Calm down a bit fellas.
Fish welfare is always going to be thorny subject when it comes to line and tackle strength. To my mind the mere fact we are fishing for them puts them in danger. In addition “strong” tackle to some will be “weak” to others.
An example - Trefor West who knows allot more about Barbel than most recons 6lb ine is still light for them for the fish welfare/prolonged fight reasons. He recommends 10 or 12lb line.
The point being where is the acceptable line ? (no pun intended). To my mind it’s a judgement call by the angler on the day and experience will tell him what he can and can’t get away with.
Fish welfare is always going to be thorny subject when it comes to line and tackle strength. To my mind the mere fact we are fishing for them puts them in danger. In addition “strong” tackle to some will be “weak” to others.
An example - Trefor West who knows allot more about Barbel than most recons 6lb ine is still light for them for the fish welfare/prolonged fight reasons. He recommends 10 or 12lb line.
The point being where is the acceptable line ? (no pun intended). To my mind it’s a judgement call by the angler on the day and experience will tell him what he can and can’t get away with.