Barbel ~ Barbus barbus

DESCRIPTION: To 7.25kg (16lb) about 90cm (3ft). A long slender, golden brown, fish with four barbels positioned on the upper jaw, two at the front of the upper lip and one at each side close to the corner of the mouth. A major sporting fish in England. An average fish is around the 50cm (20ins) 2.25kg (5lb)

DISTRIBUTION: England - Fast flowing clean rivers, where it thrives. This fish  cannot survive polluted waters.

HABITS: A shoaling fish moving in small schools usually of similar sized fish.

DIET: A bottom feeder. The natural diet includes aquatic larvae, seeds, worms and tender weeds.

BAITS: Popular baits include: Bread, cheese, grubs, sweet corn, worms and tinned meats.

METHOD: Swim feeder fishing methods are popular with anglers for this fish.

GOOD LOCATIONS: Some or the best Barbel fishing is to be found on the River Severn. Good stocks are also in the Derwent ( Yorks ), Nidd, Swale and Wharfe. The Barbel is also found in the rivers: Avon ( Bristol & Hants), Kennet, Nene, Dorset Stour, Thames and Trent.