Izaak Walton's description of the Barbel

[Mark]

The Barbel is so called (saies Gesner) by reason of his Barb or Wattels at his mouth, which are under his nose or chaps. He is one of those leather-mouthed Fish that I told you of, that very seldom break his hold if he be once hook’d, but he will often break both rod and line if he proves to be a big one.

[BobH]

And this is one from a section of the Lea that Izaak would have known above the Lea Navigation.

15lbs 1ozs.

[Mark]

Thats a lovely barbel Bob, all 15lbs of him. :thumb:

[The Sweetcorn Kid]

A fantastic specimen Bob, I'd say they are one of the best fighters, especially when the flow is strong, thay can be nigh on impossible to shift!!