Reviewed by Graham Marsden
I have to say right from the start, and with no hesitation whatsoever, that these are two of the best fishing videos I have ever had the pleasure of watching, and that includes the much acclaimed TV series ‘A Passion For Angling’.
‘Barbel – Up Close And Personal’ covers a full season of barbel fishing with Part One covering the summer and autumn and Part Two dealing with the winter period.
So what sets these videos apart from the rest?
First of all the two main stars are passionate barbel anglers, and this shows through every inch of the footage. John Baker, who talks about baits, is no slouch either, and certainly knows a thing or two about barbel baits. But above all, there are a great many superb ‘home video’ sequences, taken by Guy and Stuart over more than three years, that give you a unique and almost breathtaking insight into barbel behaviour and their own brand of barbel fishing.
These camcorder DIY sequences, although not of broadcast quality, have been taken on Hi-8mm, and are perfectly watchable. What they lack in sharpness (and it isn’t a great deal) they make up for in content, for some of the sequences, both above and below the surface, are a credit to them.
They also make a very respectable job of the commentary, both dubbed and live, explaining their thinking in great detail. And some of their ideas are both unique and logical. None of the rigs they demonstrate are the result of being a ‘rig-head’, but are sensible and well thought out.
Also, Len Gurd, of The Original Video Production Company, has weaved his magic with the professional camera work and in the editing suite, knitting the camcorder and pro camera footage together to make a great set of videos that all barbel anglers, experienced and inexperienced, should watch.
I have difficulty in criticising them, and to do so would be petty in the extreme, they are so good. But why should I criticise them when I genuinely think they are the best barbel videos ever made.
If you’re a barbel angler, do yourself a favour and buy them. If you’re not a barbel angler, you soon will be if you watch these.
I don’t normally ‘gush’ about any product, but these are great videos and deserve the praise.
