9lb Boxing Day Barbel.jpg

Ok that does it!!!!.......I want one too, ****y you and I will arrange a date in the New Year for some serious barbel fishing.

Awesome looking fish, well done!

Question; why do this one look so pale? I assume it has to do with the water temperature an colour???

Again, another fantastico fish ****y, worth the cold, wind and rain.

Hey Claudia,

You are always welcome up West! Drop me an email with a few alternative dates.

I am not sure about the reason for the light colouration. All three fish on this session were very pale, they looked more like Trent barbel.2 months ago every fish I caught from this stretch was deep bronze...


Above: Late Oct



Above: Late December

One for the FM fish boffins I think. Maybe something to do with the shortening days and camouflage needs? Perhaps bronze is better in summer and silver in winter? This is quite a deep section of river, would that be a factor?

Deanos,

Thanks mate and big congratulations on your new pb. Winter fishing can be bloody hard going but you appreciate the rewards that much more when you have really put in the effort.

I found any barbel I caught from sandy River Dane had same dull colour.