BARBEL. By Barbel Catchers and friends. Edited by John Bailey.

1988 1st edition. 4to (192 x 252mm). Pp205,ad. B/w photographs, maps, illustrations. Green boards, spine titled in gilt.

Chapters on the main barbel rivers by different members of the Barbel Catchers Club. "Such is the diversity of barbel fishing in Britain today that it could not be encompassed by the experience of any one angler, and this book comprises the combined experience and expertise of some twenty-one members and friends of the Barbel Catchers Club. Every major British barbel river and some stillwaters are described in detail by anglers who know them intimately in all conditions and at every month of the season. Fish location, methods, tackle, baits, tactics and approaches - from the lone barbel stalker prospecting little-fished reaches of remote rivers to the match man at his peg - are all dealt with comprehensively from the point of view of the practical angler. Individual swims are described in detail, as are the effects of temperature, water height and colour, and time of day... This book will fill all anglers, both old lovers of the species and the newly infatuated, with excitement and anticipation. For match men, pleasure anglers and specimen hunters alike it represents the last word on Old Whiskers." Chapters include:- Tactics; The Royalty; The Middle Avon; The Dorset Stour; The Upper Thames; The Lower Thames and its tributaries; The Middle Severn; The Lower Severn and its tributaries; Yorkshire rivers; The Kennet; The Wensum; The Great Ouse; The Trent; The Bristol Avon; The Lee; Minor rivers; Stillwater barbel; The future of barbel; Monsters. With contributions from Archie Braddock, Stuart Hamilton, Tony Hart, Alan Hayes, Pete McMurray, David Mason, Andy Orme, Dave Plummer, Peter Rayment, Pete Reading, Bill Rushmer, Mal Storey, Pete Tillotson, Ray Walton and Paul Woodings. Edited and with an introduction by John Bailey.