Jungle warfare fishing is very risky, you're gambling a long wait that could potentially end in seconds, especially when fishing for chub or barbel. It is heart racing stuff, dramatic, challenging and sometimes rewarding.
So here I am, nestled in the verdant woodland right in the thick of it, knowing a decent fish may be in the shadows. Almost an hour later, I felt two sharp plucks on my finger which was followed up by keen strike, and the cane instantly went into a full hoop. That unmistakable, lunge and sheer acceleration for freedom from a barbel was identified in an instant.
Now man v beast, it was game on. By not giving a fish too much freedom can be quite intimidating, after all barbel have the advantage, they're schooled to escape, but it has to be done or they'll lead you down a devious route and truly stuff you up, making you feel a little impassioned!
Allowing the cane to work the fish into a tired state, and as best as I could, hold it back from cover, my gamble eventually paid off with a cracking barbel in the net.
Any Gt Ouse barbel is always going to be a special catch, and from what I have witnessed of late in person, some fine young barbel are now amongst our waters. I have my fingers crossed for them that in years to come they safely grow into mighty torpedoes
