Secretary
Floodwater Barbel for Club Chairman....
Martin Eyres said to me that the flooded Rother would be perfect for barbel. The water temperature was slightly warmer than it had been for for the past few days. Who am I to disagree? It was Martin that caught the river record at 15lbs 3ozs a couple of seasons back in flood conditions.
I arrived mid-afternoon with the idea to fish for just two hours. It was wet and overcast. The river was very coloured although running just insde the bank.
On the very first cast I had a strong rattle on the rod tip, but nothing developed, second cast the tip pulled round again and the fish was on.
In the strong current the fish took ages to land, hugging the bottom and reluctant to give me any line for several minutes. I felt this was a real giant and I was a little suprised but not disappointed when I netted the fish, for a few moments I had felt that it might even be a fifteen pound monster.
Terminal tackle was a size 6 Drennan barbel hook, 12lbs Nash Bullet line, along with a 3oz lead to hold bottom in the current. Bait was the brilliant Shoreline fishmeal Matrix boilies Two 16mm boilies, hair rigged together put a strong scent into the current and draw fish in under such conditions. I have also caught Avon Barbel and some very nice carp on these baits.
After that I packed up and went home, less than a hour after arriving. Probably mad but with a 12lb 12oz barbel caught, that was more than enough to keep me smiling.
Just one point, the river in flood is a very dangerous place and I always take great care, keeping well back from the edge at all times and have also purchased, a Fox anglers lifejacket which I know several other anglers also now use. If the river is over the banks don't fish, it simply is too dangerous, you will not know where the bank ends. Always take the greatest care. No fish is ever worth risking your life for.
A really nice way to end 2009, thanks to John Wilson for the photo's. He has also been catching some very nice fish recently including a 2lb 6oz roach the day before.
Nigel Chapman
