety management if you ever want a listening Ear I’m Always here for you. I really enjoy All your videos and am Always Very happy when you release new stuff....if not I just rewatch old stuff 👍And remember my Force is Always here and ready to help.

[@dannyhale7449]

Nice vid Mark as always. There were no words that could cover your emotions when the Barb hit the net !

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Danny, yes my emotions were running riot just a bit!

[@ianforster1401]

Wow Mark you are one lucky angler , more specimen fish in a session than I manage in a season . That barbel battle was captivating to say the least , your videos are great viewing during these testing times keep it up look after yourselves.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Ian, one does try to increase their own luck with the application of watercraft, sometimes you get the rub of the green and sometimes not and then there are trips where you think you should have played that weeks lotto. I enjoyed fishing the island syndicate for the one season that i was a member with only a handful of trips but a welcome barbus and plenty of nice bream.

[@jamesdoyle3885]

Amazing Barbel! well done Mark!... Was buzzing watching you scrap with that beauty! 👌

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much James, she wrecked me by the end as you could probably tell haha.

[@JLUK_]

Now that’s proper sport on that little rod, and what a fish!!! Brilliant 👍🏻

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Jamie it is a superb little bit of kit :D

[@sullysullivan9320]

Catching a barbel like that on that gear is stuff that dreams are made of. Cracking perch, great chub, epic barbel, what a session Mark great fishing mate 👍

[@dannyboii4351]

Wow dogs barking relentless lol

[@francolinobasco]

Just the one dog and judging by his barking he had probably been drinking relentless too lmao.

[@456graper]

Been waiting to see this one 🙂 Awesome Mark. Session to remember and will stay in your thoughts I'm sure. What a fight from that barbel on 6lb line. My heart would have been in my mouth. Stay safe!!!!!!!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Graham! Yes I took my time getting the editing done and I am very sorry about that mate, I think my heart stayed in my mouth overnight after this fish lol.

[@scottish_pikermtp6734]

great video mate love that little set up done the trick for u stay safe tight lines when your back after this is all over great angler great videos for shure !!!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much Stevie and you too, keep safe and healthy.

[@stevebrookes7971]

Brilliant video Mark. Your reactions to seeing the barbel the first time and finally landing it were priceless! Most of us know that the first time a barbel gets near the net it's never ready and will scream off. This one wasn't ready for the net at least four times! It was a fantastic example of how a super fit fish behaves and how to keep your head when your heart is in your mouth. You never gave up on landing that fish Mark. You should never give up on life in exactly the same way. It was a joy to watch. Keep it up.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Steve and I only just about managed to keep my head, by the end my circuits were fried. She was indeed very fit and healthy.

[@ianberry1713]

What a fantastic session Mark. The emotions when you netted that Barbel 😁 Bloody brilliant. Well done.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Ian and yes I had truly cooked my goose and flown over the cuckoos nest lol.

[@johnburling9969]

Absolutely brilliant barbel mark very enjoyable as usual well Done mate 🎣👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much John!

[@wild_fishing_uk]

Amazing angling Mark 👌. Maybe your best video yet. Thankyou for all your videos, you have inspired me to keep fishing small rivers looking for the big one. Keep your chin up, us wild anglers need you!

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Wild fishing, I noticed you have followed on instagram cheers! You are welcome regarding the videos and it is always nice to here that they have helped another angler get out and hit the smaller waterways.

[@raygrange7312]

Mark. I was on the edge of my seat with that barbel scrap. Incredible you didn’t lose it. That small rod looks wonderful.

[@paulwhymper-williams1238]

Hi Mark.....it was worth the wait. What a barbel! Thanks for your hard work and posting your videos. Never apologise for your waffling, it's part of what makes your videos so special. Stay well.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Paul and thank you too for watching! I do like a good waffle to be fair haha :D

[@billmalcolm1441]

What a barbel! Epic video Mark and great to see your infectious enthusiasm again. Making lockdown even harder lol.

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Bill! Hope you are all keeping well and safe at home, I am guessing this has rather ruined things on the syndicate a bit :(. Really is a shitty year :(

[@mikepetch8353]

Cracking video that man!! Good to see you posting again. Keep your chin up!

[@francolinobasco]

You are welcome Mike :)

[@LightYerPipe]

Look at the paddles on that Barbel, the hight of the shoulder and size of the head is unbelievable! Well done Mr Erdwin. What a stonker. I can honestly say i have never seen one built like that in all my years of Barbel fishing. That fish is going to get bigger.

[@francolinobasco]

So absolutely well said, your comment really resonated with my own thoughts on this barbus, she has the build to become very large.

[@captainfrank01]

Great session Mark! That barbel certainly gave you a work out and I think you were just a tad pleased when it was safely in the net! Understand there is no fishing atm in the UK, but then the Covid situation is dire and huge numbers of deaths, very sad. We have been very lucky with the virus situation in Oz by comparison. Keep your head down and hopefully you will be able to get back out again soon. All the best.

[@francolinobasco]

Hey Frank, yes she killed me I was knackered ( she however was not). I think it has been proven that your population has better vitamin D levels due to sunlight and also being more outdoors type people and this has helped immunity strength. I have been taking vitamin D supplements and K2 since March to counter anything if i catch the virus.

[@rossmcleod7983]

Mark Erdwin another from here in Oz and what gave us the edge over the virus was the New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern. Our PM was shaken out of his smug, arrogant stupor after a phone call with Jacinda and so we went into an early hard lockdown. Therein lies the recipe. Anyways, love your work, always a pleasure to see the reverence and culture that swings around the UK angling scene and best wishes and good luck.

[@captainfrank01]

@@rossmcleod7983 True that, she is an inspiration, great respect for her.

[@rushmano513]

Take care mark, we will be back out there soon 👍👊😊

[@francolinobasco]

We live in hope Matt.. :)

[@reggietrotter8187]

😂😂 great fish again and vid as usual made me giggle with the Barbel FairPlay.👏🏻👏🏻

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Lee haha :D

[@benben8866]

Hey Mark. Thank you so much for this amazing video. You're hard work is massively appreciated, particularly now when we're all in lock down. Mark, and everyone else who is feeling down right now. I feel your pain and I am thinking about you all. It's times like this when I want you all to know that you are supported and loved and needed. Please call the Samaritans if you're feeling so unhappy, you'll feel like you've caught another PB barbel as a result. Peace and love to everyone. Even that bloody noisy dog! Ben x

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much for your supportive words Ben and someone has suggested that I have a chat with the organistation known as (MIND) . Haha that dog sure was noisy but he's not too bad, just doing his job and he is getting on a bit bless him.

[@benben8866]

@@francolinobasco Hey Mark, you're welcome. Just to let you know that I work with a lot of people with mental health conditions and count myself in that bracket too. So I really do empathise. Mind are excellent, you're definitely in safe hands there. They are setting up a new App called side by side, which I think will be really useful. You should check it out. This lock down situation is a nightmare for us all so it's even more important to reach out when you're feeling down. Just try to remember that like a river our mental health ebbs and flows. We have good times and bad times. Never expect to "snap out of it", as so many people seem to think we can do. Instead, try not to swim against the tide, find something, no matter how small, that can help you keep your head above water and build on that. One other thing that is really important to remember is that it is not about being happy. Happiness is fleeting and should not last long. It's actually about being content. That's a goal which is far more achievable. I imagine that's why fishing is so important, its peace peppered with excitement and happiness. But most of the time it's seems to me to be about being just content. I think one of the first activities that will be allowed is fishing as it's pretty much a social distancing sport. Fingers crossed you'll be back on the bank soon. Albeit when the season starts again. Have a really good weekend and don't forget to reach out to someone safe when you're feeling down. Cheers. Ben

[@Rob-zq8sy]

It was looking good with the chub but that barbel was awsome and a nice perch to boot, what a session, and all on a five foot rod!!

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Rob. Yes it turned out to be a real red letter trip and that five footer is a cracking little tool.

[@johnthefishermanjohnhoyle5763]

Well entertained me , well in mate :) that face when you got that barbel is exactly why i go fishing haha, proper nice fish .

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there John, hope you are keeping well and I agree that is why we go even if we do have to change our pants afterwards and find we have put them on back to front lol.

[@johnthefishermanjohnhoyle5763]

@@francolinobasco yeah best times haha. Glad you well. I'm fine. I might try to make some video's. I just not sure why program to use.

[@moreb33r1]

Ver very very nice 👍🏻. Congratulations on that barbel!! What a beauty. Glad you got that on camera! Well done!!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you very much :)

[@MarkEllis-mp2cx]

fantastic fun..I really enjoyed this film..

[@francolinobasco]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark!

[@AirwolfBMG]

Amazing Mark, small river, small tackle, BIG fish 👏👏👏👏👍

[@richardbawcombe8036]

What a session! That was a great watch 👍

[@JP-ic2ze]

That was amazing to watch. I was out of breath by the time you landed the Barbel.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you JP, as was I my friend haha.

[@adam_karateka]

What a corker! On that light gear too 👍🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Adam!

[@destobin4425]

WoW 😮 What a scrap,what a fish! Brilliant vid Mark.👍

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Des!

[@grahamgfm]

Well done Mark, what a lunker Barbel. Most impressive.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Graham, it was a good trip to say the very least.

[@longnetter]

Another great video Mark we'll done. Cracking barbel you had every right to be happy with that one 👌

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Smith, I was overjoyed :)

[@kevinkelly1110]

Super angling mark keeping it real as always stay safe mark looking forward to the next vlog

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you Kevin, you too mate keep well and stay safe.

[@michaelboyle9889]

Another great video mark hope your well cheers mate 🎣👍👍

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Michael and also thanks for asking, I am feeling better in myself currently thank you and I hope everything is well with you too.

[@czochan31]

hey chub!!!! ...just can't stop watching your videos!!! i would love to go on the trip with you!!!

[@czochan31]

...come on man? what you gonna say? ... total stranger me - Mariusz!

[@johnwhit9471]

Great fishing Mark; I've just bought one of those rods; my local river is surrounded by trees, nettles and brambles that make it hard to get to the water with a long rod. Just hope we can get back to it for the glorious 16th June! Awesome barbel and chub you had. Glad that dog couldn't get to you! Sorry to hear you not doing so well lately; we are all wishing you well and hope we all get out doing what we love again soon.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks John and they are brilliant rods for the money, lovely blanks and nicely understated without a ton of decal on them and better more proof you don't need to spend silly money on good tackle. I am glad he could not too, but his tail was wagging he is a bit of an old chap too. Thanks I am a bit better now but only because someone suggested i get editing and you guys have helped dig me out of a very bad place, I don't say it lightly when I state I would not have been here had they not noticed as was researching suicide methods :(

[@adam_karateka]

@@francolinobasco You're too good of a fisherman to lose, your videos are great and definitely bring alot of joy to ppl. I personally have felt the same but amazing that fishing and nature can clear your thoughts and bring you back 👌 keep strong mark

[@bobosalish]

Another OUTSTANDING video Mark!!!

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Bobo :-)

[@timjames6190]

what a cracking barbel mate and on that little gem of a rod well done you oh and i now have my black snail boilies ,paste,glug roll on when we can get on the rivers and still waters once more , stay well and safe mate tim

[@francolinobasco]

Hey Tim that is great to hear! Well as you know the black snail has never failed me so best of luck to you when we get the all clear and also stay safe!

[@davidhaddon2854]

Mark thank you very much for putting this vid out during this surreal time we are all experiencing at the moment keep the faith mate it will take time but we will be out there soon . Take care , all the best David

[@francolinobasco]

You are very welcome David and I will endeavour to try and play catch up with comments as best as possible. These are horrid times for all of us and so much life lost :(

[@davidhaddon2854]

mark , its terrible my best friend up in Nottingham is in hospital at the moment with covid 19, i just hope he is going to be ok . so stay safe mate. All the best David.

[@boldersa]

A lovely days fishing there Mark, the 3rd bite was a beauty, donk, donk and around went the tip, and what a barbel, so solid looking, great to watch as always. I hope you and the family are keeping safe and well in these uncertain times, but with any luck we all might get out just in time for tench, wouldn't that be good? Take care.

[@francolinobasco]

Heya Andrew I hope you are both keeping well and staying safe. Oh heck yes I am aching for an olive green Tinca or too and I bet you want to get down your special lake for some more carp too?

[@boldersa]

@@francolinobasco Hi Mark I must confess and I know I'm in the minority here but I've actually been enjoying this enforced close season, although in fairness to others I don't make my living from it. I've managed to find a nice lake in my area that actually holds some good tench for a change (I caught a few from there late last season), they are pristine fish up to double figures, so I'm looking forward to starting the "new" season off fishing for them in a traditional way, which will be nice as most of my other tench venues seem to have been on the decline cycle the past couple of years as is often the way with waters. So I plan to share my time between tench and barbel this year in the main, I do like carp but there is such beauty and pleasure in catching other species, and the places they haunt and my centre pins are in danger of rusting it's time for a change 😉 If you don't mind me asking, how is your father? And how are you all coping? I won't be offended if you don't wish to reply in the public comments. I have your email, I will give you mine and my phone number if you would prefer a more private correspondence? Let me know and take care Mark.

[@francolinobasco]

@@boldersa To be fair Andrew I am glad that I have a backlog of videos I have yet to totally edit (another 3 anyway) and having trialled saving some videos over for the close season last year this has proved to work well especially now with this virus and the angling lockdown etc. On the tench front that sounds very promising and something to look forward to, I don't mind a normal full length close season, however it does feel like anglers have suffered during this and I still cannot get my head round it being ok to allow people to go to garden centres or as in Wales libraries soon to re-open! Thank you for asking how everyone is, my mum is coping admirably although like anyone she has had her very down days seeing the reported deaths spiraling upwards, my father has been similar. For myself it probably all reached a head the last 3 weeks when I kept promising myself to edit some videos and just put it off every time due to emotionally feeling very down about the whole situation, despite this I tried keeping busy (lord knows there is always something that needs or can be done around the house) but the constant sound (at the virus peak) of ambulance sirens sometimes 7 or 8 times a day really got to me, firing up immense anxiety and overwhelming foreboding feelings that I just could not shift. In my teenage years I had OCD with my hand washing and eventually got over it, but the whole "wash your hands" advice had also brought this back with a vengeance, needless to say at my lowest ebb (About 7 days ago) I had begun to research suicide and the most painless methods to use which is totally unlike me in fact I have never had a suicidal tendency ever. The only thing that saved me was speaking to a couple of friends on instagram who found out what kind of low point I was at, had they not talked me through about things then I doubt I may have been here a few days later to edit these videos.

[@Lifeonthebank]

That little rod looks a lot of fun!!! 🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Oh it certainly was especially with that barbus hanging on to it or was it me hanging on to the barbus and rod haha :D

[@dabberlocksisjustoutofview9013]

You are a wonderful person and I know that from the respect you show to the fish, the wildlife and us the viewers. Don’t let the demons get to you my man, there’s an awful lot of love for you right here on your channel. Don’t let politics ruin your mind ..... the people will eventually wake up to what you’re feeling. Peace and love brother and tight lines

[@francolinobasco]

Wow thank you for such a deep and understanding comment Adam.

[@dannyboy7386]

Nice work me old mate! Bit of a red letter session you had there. The barbel fight was immense. I hope you and your dad are safe and well in these strange times. Great vid, cheers

[@francolinobasco]

Heya mate! Hope all is well (as it can be anyway) glad you liked the video the barbel put me two not just a sword but a whole rack of swords lol. Dad is ok although I don't think he always lets on how much the current situation gets to him about the virus and constant news about it.

[@dannyboy7386]

Mark Erdwin sorry to hear your dad is concerned. Hopefully easing of measures will calm him. On a plus, we can fish again 😃

[@marklambert2573]

Great video Mark. looking forward to your next.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Mark :D

[@joelohalloran200]

Superb video.

[@francolinobasco]

Glad you liked it

[@johnspencerspencer7438]

Made my night what a barbel..prooer fisherman instead of the chuck it and see..you cant beat those small rivers for decent fisn..my river is the stour in Warwickshire..tight lines skip.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers John, you cannot beat some small river wandering in my opinion. The stour looks beautiful really intimate.

[@larryroberts1844]

Top angling there Mark great session, well done 👍👍👍

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Larry I got a healthy portion of fortune with that barbel.

[@Soundcloud0000extasymon]

Wjat a nice Vid! Very Good...I love this Match Fishing...

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Sir

[@grahamjones3906]

charbel perch king strikes again well done amazing fishing staysafe

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Graham it was a good trip and the perch eventually did show albeit a little late on.

[@tadhghayden8440]

That was really interesting fishing!..

[@francolinobasco]

Why cheers :)

[@johnmorgan7258]

Fantastic blog Mark what a barbel, keep safe mate

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you John and the same to yourself, hopefully we will be out of the woods eventually.

[@stephenbrooks1337]

Excellent Vlog Mr Edrwin what a session hope you are well 😁🎣👌

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Stephen, I am a bit better now in my head, as depression was gripping me badly until a few chaps messaged me to talk things through and I got editing. Stay safe mate.

[@stephenbrooks1337]

Mark Erdwin and you mate keep your chin up it will be over before you know it 😁

[@willstewart9669]

Nice to see u dude,hope u put some more up,hope u r ok in this humungus mad world,my mum passed away on the 19th Feb,I'm devastated,she was my best mate and my mum,and my wonderful carer,I miss her like crazy,it's her birthday tomorrow,but watching your videos always helps me as u well know,I could,nt belive that u had put one up today,just what I needed,and your face when u netted that barbell was brilliant,u r a joy to watch mate,and u cheer a lot of people up,u stay safe,and take care....

[@francolinobasco]

Oh Will that is so very bloody sad to hear, the worlds upside down and inside out, I'm very very sorry to hear of your mums passing. 2020 has been a real greedy ass of a year where human life is concerned mate. I am not a religious person at all but I am sure if there is somewhere we all go when it is our time, then I would think she would be looking down on her son with a watchful and compassionate eye. My thoughts are with you and if you ever want a chat i am on instagram mainly.

[@willstewart9669]

@@francolinobasco cheers mate,thanks for your very kind words,ur a good bloke,u take it easy and take care....

[@jamiecrowley490]

Awesome catch! Nice one Mark.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Jamie!

[@adamchumbleyfishinimpossible]

I like the look of the 5ft rod. Looks decent!!!

[@francolinobasco]

It is very good Adam, i have put a link to it in the video description box, £24.

[@therickpound]

Excellent specimen examples tight spots, taken on simple kit is my kind of fishing, cheers.

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you kindly Rick. I love keeping it simple it is the best way really.

[@tomrendell7174]

Fair play mark that was exciting!!!!!

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Tom!

[@Georgeolddrones]

Excellent video thanks mark about time 😂👍🎣🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Haha thanks George I am happy to do so always :D

[@richardbarrett7544]

Thats quite a bark you have there Mark, I've some lozenges in me bag mate? Ha ! best wishes buddy, Richard.

[@francolinobasco]

Yes I felt very Ruff Rufff ruffff lol. Hope you're keeping well and your family mate.

[@bottlebill6498]

Nice video. I have the Darwen behind my house and will be giving it a good looking at after watching this video.tight lines😂

[@francolinobasco]

Hey thank you. You have the Darwen behind your house! That flows through Lancashire doesn't it?

[@stevewalker8823]

Wonderful video hope you are well and keep safe

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Steve! Better than I was doing. Hope all is ok with yourself?

[@mworrall10]

Another great video mark ,hopefully this virus will soon be over and we can all get back to normal

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Michael glad you enjoyed it mate. I certainly hope it will be over soon, not just for the fishing but more importantly all the innocent life that has been lost.

[@markgallagher3409]

Chin up mate!! Just think of all the fish we will all catch when lockdown is lifted thanks mark

[@francolinobasco]

Good point Mark! That is a reason to be happy unless people have pre baited them to death during their lockdown walks lmao.

[@clooperman3745]

Cracking Barbel from a small river, that is the beauty of fishing rivers, you never know what they may turn up, small rivers don't mean small fish, tight lines.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Clooper and yes totally, ignore the little waterways at your peril always! :D

[@eric41140]

Hello mark i'm so happy to see a new vidéo, you are in your element! river, chub and liberty!! i'm very impress, by this rod !!! and the price !!!! what!!! after the center pin why not this rod!!! see you soon !!!!

[@francolinobasco]

Bonjour mon ami! I certainly was in my element and was lost to the river. See you soon Erich and stay safe my friend!

[@eric41140]

@@francolinobasco Hello, no problem, rain on Monday! first day in France after confinement. I have two weeks to go fishing alone! stay safe to my friend see you soon!

[@barnfieldfishing]

Brilliant 👍🎣🐟

[@allanforsdick6636]

Outstanding video. Great skills. Keep your chin up, we’ll be back on the bank soon. Allan (Melbourne, Aus)

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Allan, I'm trying my best but argh :( nearly failing.

[@allanforsdick6636]

Mark Erdwin please don’t, some of us are using your vids to get through. Entirely selfish, but you are living my dream!