The Rise and Rise of the Carbeller: Why So Many Seasoned Carp Anglers Are Switching Species…
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift among anglers. While carp fishing has long been a staple of the sport accounting for, reports suggest, +/- 70% of UK anglers, the allure of targeting barbel in our rivers has captured the imagination of many.
This blog delves into the reasons behind this trend, examining the appeal of barbel as a sport fishing species and how carp techniques are being successfully adapted to the art of barbel fishing.
Barbel fishing has rapidly gained popularity among carp anglers, and for good reason. First and foremost, barbel are known for their exceptional fighting abilities.
Their strength, coupled with their ability to make powerful runs through the river, creates an adrenaline-pumping experience that many find irresistible.
Secondly, barbel are enigmatic creatures. Unlike carp, which can be relatively easy to spot in stillwaters with just a modicum of watercraft, barbel are nomadic. They roam our rivers - often travelling many miles - making them more of a challenge to locate.
As a result, anglers often find themselves developing a deeper understanding of the environment as they tread the banks, learning to read the water, understand the impact of flow patterns, and find likely feeding spots.
This exploration fosters a deeper connection with the water, and with nature that many anglers find rewarding.
Moreover, there’s an element of adventure and unpredictability in barbel fishing. Each session can take you to different stretches of river, exposing you to diverse landscapes and ecosystems, which can change from month to month.
The serenity of riverbanks, the sound of flowing water, and often the enchanting scenery all contribute to a fishing experience that differs significantly from the more static nature of stillwater carp fishing.
And from the busy banks of day ticket circuit waters, populated by known - and frequently named - fish.
The propensity of increasing numbers of carp anglers to delve into barbel fishing has spawned a burgeoning trend called “carbelling,” wherein traditional carp fishing techniques are being applied to barbel fishing.
Many anglers transitioning to barbel fishing are leveraging their extensive knowledge and expertise from carp fishing to inform their new pursuit, employing familiar baits and baiting techniques, such as using boilies and pellets; strategies which translate well to barbel fishing.
Boilies can be exceptionally effective (not to mention, more resistant to nuisance species and, when meshed, to crayfish too). And more powerful carp fishing gear, such as robust rods and reels, big feeders, leads and lines, are often perfectly suited for barbel fishing - especially on faster flowing water close to weirpools and on tidal stretches.
Which makes the transition, in terms of tackle and techniques, prima facie, an easy one.
Trickier, is rediscovering the art of watercraft. And therein, for many, lies the joy of making the leap: the mystery, and challenge of the path less trodden.
No myth-busting underwater filming here!
Rather, the shift from carp to barbel has reignited a passion for angling among many carp anglers, who’ve become somewhat jaded with the increasing commercialisation of their branch of the sport, wherein 50lb and even 60lb monsters are now seemingly lining up to be caught by anyone with a GPS bait boat, a quiver of pre-tied rigs and an established bait.
Oh, and the cash for an overpriced syndicate ticket.
Which brings to mind one final attraction: whilst a super-stocked syndicate stuffed with ‘scaly bangers’ may carry a hefty fee of £1,500 or more, double figure barbel can be found on club waters costing just a few pounds a year.
Meaning, in the current climate, what’s not to love?
