Graham Whatmore
Senior Member
Sean, this is an excellent series on barbel fishing and even though its about Yorkshire rivers in particular most of what you write applies to other rivers as well. I do so like the 'Diary' type writing it has more appeal for me than a lecture or 'How to' article.
I was interested to see that the Swale suffers from this 'tea stained water' as I have experienced this a few times on the Severn but in normal conditions not flood. As you say it puts an immediate and total block on fishing, on the Severn it does anyway, and you may as well pack up and go home when it occurs. Interestingly as well, no one knows what causes it on the Severn even though many have tried to explain it yet none are sure but you seem to put it down to peaty water, is this your interpretation or has this been proven to be the cause?
I was interested to see that the Swale suffers from this 'tea stained water' as I have experienced this a few times on the Severn but in normal conditions not flood. As you say it puts an immediate and total block on fishing, on the Severn it does anyway, and you may as well pack up and go home when it occurs. Interestingly as well, no one knows what causes it on the Severn even though many have tried to explain it yet none are sure but you seem to put it down to peaty water, is this your interpretation or has this been proven to be the cause?