There have been revolutionary advances in barbel fishing since the publication of Barbel by the Barbel Catchers Club (BBC) published by The Crowood Press in 1988, and the BCC has been at the forefront of these dramatic developments. This long awaited, and entirely new volume written by BCC members comprehensively covers the modern barbel fishing scene, discusses the size of the fish now caught and illustrates the changes that have taken place in tackle, tactics and baits. There are individual chapters on each major barbel river in England from the smallest streams, such as the Lodden and the Holybrook, to the mighty Midlands rivers, the Trent and the Severn, to the Yorkshire spate rivers and the crystalline waters of the famous Hampshire Avon. Each river chapter is written by an experienced angler with proven success on the river in question and culminates with a fascinating account of the capture of a really special barbel weighing in excess of 10 lb.
This remarkable book provides a wealth of expert information and explores not only traditional fishing methods but also ground-breaking new ideas. Lavishly illustrated with 200 images including photographs, drawings and diagrams, and a colour-plate section, this is an indispensable volume for both the barbel enthusiast and general river angler alike.

The Barbel Catchers Club (BCC) were established in 1977 with the objective of providing a forum for debating key issues and discussing new ideas. Since its formation, the BCC has been extremely successful and has been at the forefront of virtually every breakthrough in barbel angling. The club is organised by dedicated barbel anglers for barbel anglers and emphasizes the social aspect of the sport rather than its political and commercial divisions. The BCC is divided into seven regional groups, (Chiltens, Midland/Cotswold, Northwest, Southdown, Southern, Wessex and Yorkshire) and has its own website www.barbelcatchersclub.co.uk and its own Magazine entitled Barbus. All members write at least one article each year for the magazine, which also provides a forum for news and views.

Contents include:

• Indivual chapters on twenty-nine rivers, or sections of river
• Detailed and fascinating accounts of the capture of a 'big barbel' on each river
• Modern Baits-both pellet and HNV specials
• Scores of photographs, some in full colour, of barbel catches over 10lb
• Diagrams illustrating rigs, feeders and swims
• A review of devolpments in barbel fishing since the late 1980's and a consideration of the future of barbel fishing
• Details of the Barbel Catchers Club River Records and the Clubs 'top fifty' barbel.
  

Here is an e-mail that the Club received regarding the book.

As an on and off barbel angler I always like to keep up with current publications and this book was a pleasure to read. The layout and style are excellent and the quality of writing is of a high overall standard. Although I realise it is not a 'how to do it' book I think I have picked up on a number of things that will be very useful to me when I switch to the rivers later in the summer.

I do most of my barbelling on the Dane but in the past I have taken fish from the Severn, Teme , Hants' Avon and Ribble, nothing spectacular but fun nonetheless. The down to earth approach of your members and the realistic attitude they show towards their fishing was a breath of fresh air, a nice change from 'tackle tarts' and the 'barbel police'.

Once again thanks for a great book

Phil Hatton