Back on the rivers

Frustratingly, I've had very limited fishing time since the rivers open due to work. I've really only had one session, a short evening session last week. Barbel was the target, and the river was fining down nicely after some floods. I was using a new Wychwood Rogue Barbel rod, coupled with 12lb Daiwa sensor line. Deciding that it was too early in the season for pellet or boilies (they haven't had any for a while), I chose meat and worms for bait.

It was a smashing evening, but unfortunately I only managed the one knock. As the evening wore on, bats started hitting my line and keeping me interested, and I had a nice surprise from a rat that was intrigued with my luncheon meat. No fish was the end result; i'm told these barbel are difficult to catch, but rewarding when you get one!