Barbel basics

I hate to admit it, but I have wasted the best part of the last fourteen months, as I've pursued the barbel of the River Stour. Fred Crouch would have wondered if anything he had ever taught had been understood?
My wake up call came on Friday, when my confidence was shattered by the missing of a savage, un-missable, bite. How could it happen? What had I done wrong?
All day, on Saturday, it played on my mind and I kept reliving the moment - a waking nightmare! Then it all clicked into place! What a complete cock I'd been. My angling has not been about catching barbel but, instead, avoiding eels. The rig, and the size of my bait, was designed to deter the unwanted attention of these good for nothing, slimy pests and my effort and thought processes have been geared up like this since June 2013. It wasn't a "eureka!" moment, more like a cold shower when you need to remain awake. The shock was pretty much the same - how could I have forgotten so much of what Fred had instilled into me during those magical sessions on The Royalty and King's Weir. Yes, it is true that many aspects of barbel angling have changed in the intervening years, but it remains a basic fact that barbel are the same species as they've always been and will behave in similar manner as they've always done. I needed to get back to the basics; those which Fred had so generously taught me over thirty years ago.
Back then, maggots were "the bait" - we introduced them into our swims in huge quantities. To use six - eight pints during a session was a regular occurrence. To get them to where we wanted, we used swim feeders as part of our terminal tackle yet, the bulk of the bait was introduced to a specified area by the use of a bait-dropper (plastic and rather prone to breaking as I seem to recall). The whole purpose of this approach was to produce a diamond-shaped bed of feed, which trailed off downstream, that the fish would follow to the hookbait. Accuracy was the key, if this was to be done to maximum effect, the fish were cautious, when they first come into contact with the freebies, but gained in confidence as they moved up into the diamond before they became totally preoccupied and a baited hook was not an issue. What also helped was the fact that, at that time, both The Hampshire Avon and The Lea held massive populations of barbel and feeding competition between individual fish also aided our cause. In those days we were about catching barbel, any barbel, multiple captures were normal and size wasn't a consideration - a four/five pound barbel in King's Weir would try to pull you out of the punt (anchored to the chain that ran across the head of the pool) - happy days! 

 

A metal bait-dropper, complete with my own mods; I can change the weights, if required,
to suit the river conditions. Simple, yet highly effective piece of angling kit!
We got six, for £18, off the Internet.

How does this fit in with the situation on the R. Stour? This is a river with a very small population of barbel, as far as we know, therefore it is unlikely that the tactics of the 1980's would prove to be of much worth; however, the basic thought process about baiting strategy and fish confidence will still hold true? All day on Saturday, and for most of Sunday, I was thinking through my plan. Maggots were replaced with a particle mix (I'm not about to tell you what - but you can find it in a pet shop if you look) which I spiced up with the addition of some flavour. I also liquidised a small amount of the mix, so as to give off a flavour trail when it was introduced to the swim. The amount I introduce is directly proportional to the number of fish I'm expecting to be present which, until I know different, means that I'm introducing around half a kilo per session. (That's still an awful lot of individual particles)

A rather poor attempt to show my chosen swim.
The positioning of the hookbait, within the diamond, is critical - it must be
between the apex and the widest point, to be most effective. This is where any feeding fish will
be at their most confident, having encountered so many free offerings without
coming into contact with any form of terminal tackle.

I had already decided on the swim where I would put these ideas into practice, it being an area where all the ingredients, which I understand to be barbel features, were present - although I'd not fished there before and had never seen a barbel anywhere in the vicinity.  Well; the rest, as they say, "is history!"  Only time will tell if this capture was a fluke or good angling?

 

The net was made for me by a guy I met at a Catfish CG meeting in 1990? The frame was purchased
from Dragoncarp (complete with net) and proved to be the most unsuitable piece of kit
I've ever spent money on - you'd be better off using a tennis racket!
The two work well as a combination.

As I spend an awful lot of my time fishing alone, work commitments not lack of mates, it is essential that my gear is user friendly. To this end, my landing net pole is a 3m carbon fibre Boss Weightlifter and my landing net a large mesh 24" pan net fitted to a "Barbus" oval frame. This combination ensures that I'm not leaning over, or uncomfortable, when attempting to get a fish ready for landing.
Two other items which are proving to be invaluable are a small unhooking mat (it rolls up inside my ruck-sac) and my chest waders. The waders not only assist in getting the fish back into the water and fully recovered, but also provide a physical barrier to the bloody mosquitoes which are such a problem along the river! - Tight Lines

Skill? No; I've got a lucky shirt!

This post is just because I can, a silly piece of indulgence, nothing more! - I've got a folder, on the external hard drive, which contains photos of all the barbel that I've witnessed from the River Stour (so not many!) Whilst looking through them, for signs of repeat captures, it suddenly dawned on me that I have a "lucky" shirt - three out of four, of my doubles have been captured when I've been wearing it. Obviously there is an alternative theory - I'm so poor as to only own one shirt, so it's a no-brainer that I'll be wearing it whenever I go fishing? Luck? Skill? There's a very fine divide between these elements, however, luck cannot be learnt; skills can be developed. As Gary Player once said "The more I practice, the luckier I get!"



My first "double" 11lbs 9 oz - August 2013



My current PB - 13 lbs 14 oz - 21.08.2013
The state of my hair is due to wearing a head torch, not a visit to some fancy parlour!

27.07.2014 - Same shirt, same necklace, same Rolex (?) watch - if only barbel fishing was this simple.

Effort equals success

It was exactly a year ago, today (27.07.2013), that I managed to capture my first barbel from the Kentish Stour. I'd been out on Friday; Benno, Tom and Luke (a bit part on this occasion) also present. Benno took a Bream of 5lbs 2oz, Tom blanked and I got destroyed by a bite which I missed completely. I would love to say eels (as Simon and Benno suggested) but my gut feeling was that I'd screwed up the first chance of the year?
So, when it became clear that another window of opportunity might be available, I did all I could to be ready. I changed my bait, rig and hook size - altered the particle mix with the addition of a spicy additive and was on the river by 19.30 hrs - swim baited up within 30 minutes and a hook bait in the water some 45 minutes later - just as the light started to fade. Bev had offered the ritual "tight lines" as I departed, but cautioned against reading too much into it - "you'll catch nothing again - as usual!" Such confidence in her husbands' ability.
I knew different - I could feel it. The omens were all in my favour; surely tonight was the one where it all fell into place. Darkness descended and I contented myself watching the Daubenton's Bats as they skimmed across the surface of the water, occasionally catching the line causing a bleep on the alarm and a flicker of the rod-tip. Just after 22.00 hrs it happened. The rod tip wrenched round, the alarm screamed into life and my Matt Hayes centre-pin span wildly as a fish bolted off with my bait. A fantastic scrap ensued before I was able to slide the net under the first barbel of 2014. All 12 lbs 10 oz of it - never has a fish been more welcome.

If anyone knows the swim from this background - they will probably be on first name terms with
this barbel?

However, unlike last season, I know exactly why I caught this fish and, in as much, am able to derive a great deal of pleasure from the event. If my confidence is justified then I feel sure it won't be long before I am adding to my tally of barbel from this superb river

 

Never easy getting that "perfect" self-take shot.
Hands all over the flanks and too much glare - how I wish Benno had been there

As with all of our fish - I made the effort to record both flanks, so to aid id of individual specimens as the project moves forward.

Urban myths, mountains and molehills

I have heard, on numerous occasions, from those good folk with whom I work; the dramatic effects of the appearance of a hornet, at a BBQ or similar event, and the chaotic scenes that follow as "every man for himself" panic ensues. The general story is of a loud buzzing, followed by "it was massive!" - my reply doesn't usually go down too well. "It wasn't a hornet, it was a hoverfly - Volucella zonaria" Hornets, on Thanet, are as rare as hen's teeth - I've seen one in fourteen years, and I've been looking.
It would seem that the general reaction to the sighting of a large black and yellow striped insect is to immediately start flailing arms and shouting nonsense - hardly conducive composure for the positive identification of any living creature? So why have I made mention of this today? Well, there have been up to six individual V. zonaria feeding on the buddlieas and, this morning, I decided to grab some images.

Volucella zonaria, a beast of a hoverfly - aka The Thanet Hornet!

The weather was superb, bright sunshine, a slight northerly breeze and clear blue skies; simply good to be outdoors weather. I recorded my first Migrant Hawker (dragonfly) of the year along with being privvy to a spectacular display by two, juvenile and an adult, peregrines high over Newland's Farm. Swallows were moving north, in dribs and drabs and there was plenty of butterfly activity to keep me amused - some pristine Painted Ladies being the highlight.

My first Migrant Hawker, of 2014, perched in the garden buddliea

The second part of this rambling drivel concerns the disquiet in the tranquil world of local birding; to be more specific, the state of the reserve at Stodmarsh/Grove Ferry. It is a designated NNR (National Nature Reserve) and is, therefore, funded by the, tax paying, members of the UK populous. Natural England are the custodians - any employee being a "civil servant" in this respect, so open to criticism by the public if there is a perception of failure?
Looking at some of my fellow blogland inhabitants postings - all is not well in the "jewel of the Kent countryside". Oh no; much vocal, and blogland, criticism of the general state of the reseve. Poor Becky Plunkett (the reserve manager) and her staff, have taken some fierce flack for the lack of viewing facilities offered by the site. By all means feel free to call me thick, but is not the purpose of a nature reserve to provide habitat in which nature can thrive? In this case we are talking about the inhabitants of reedbeds - Bitterns, Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits and, dare I say, Spotted Crakes? There will, of course, be a whole ecosystem full of supporting plants, invertebrates, amphibians, mammals, etc. which all benefit from the conditions provided by this habitat. What it ain't is a zoo! The very conditions which provide optimum environments for the natural history does not automatically mean that it will be a good place to see them!
However, as it is an area which is payed for by the public, surely there must be some compromise? I've read Becky's rather defencive comment on "Chiddy's" blog - such a shame that things have been allowed to degenerate to this level? I was at that very first meeting, in The Reedbed Hide, when Becky outlined her vision and urged caution over time scale due to financial constraints - I can't see that she hasn't been honest, or the reserve fallen into disrepair.

May 2004 - looking from the ramp towards Stodmarsh. No reed shields, no Harrison's Drove Hide and still masses
of open water amidst the newly emerged reedbeds.

What is of paramount importance is the fact that this area remains managed for the wildlife of East Kent? Thus, if for no other reason than to provide the continuing support, surely the tax paying public should be able to enjoy a reasonable chance of encountering the inhabitants of the reserve as they walk the various footpaths between the vast expanses of maturing reedbeds.

24th September 2003 - A Pectoral Sandpiper  (it's in front of the Pochard!) on the main pool  - as viewed from the ramp

When I first visited Grove, it was a series of fields where turf was cultivated - Natural England (previously known as English Nature) have done a fantastic job in developing this facility for the benefit of many rare breeding birds. Wouldn't it be better if everyone could enter into constructive debate rather than this latest episode of  "muck throwing" - that's me being polite!

Minestrone or a Box of Chocolates?

This past couple of weeks has seen my head visit many dimensions as I've "blogged" my way through nostalgic defining moments, the, present day, frustration at my inability to master the barbel of The Kentish R.Stour, to the insane concept of recording my life's journey, in book form - and the associated shrapnel (Steve Gale's unexpected praise being the icing on the cake!) ending with the, utter relief, which comes from a medical "all clear" for Bev; some crazy places I've visited and that's for sure.
This "life story" stuff has led me down some rather extraordinary side roads - I am discovering much about the influences, and myself, as I attempt to unravel fact from fiction - such is the mess that forms my memories. I've always maintained that it was my love of natural history which shaped my being and made me who I am today? Looking back would suggest that there was an equal partner in all this - that being my choice of work! Factories are not for everyone, and that's completely understandable, but they are where I am most comfortable - my territory; where I am able to earn a living and can hold my own. It didn't matter if the business was owned by Kodak (UK) Ltd, Unilever or Fujifilm SIS - I am comfortable in these environs; shop floor banter being part and parcel. Yeah, of course I'm different, I'm a long-haired twat, wearing wooden jewellery, interested in birds, moths and fishing - no! page three isn't important - I've got Bev at home so why would I need to fantasise about a woman younger than my daughter? I couldn't give a toss for the merits of Manchester City and their spending power - I am, and always will be, a QPR supporter so that stuff doesn't come into my world.
These are places where I have spent more time than anywhere else - my experiences being of equal merit to any I've had in other arenas.
Please don't make the mistake of thinking "Well, it no surprise you're factory fodder - being a thick, un-educated goon" Oh no! I left school with a hat-full of qualifications which were soon added to by my time at college - I am, by trade, a medical laboratory technician - starting out life at The Lister Institute of  Preventative Medicine, Dagger Lane, Elstree. A fantastic, worthwhile, career but a world inhabited by deluded tossers; so not for me. If a bloke is a c*nt then tell him - can't do that in the twee environment of laboratory employment - on the factory floor it's almost a term of endearment.
I suppose this is why my blogging sometimes causes offence, where none is meant. I write this stuff as I see it (as I would say it to anyone within my work experience) and, if folk are not of this background, then it will appear a little rough/aggressive. I can't say that I'm sorry; for to do so would be that I would be sorry for being me? Perhaps there should be a warning on my blog header - "might cause offence if you're a little precious?"

Taken from a boat whilst enjoying a holiday in Turkey - one of those jet-ski and booze experiences!

I will leave you with a couple of images, of Audouin's Gull - probably the best looking gull in the western palearctic? A portrait and a simple image - I know which one, I prefer, to convey the message of wonderment at the beauty of our natural history - not every one else will agree, and in that simple fact is the definition of enjoyment. It's very much an individual thing.

 

Sat on a coastal rock, in Menorca, October 2010.
This image says everything, I want, about why I enjoy being outdoors

The William Harvey experience

I'll start by reporting yet another eel filled session, Tuesday, 20 - 23.00 hrs, on The River Stour; so not what the doctor had ordered! Bev's ill health remains a concern and, as such, I took today off so I could be with her for the latest round of tests. She had an endoscopy, under general anaesthetic, at the William Harvey Hospital, in Ashford - just a mile, or so, up the Kennington Road from the "soup mine"
Her appointment was relayed, via a phone call, on Monday - just as well because the letter of confirmation was only delivered today (as we discovered as we got back home). Be here for 07.30 hrs, we were! My parking ticket showing 07.16 hrs as I entered the "private" hospital parking area - no one is exempt; disabled, OAP's, the terminally ill - oh no! Everyone pays, "In God we trust - everyone else pays cash!"
I am so grateful for my opportunity to waste a day's holiday - Bev finally getting into theatre some 6 1/2 hours after we'd arrive - it was over twelve hours before we made it back home. This has nothing to do with the expertise and professionalism of the doctors and nurses of this superb hospital - it is about organisation. The staff car park was full of quality street motors - so not those of the porters and cleaners, or the junior nurses and medics who were flat out attempting to keep up with a hectic schedule - no these belonged to the smug, suit and tie, brigade who masquerade as administrators. The whole system is over-run with these clowns. If they were as good, at their jobs, as the front line medical staff are at theirs, these hospitals would run better than a Rolex watch!
The good news is that there is nothing of concern the surgeon discovered, during the procedure, and our major fears are unfounded! So with so much time to waste, I should have used the chance to re-read the wondrous "Blood Knots" by Luke Jennings - attempting to pick up a few hints for my forthcoming tome - but not one bit of it! I did manage to grab a couple of 30 minutes sojourns (how I discovered the staff car parking area) and was amazed at the wealth of insect variety that was present on land adjacent to the complex so, I would assume?, awaiting further expansion of this magnificent facility.

This Red-shanked Carder Bee (on Mallow) was discovered along the R. Little Stour valley in July 2011 - my first.
I have also seen this species, since, within the Stodmarsh/|Grove Ferry NNR but, was totally unprepared
to encounter it in the grounds of an Ashford Hospital!

I had no bins or camera, but was happy enough to confirm a brood of Chiffchaff, Small and Essex Skipper, a (rather late?) Marbled White, good numbers of Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown, a few "white sp." and a healthy showing of Common Blues (no pun intended within a hospital complex)
For me, however, the discovery of several Red-shanked Carder Bees took the prize. Only the third site at which I've ever seen these insects - for every action there is a reaction - Yin & Yan? Some call it karma; I'll stick with just being there and keeping my eyes open!

This can't be right - can it ?

Firstly; I'm sat here, at my desk, listening to  Alanis Morrisette instead of Gerry Rafferty, Jimi Hendrix or Joe Satriani - something isn't quite in kilter? (Well not everything - I do have a can of Stella!)
I have a mate?, whom I have never met, that resides within "blogland" - a concept that takes some getting in to - at the age of 58 I'm in! Today has seen a post, by Steve Gale (Northdowns & Beyond), dedicated to my own ridiculously obscure views on our relationship with the natural world.
Flattered? I was completely bowled over - why me?
On Friday, I'd hurt myself whilst at work - nothing too terrible, but worth getting into the accident book - just in case! At the age of 18 I'd have run it off - forty years later it might be the start of arthritis - so it's in the records. One of our factory "safety officers"  is also reader of my blog - he had made mention, many years ago (when I was the Non-conformist") that I should write a book!
The rigmarole of getting this health and safety documentation completed ensured that he got involved and we had a chance to have a chat. "Go for it" - it seems that this project has some merit and the snowball is starting to roll down hill.
I'm completely "head-fucked" by this recent interest in my life, as much as I'm flattered - the thought that I might be able to add value to the lives of others is something I'd never previously considered.
So to Steve Gale - my heart felt thanks for the endorsement; to Richard Heffernen - I hope I'm able to deliver the story which you feel is within me!
I could post a series of photos - but why? This is about me and now - and where, the fuck, am I headed?