Hopefully this season I’ll be concentrating on barbel, building on what I learnt last year on the Rivers Loddon and Severn. The ‘late’ summer scuppered my very early season plans as I didn’t wish to target them while they are spawning but I made a start on the River Loddon and after three blanks was rewarded with a nice fish of 12lb.
I also intend to follow up invites from some internet mates and expand my barbel fishing to the Thames, Wye and Trent and I’m especially hoping to float fish for them; I also particularly fancy the challenge of a barbel from my local River Wey.
In addition to furthering my barbel fishing I might just have to fill in some gaps by continuing my exploration of Farnham Angling Society venues; there are so many to choose from including some cracking lakes and ponds and their expansion this season with the acquisition of a number of the CEMEX fisheries has made the club card a very interesting mix indeed.
On some of the stillwaters I may have to dodge the carpers and bait boats but there are some superb tench and bream still to be had on what are predominantly carp waters.
Later on in the season, however, I will revert to type and again chase the chub on the Dorset Stour and Hants Avon.
