Thank you John(this is first time i have commented)for taking the time to share your videos with us. I am normally a carp angler,but you have given me the buzz to go back and try fishing for all species no matter what they are or what size. Your enthusiasm is infectious,thank you once again.
@@themagicoffishing Hi John, just returned from my fishing having spent a few hours as promised. Had 40 odd roach, a few Rudd and 5 bream. Wonderful fishing and I question why I hadn’t done this before having spent all my time on carp. Thank you once again for getting me back into the way I first started fishing some 60 yrs ago !
Hi i am all round angler 45 years I am 48 I was so pleased you got that barbel out lucky son of haha i was with you just started watching you good stuff going check your vids out GOOD LUCK JOHN
Many thanks, Paul 💙🎣🐟 Comments like this make all the effort worthwhile and keep me going, even when things don’t go to plan or I have a disaster like losing a load of footage! I’m still feeling the relief from landing that barbel, too, I can tell you 😅 Great that you’ve found the channel and I hope you enjoy some of the other films on here 👍 Welcome to comment again anytime 🙏🎣🐟
Tight lines indeed! We’ve not had much rain so I fear the river will be a bit low and clear to give you a good chance, but fishing into dusk or the dark will improve your odds if possible. Best of luck 🤞
Lovely fish. Many will disagree, but when I started out fishing for barbel with a 1.5 lb barbel rod and 8 lb line, I never felt in charge of the better fish. In clear, open swims it's plenty. In snaggy areas a slow action, old school 2lb tc rod has enough persuasion power and is soft enough to handle the sudden runs barbel make. Modern rods tend to be tippy and progressive, like carp rods.
Totally agree. I only like a tippy rod for waggler at distance or trotting on a river. I’ve still got two old carp rods that used to be 2lb TC (when that was seen as standard, rather than today’s 3.25 pokers) and they have really mellowed with age 👍 Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏🎣🐟
I've read your book,now this UA-cam is chapter two. Like yourself I'm old school angler,enjoy being there ,catching is the bonus....so enjoyable, many thanks.
Ahhhh, that’s awesome! I love hearing from people who’ve enjoyed the book and, yep, the channel is my kinda way of keeping it going. I did start a second manuscript but just don’t have the time (believe it or not, filming at weekends and then editing 1-2 nights a week takes up a lot less time than trying to capture lots of memories in words!). Cheers for now and thanks for commenting - welcome to anytime.
Wow John you really are living the dream. Great video. You really are making me want to get out on the bank. Great memories for you matey. Keep up the good work and tight lines.
I had a very similar experience with a barbel of about 8lb on the wharfe a few weeks back I slack lined and got lucky . It's an awful feeling that only another angler will understand . I can't believe you didn't swear. Lovely video mate.
Wow John, your videos just get better! What a beautifully presented video, on a stunning stretch of river. Of course the Barbel was the highlight of the show, but even before you mentioned it, I thought the bird song was spectacular. So many anglers berate the eel as a fish, but when you catch one you can’t help admiring its journey in its life & honour its presence in our waterways. I am also pleased that a company has reached out & offered you a free item to use as a reward for your videos, well deserved & I hope a few more offer you their products as reward. (Even though I know that’s not what you do this for.) I also thought it was so nice that in the middle of ‘paradise’ you were recognised by a follower & had a good chat. As always (being a bit greedy😂) I can’t wait for your next video. 👍🏻👏🏻🎣
Thanks Chris, I have to agree. I’m yet to try for big river barbel, but the drama of the bite, the fight and then seeing such a big, powerful fish come to the surface of a narrow river takes some beating! I’m starting to understand why some anglers can skip fishing for bites and are willing to sit it out for what is likely to be one or two fish at most (certainly on a river like the Wey, which isn’t prolific). Thanks again for commenting.
Cracking video and top result for the Barbel !! .. I al so glad you had success with the Maxima line, as I recently bought a spool of 8lb and had to replace it after one fish to 11lb as it just kinked really badly! .. I used to use maxima all the time and was shocked when I saw this the other week. Still great video as always and look forward to your next adventure :) Cheers Paul.
Nice barbel that John,I was watching and thinking is he going to get it out and you did ,I must admit the bend in the rod was telling me it was a lost fish mate especially looking like he was snagged well done mate,and what a nice eel,I love fishing for me eels mainly get them by accident but we've got some nice ones in some of the old gravel pits round here,you will be heading for them catfish soon then,give it a whirl mate,
Great minds... I've been wondering about an attempt at my first cat ever since he showed me those videos (and seeing as I have access to the same lake)! 😂👍 Bit scary though 😨 Thanks for your faith in my skils (AKA luck!) with the barbel. I couldn't believe my luck, first cast, and felt devastated when it locked up! I think it had gone through several beds of weed and it only shifted when I got above it (worth the nettle stings!).
As your originally from Sheffield you might be interested to know that the Don is a really good barbel river thease days (I'm from Wakefield ) all my double figure barbel have been from the Don. Not many only 4. With a pb of 12.3 lb . Fishing is all about perspective and a brilliant fish for one river is only average for another . I love your interest in nature that's a big part of fishing for me too. Really enjoyed the video mate.
That is a cracking PB! And totally agree about perspective. I've heard odd stories about the Don. I used to fish it at Stocksbridge and the club stocked young barbel around the time I moved south.
Get on the garlic meat hair rigged to 15lb braid. Works a treat on the Dove and Trent. Cut a slot in a large Dennan maggot feeder and pack it with small halibut pellets.
Hi John , I live in Woking and keen to catch some Barbel and chub , walk that stretch along the canal , would love to pick your brains sometime and get some tips and spots along the stretch
Nice to hear from a fellow Woking resident and angler - thanks for watching and commenting 👍😎 Are you a member of any of the local clubs that run the fishing on much of the local Wey? I’m no barbel expert I’m afraid but the best advice I can offer is really in my videos where I’m targeting barbel and chub - as I discuss the conditions I like to look for (after rain), swim choice and baits etc. I don’t think you can beat a simple ledgering rig with a big chunk of luncheon meat on a big hook if you’re after barbel and chub on there - and fish into the dark if you can. Look for deeper runs and fish on the edge of fast water and slacker areas (the ‘crease’). Late summer and autumn is prime time as it’s still warm and yet it gets darker earlier on and you fish a couple of hours into the dark without staying mega late. You can buy little isotopes (Drennan do good ones that charge up in the daylight), or chemical lights that clip on the end of your road. So you can see any bites. And a head torch is also essential. Tight lines 🎣🐟
Sure, although that currently goes to my wife’s phone! She will pass on the message and/or her phone when she sees it though 😄 And I’ll try to reply before long 👍🎣
i went down the wey a week ago in pursuit of a barbel on a centerpin "but" all I got was eels and a perch. The eels fought very well and it was intretsing to see them but they stank so much. I read once that by stroking an eel it calms it down but for me they were just so wriggly i will be back on the wey next week t try to catch a barbel espacially with the rain recenlety.
Keep at it! Your first barbel is a very special fish indeed and will be remembered for a long, long time. Eels are indeed a tricky customer but an increasingly rare and fascinating fish. Keep up your efforts, Calvin, and I have every confidence you will bag a barbel. After prolonged rain (big cube of meat) or early mornings and late evenings are your best bet. Always tricky in dry conditions with clear water but pellets and hemp can sometimes get them feeding over time. Be sure to let me know when you get a bronze torpedo, no matter how long it takes 🤞👍🎣🐟🙏🪱⏰⏳🙌
@themagicoffishing We're staying half a mile from a rugged beach. Casting off the rocks, tide timetable downloaded. Kimmeridge bay is our favourite spot, fish & fossils. We're like kids waiting for santa.
Thank you John(this is first time i have commented)for taking the time to share your videos with us. I am normally a carp angler,but you have given me the buzz to go back and try fishing for all species no matter what they are or what size. Your enthusiasm is infectious,thank you once again.
Wow, that's made my night! Don't let it be the 'first and last time' 🙏
@@themagicoffishing Hi John, just returned from my fishing having spent a few hours as promised. Had 40 odd roach, a few Rudd and 5 bream. Wonderful fishing and I question why I hadn’t done this before having spent all my time on carp. Thank you once again for getting me back into the way I first started fishing some 60 yrs ago !
Hi i am all round angler 45 years I am 48 I was so pleased you got that barbel out lucky son of haha i was with you just started watching you good stuff going check your vids out GOOD LUCK JOHN
Many thanks, Paul 💙🎣🐟 Comments like this make all the effort worthwhile and keep me going, even when things don’t go to plan or I have a disaster like losing a load of footage! I’m still feeling the relief from landing that barbel, too, I can tell you 😅 Great that you’ve found the channel and I hope you enjoy some of the other films on here 👍 Welcome to comment again anytime 🙏🎣🐟
Wow! What a Barble! Another great film. A pleasure to watch you fish... ❤️🎣❤️
Too kind as always 🙏
John I have been invited to fish the river Wey this Thursday, have taken on board some of your ideas and tactics. Just hope the barbel play ball.
Tight lines indeed! We’ve not had much rain so I fear the river will be a bit low and clear to give you a good chance, but fishing into dusk or the dark will improve your odds if possible. Best of luck 🤞
Lovely fish. Many will disagree, but when I started out fishing for barbel with a 1.5 lb barbel rod and 8 lb line, I never felt in charge of the better fish. In clear, open swims it's plenty. In snaggy areas a slow action, old school 2lb tc rod has enough persuasion power and is soft enough to handle the sudden runs barbel make. Modern rods tend to be tippy and progressive, like carp rods.
Totally agree. I only like a tippy rod for waggler at distance or trotting on a river. I’ve still got two old carp rods that used to be 2lb TC (when that was seen as standard, rather than today’s 3.25 pokers) and they have really mellowed with age 👍 Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏🎣🐟
@@themagicoffishing Distance casting capability has changed specimen rods completely, and not always for the better.
I've read your book,now this UA-cam is chapter two. Like yourself I'm old school angler,enjoy being there ,catching is the bonus....so enjoyable, many thanks.
Ahhhh, that’s awesome! I love hearing from people who’ve enjoyed the book and, yep, the channel is my kinda way of keeping it going. I did start a second manuscript but just don’t have the time (believe it or not, filming at weekends and then editing 1-2 nights a week takes up a lot less time than trying to capture lots of memories in words!). Cheers for now and thanks for commenting - welcome to anytime.
As usual, another interesting video. As well as watching you fish, I like the description of the nature around you. Well done.
Sincere thanks 🙏
What a stunner. Glad the Wey is still pristine. Thanks for posting😊
Thanks for commenting!
lovely that again. great to see an eel
Cheers
Love watching your videos John - you almost feel you are there with you! Lovely barbel - well done!
Ahhhh thanks, Paul, it's comments like this that make it all worthwhile.
Wow John you really are living the dream. Great video. You really are making me want to get out on the bank. Great memories for you matey. Keep up the good work and tight lines.
Get out on the bank whenever you can my man 🎣
I had a very similar experience with a barbel of about 8lb on the wharfe a few weeks back I slack lined and got lucky . It's an awful feeling that only another angler will understand . I can't believe you didn't swear. Lovely video mate.
Totally! And thank you very much!
Another great Vid John. Wow the look on your face holding that beautiful creature said it all. Great Angling Buddy 👍👍
Thanks man, that means a lot and agree with you completely.
Absolutely beautiful fish. Well done John
Thank you for taking the time to say so - it made my week!
Wow John, your videos just get better! What a beautifully presented video, on a stunning stretch of river. Of course the Barbel was the highlight of the show, but even before you mentioned it, I thought the bird song was spectacular. So many anglers berate the eel as a fish, but when you catch one you can’t help admiring its journey in its life & honour its presence in our waterways. I am also pleased that a company has reached out & offered you a free item to use as a reward for your videos, well deserved & I hope a few more offer you their products as reward. (Even though I know that’s not what you do this for.) I also thought it was so nice that in the middle of ‘paradise’ you were recognised by a follower & had a good chat. As always (being a bit greedy😂) I can’t wait for your next video. 👍🏻👏🏻🎣
Fantastic comment as always 🥰 This kind of feedback is what keeps me going. Much appreciated 🙏
Wow well done mate, thats stunning, fantastic, Barbel are nearly always in mint condition, good man.
Thanks - means a lot ☺️
great video and a cracking fish!
Thanks Chris!
@chrispage1888 Nice holiday Chris? Me & your Dad had a couple of bumper sessions while you were away. David
Yet another quality video John. Like you I fish for all species but nothing beats a small river barbel in my opinion. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Chris, I have to agree. I’m yet to try for big river barbel, but the drama of the bite, the fight and then seeing such a big, powerful fish come to the surface of a narrow river takes some beating! I’m starting to understand why some anglers can skip fishing for bites and are willing to sit it out for what is likely to be one or two fish at most (certainly on a river like the Wey, which isn’t prolific). Thanks again for commenting.
Lovely video great Barbel. 👍
Thank you! 🤗
really enjoyed this john,hope you get as much pleasure in the making as i do in watching
tight lines
Completely.
Cracking video and top result for the Barbel !! .. I al so glad you had success with the Maxima line, as I recently bought a spool of 8lb and had to replace it after one fish to 11lb as it just kinked really badly! .. I used to use maxima all the time and was shocked when I saw this the other week. Still great video as always and look forward to your next adventure :)
Cheers
Paul.
Thanks Paul!
Brilliant john, top class video👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it, that means a great deal to me. Thanks for taking the time.
well done the wey has some proper units swimming around in it.
Thanks. I’d love to catch some more…
So glad for you landing that crumper. Good angling rave on, still dont know how you got it out of that snag. Great video❤
You don’t? I don’t! 😄😅
Great fishing a treat to watch 👍
Thanks Graham! 👍🙏
excellent video 👍
Thank you 👍
Nice barbel that John,I was watching and thinking is he going to get it out and you did ,I must admit the bend in the rod was telling me it was a lost fish mate especially looking like he was snagged well done mate,and what a nice eel,I love fishing for me eels mainly get them by accident but we've got some nice ones in some of the old gravel pits round here,you will be heading for them catfish soon then,give it a whirl mate,
Great minds... I've been wondering about an attempt at my first cat ever since he showed me those videos (and seeing as I have access to the same lake)! 😂👍 Bit scary though 😨 Thanks for your faith in my skils (AKA luck!) with the barbel. I couldn't believe my luck, first cast, and felt devastated when it locked up! I think it had gone through several beds of weed and it only shifted when I got above it (worth the nettle stings!).
11:42. Epitomises, Summer and Rivers.... And if it wasn't your head in it...that would definitely be my PC screen saver.
Thank you and I couldn't agree more.
Lovely video mate and a cracking Wey fish. No northerner baiting this time.
That means a lot 🥰😘
As your originally from Sheffield you might be interested to know that the Don is a really good barbel river thease days (I'm from Wakefield ) all my double figure barbel have been from the Don. Not many only 4. With a pb of 12.3 lb . Fishing is all about perspective and a brilliant fish for one river is only average for another . I love your interest in nature that's a big part of fishing for me too. Really enjoyed the video mate.
That is a cracking PB! And totally agree about perspective. I've heard odd stories about the Don. I used to fish it at Stocksbridge and the club stocked young barbel around the time I moved south.
Is Fisher Green on the old lea Essex still a good barbel fishery .it was in sixty and seventys
I don’t know I’m afraid, mate, I’ve heard of it but never been there or fished it.
Get on the garlic meat hair rigged to 15lb braid. Works a treat on the Dove and Trent. Cut a slot in a large Dennan maggot feeder and pack it with small halibut pellets.
Cheers, will give it a go and very jealous of you getting to fish the Trent and Dove.
Hi John , I live in Woking and keen to catch some Barbel and chub , walk that stretch along the canal , would love to pick your brains sometime and get some tips and spots along the stretch
Nice to hear from a fellow Woking resident and angler - thanks for watching and commenting 👍😎 Are you a member of any of the local clubs that run the fishing on much of the local Wey? I’m no barbel expert I’m afraid but the best advice I can offer is really in my videos where I’m targeting barbel and chub - as I discuss the conditions I like to look for (after rain), swim choice and baits etc. I don’t think you can beat a simple ledgering rig with a big chunk of luncheon meat on a big hook if you’re after barbel and chub on there - and fish into the dark if you can. Look for deeper runs and fish on the edge of fast water and slacker areas (the ‘crease’). Late summer and autumn is prime time as it’s still warm and yet it gets darker earlier on and you fish a couple of hours into the dark without staying mega late. You can buy little isotopes (Drennan do good ones that charge up in the daylight), or chemical lights that clip on the end of your road. So you can see any bites. And a head torch is also essential. Tight lines 🎣🐟
thanks for the reply and the advice John, was going to drop you a message on FB if that’s ok ?
Sure, although that currently goes to my wife’s phone! She will pass on the message and/or her phone when she sees it though 😄 And I’ll try to reply before long 👍🎣
Tighten your drag up !
Haha, I probably did need a touch more on it! 😄😉 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
i went down the wey a week ago in pursuit of a barbel on a centerpin "but" all I got was eels and a perch. The eels fought very well and it was intretsing to see them but they stank so much. I read once that by stroking an eel it calms it down but for me they were just so wriggly i will be back on the wey next week t try to catch a barbel espacially with the rain recenlety.
Keep at it! Your first barbel is a very special fish indeed and will be remembered for a long, long time. Eels are indeed a tricky customer but an increasingly rare and fascinating fish. Keep up your efforts, Calvin, and I have every confidence you will bag a barbel. After prolonged rain (big cube of meat) or early mornings and late evenings are your best bet. Always tricky in dry conditions with clear water but pellets and hemp can sometimes get them feeding over time. Be sure to let me know when you get a bronze torpedo, no matter how long it takes 🤞👍🎣🐟🙏🪱⏰⏳🙌
Report that invasive giant Hog weed in Ur shot at 1min 21 to the river trust.
Cheers
Fantastic fishing! Video was great! Oh, promoting products is fine by me if you think they are good! Just don´t sell your soul to the devil ;-)
Many thanks! 🥰 And I promise not to sell out completely! 😄👍
Hi John, wonderful stuff, lovely Barbel! Inspirational, itching to get back on the bank. 🐟🪱🎣👍
Cheers Smiffy! Tight lines and lures for next week 🎣🐟
@themagicoffishing We're staying half a mile from a rugged beach. Casting off the rocks, tide timetable downloaded. Kimmeridge bay is our favourite spot, fish & fossils. We're like kids waiting for santa.