Barbel
Barbel - article on one of coarse fishings most addictive species, including distribution, habitat, feeding, reproduction etc
Barbel
barbus barbus
Cyprinidae
Barbel are native to the UK, originally residing in east-flowing rivers such as the Trent, Thames etc. the species is now well spread through England. Found in over 50 rivers, this fish is now accessible to most anglers.
Appearance
The species are long, slender and muscular in build, clearly evolved to suit flowing waters. Predominantly bottom feeders, the mouth is found on the underside of the head, possessing rubbery lips ideal for rooting in gravel for crustaceans and other protien rich mini-beasts. Around the mouth can clearly be seen, four barbules (barbels) used to locate food. These fleshy projections are extremely sensitive and also aid in an effective sense of 'smell'. Barbel are large at 10lbs+ and have been recorded at 21lb 2oz in the UK, with fish to 26lb in Europe.
Diet
Barbel are omnivores, and are largely geared towards feeding in low-light conditions - either at night or in turbid waters. Natural diet includes invertibrae such as caddis larvae, bloodworm and snails, as well as silkweed. Demonstrating the fishes willingness to adapt, dead or dying small fish and at certain times of the year small fry shoals have been hunted in the margins.
The species has also gained a bad reputation among salmon anglers, having been accused of depleting game fish stocks by eating salmon spawn - a rich source of nutrition.
Habitat
Built for moving water, barbel are most successful in flowing rivers that provide areas of gravel upon which to spawn. Oxygen is of importance to the species, during hot, dry periods in summer, barbel can be prone to exhaustion and must be rested - caused by depleted oxygen levels in sluggish water.
Particularly fond of cover, barbel can be found amongst weed or tucked away beneath overhanging trees, or in deeper water, when they are not feeding or nervous of predatory presence.
Reproduction
Barbel spawn over gravelbeds with a healthy flow of water. Male barbel become mature at 3-4years of age, while females achieve maturity at 5-8years. Usually late may to early july are typical spawning periods depending on the river and prevailing weather conditions, after upstream migration. In the region of 8,000 to 10,000 eggs - which are poisonous - are released per pound of body wieght.
Fishing
Being predominantly bottom feeders, barbel are most easily caught by legering. Tough fighters, 10lb mainline is recommended, coupled with strong hooks. Good baits include luncheon meat, maggots, hempseed, pellets and boilies. For more advice on barbel tactics, check out Barbel Fishing - The Basics