There are four tapes available in the series:
Middle Severn Barbel – Tackle and tactics
Middle Severn Barbel – Des’s favourite swims
River Teme Barbel – Tactics and swims
Lower Severn barbel – Tactics and swims
I want to say right from the start that these tapes are brilliant! They are all recorded with Lawrence Breakspear who makes the introduction, and take the form of an informal, chatty conversation as they walk along the river bank.
The first one I listened to was the tape about the River Teme. As someone who fishes the stretches mentioned, I can vouch that everything that is said on the tape is absolutely true. Along with the other tapes in the series, Des not only tells you how to fish it, but takes you to the swims that produce. A lot of my Teme fishing has been on the Stanford Bridge section. As Des and Lawrence walked along the bank talking about the particular swims, I could visualise in my mind exactly where they were as they talked. 
I listened to the one on the lower Severn while I was actually in my car driving to Severn Stoke. It was certainly inspiring, the sort of tape that makes you want to get out on the river bank. As I tuned off the motorway to reach Severn Stoke, imagine my delight when the tape moved from Kempsey to the very stretch I was heading for. When Lawrence describes the anticipation that he feels as he turns off the A38 by the war memorial in Severn Stoke to head down the track to the river, my heart cried out ‘A-men’!
The ones on the Middle Severn, which were the last ones I listened to, were top quality as far as information and swims were concerned. Des shares his experience of many years of fishing the middle Severn for the benefit of the listener. And as with all the other tapes, the contribution from Lawrence, who is no mean angler himself, adds to the experience. Often the middle Severn proves a frightening prospect for many anglers. It’s a big river that can appear a daunting task to tackle. After listening to Des and Lawrence as they talk about the middle Severn, it will inspire confidence.
Apart from a couple of stretches on the middle Severn and one on the lower reaches, all the waters referred to are BAA, who operate an open membership, with no waiting list. At the cost of £ 20 for a season ticket or £ 3 for a mid-week day ticket, this is affordable fishing. The other stretches mentioned are also club run or day ticket. There is no exclusivity, as far as access for all is concerned, with the waters Des visits.
These tapes are a must for any BAA members or indeed for anyone that is fishing the areas referred to. However, even if one didn’t set foot on a BAA stretch, the general information gleaned would be beneficial. Actually, I would go as far as to say that even if you never fished the Severn or the Teme in your lifetime, there are still things to be learned from listening to the tapes. They are great for listening to in the car. It could really make the difference on a Monday morning, driving to work in heavy traffic, the weekend session a distant memory, and next weekend a thousand miles away. Put one of these tapes on, it’ll pick you up. Either that or it will make you turn round, call in for a sickie, get your rods out and head off for the river!
For novice or expert alike, there is something to be had from these tapes. If only for the good old Black Country accent they’re worth listening too! If you know of any ex-patriate Black Country folk who need cheering up, send them a copy of the Black Country Bugle magazine and a set of these tapes (even if they don’t fish!). Seriously, these tapes are a must for anglers.
As with all reviews one needs to take a critical look at what is on review. The only criticism I can make is – Des, you’ve given away all the best swims! Since these tapes have been around I can hardly get on to the Pump House swim at Hampton Loade! Of course, I’m only joking. It’s hard to find something bad to say about these tapes.
The tapes cost £ 9.95 for the two Middle Severn ones and £ 4.99 for the others (inc p&p). They can be obtained from Des Taylor Agencies at PO Box 191, Bewdley. DY12 1YP. Cheques and Postal Orders to ‘Des Taylor Agencies’. My advice is buy the whole lot. At less than £ 20 your fishing will be greatly enhanced. Great value, order them now!
Any further information can be had from Des Taylor at destaylor@enta.net
