Barbel Fishing Books

alex_molloy · Jan 1, 2012

Hello everyone, i am currently looking for a good book on fishing for Barbel. I have had a look around and there are a fair few that look good. The kind of book i am looking for is the technical side of fishing such as rigs and methods. Any help would be much appreciated thanks, Alex

Bluenose · Jan 1, 2012

Quest for Barbel (Tony Miles and Trevor West I think) is a decent read and possibly focusses more on feeding techniques than rigs.

I can't remember the 'rigs' section in that book, and I might be wrong here as it's a while since I read it however the emphasis I think is/was often on simplicity (rigs wise) with barbel. More experienced barbel anglers than I may feel different however!

I'll argue the best barbel book I have read is Understanding Barbel by Fred Crouch.

Judas Priest · Jan 1, 2012

Alex

The book you are looking for is

The Compleat Barbel Angler by Roger Miller

an excellant book for the experienced as well as the novice.

There are technical sections as well as sections on watercraft/swim selection etc.

---------- Post added at 19:34 ---------- Previous post was at 19:31 ----------

Eddie
I'd agree that if you want to delve deeper into the physiology and behaviour then Freds is a must read.
Andy Ormes Barbel Mania is also worth a look as is The Catchers first book.

Bluenose · Jan 1, 2012

Judas Priest said:
Eddie
I'd agree that if you want to delve deeper into the physiology and behaviour then Freds is a must read.
Andy Ormes Barbel Mania is also worth a look as is The Catchers first book.

I got the Andy Orme book and might have done it a disservice by not mentioning it.

I was blown away by Fred Crouch's book, not just as a barbel book, but generally as an all round fishing book when I bought it (probably 1991?).

I bought Andy Orme's book sometime shortly afterwards (remember those book clubs we used to join) and possibly compared it with Crouch's when in truth it's a totally different animal, I did enjoy it though.

Judas Priest · Jan 1, 2012

Eddie

IF you haven't already seen it and can get hold of it

Chub and Dace by Bailey and Miller

is another worth getting and it's a cracking read
The watercraft pieces are pretty relevent to all river situations.

Bluenose · Jan 1, 2012

Cheers for that, just had a looksee to see if it's still available at a reasonable price, sadly not.

Will have a mooch on ebay see if I can pick one up!

Rich Frampton · Jan 1, 2012

Fred's book for me. At the time ahead of it's time..........

..........and still is really.

Simon K · Jan 2, 2012

alex_molloy said:
Hello everyone, i am currently looking for a good book on fishing for Barbel. I have had a look around and there are a fair few that look good. The kind of book i am looking for is the technical side of fishing such as rigs and methods. Any help would be much appreciated thanks, Alex

With the advantage of hindsight, I think Tony Miles "Quest For Barbel" would be just as useful today as it's always been.
The only decision you'll have to make will be the rigs and bait which you'll find are largely determined by the water conditions you're faced with.

Since barbel only really require a bit of "rig thought" in daylight and clear conditions (meaning a particle approach - maggots &/or castor etc) all the bigger baits will need simple rigs, your choice being whether running or semi-fixed bolt-rig. Always keep it simple where you can.

There are plenty of specialist barbel-related websites where rigs/baits will be covered in much more detail than the majority of books and will probably be more current. It will depend on which river(s) you intend to fish and you may find the web better for specific info regarding those.

Lots of stuff in the FM archives, too.

Barbel From Big Rivers

Steve Pope · Jan 2, 2012

Find myself agreeing with Simon on this.

There is a lot of great info on the web and its just a question of adjusting to suit.

Unless you're a collector, books tend to be more for reference and I would suggest that up to the minute stuff is more likely to be in the weeklies and monthlies and on here and the various dedicated websites.

An unashamed plug for the Barbel Society where someone like Alex would be made welcome and would benefit from the experience of many.

Enjoy your barbel fishing Alex and feel free to ask any questions.

All the best.

Damian Kimmins · Jan 2, 2012

In terms of it's technical worth, it would undoubtedly be lacking when compared to publications since, though in financial value it would be the opposite, but I find The Fighting Barbel by Peter wheat of great interest, it has to be mentioned though that may be because of a present enjoyment of all things antiquated.

Damian

Steve Pope · Jan 2, 2012

Hi Damian and a happy new year,

You really won't want to miss this year's Barbel Show, a rare treat instore .

mark brailsford 2 · Jan 2, 2012

Have a look on Amazon for ''Barbel fishing'' by Graham Marsden. I bought this book last year and for £15.00 its a superb ''how too'' read, you will not be disappointed!
I have looked all over for the ''Quest for barbel'' and I can't find a new copy anywhere!

Mark

PS: If you want to have a look at a good selection of books then take a look at the gifts 4 carp website, they have a huge range of angling books (not just carp!)
hope that helps.
happy new year!

Fred Bonney · Jan 2, 2012

I would go for Graham M's book, ideal for the novice/improver.

Roger Miller's book does the job for me too.

Judas Priest · Jan 2, 2012

Apologies was looking for the thread on barbel fishing books

mark brailsford 2 · Jan 2, 2012

I also bought Tefor West's new book a few months ago which is also a good read, I was very lucky in that I got one of the few signed copies and I was chuffed to get it

Mark

Fred Bonney · Jan 2, 2012

mg: Couldn't have come to a better place then Phil, over 10 posts on the subject! :wh

Steve Pope · Jan 2, 2012

Your point is Phil aka JP ?

Agree with Mark and Fred re. Graham's book, the one to get Alex.

Judas Priest · Jan 2, 2012

oooops! thought i'd been directed to the Club and Commercial bit for a minute

Back on topic

Books, as opposed to the web, are a wonderful warm thing when written well and have the ability to transfer you into the mind of the writer and often a different world.
I find so many web based articles utterley cold. With their continual product placement, repetition on all things rigs and baits, and same old same old, bit like the mags as well. Whether it's the medium or not i'm not sure but I just don't like it as much as a good book.

richard bowler · Jan 2, 2012

Alex,
In my opinion books,magazine articles and the internet will all be a good starting point, however if possible nothing beats watching barbel feeding and reacting to your bait and rigs yourself. Granted at this time of the year it will be hard but come next summer if you have a clear running river near to you it will be time well spent and will improve you more as an angler than any article will.
All the best
Richard
- Home

Steve Pope · Jan 2, 2012

Slippery Phil.

You'rre not looking on the right sites, you should check mine out, lots of info, and a very warm place indeed.

Happy new year to you as well!

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