Barbel, Warks Avon

Barbel
The Warwickshire Avon was in perfect trim, about a foot higher than normal following a week of warmer weather. It just screamed Barbel and they did not let me down. Flavoured luncheon meat works a treat in winter and first cast the rod started screaming. An anxious moment with a weed bed and the first Barbel of the day was safely netted. Only a small one for this part of the river but a good start weighing 5lb 10oz.

Less than half an hour later and the same rod was away again. A spirited battle led me to think this was a better fish but I was always in control and the weed bed was avoided. It was a better fish going 6lb 15oz but not the one I was after.

Another half hour and the same rod leapt about for a third time. From the off this felt like a good fish. The battle lasted a good ten minutes but the outcome was the same. Barbel in the net. A solid fish, fairly short in length but well fed. On the scales it went 10lb 15oz. A quick shake of the scales and it still went 10lb 15oz, never mind, worth a try. Still a cracking fish. 

An hour of inactivity prompted a move to a different swim but no more Barbel were forthcoming. A 3lb 10oz Chub took a liking to the meat and that was the final fish of the day.