R
Ron 'The Hat' Clay
Guest
whilst ever you have the media talking about biggest, most, heaviest, Bag-up, Baggin, Shedful, Haul 'em out and other such terms, you will have the mentality that this is right.
Let me give you a true example.
In 1995, Peter Stone caught, in June, a tench in an Oxford gravel pit that weighed 9lbs 14oz.
In August of that year I caught the same fish. We knew it was the same fish because of a very recognisable split in its anal fin and mark on it's head.
My fish weighed 8lbs 12 oz
Which was the better specimen?
We need to keep a close season on rivers at least. Although the dates should be modified somewhat. Make no mistake I have heard of anglers attempting to foul-hook big barbel in the early season on very famous parts of the Great Ouse.
Some anglers will go to any lengths to make a name for themselves.
But the angling media has created this. Big is best. I have even read cases of people being decribed as the greatest barbel angler alive because they caught a certain named fish more than once, yet the number of barbel they have caught in their lives can be counted on one hand.
Let me give you a true example.
In 1995, Peter Stone caught, in June, a tench in an Oxford gravel pit that weighed 9lbs 14oz.
In August of that year I caught the same fish. We knew it was the same fish because of a very recognisable split in its anal fin and mark on it's head.
My fish weighed 8lbs 12 oz
Which was the better specimen?
We need to keep a close season on rivers at least. Although the dates should be modified somewhat. Make no mistake I have heard of anglers attempting to foul-hook big barbel in the early season on very famous parts of the Great Ouse.
Some anglers will go to any lengths to make a name for themselves.
But the angling media has created this. Big is best. I have even read cases of people being decribed as the greatest barbel angler alive because they caught a certain named fish more than once, yet the number of barbel they have caught in their lives can be counted on one hand.