Barbel fishing on the hampshire avon

[mithrandir]

I was thinking of having a little dabble on the hampshire avon for some more Barbel ( I have the bug, I want MORE!), and Claudia is still determined to get hers this year,.

So wondered if anyone can recommend some good spots, was thinking about Winkton or the royalty mid week next week.

[Catfish Virgin (Still!)]

Of the two, I would go for The Royalty. I don't have much up to date knowledge but I definately prefer The Royalty, particularly the upper and middle beats.

The Winkton fishery is above the weir and splits into two. There are certainly barbel there (and big chub) but it's quite a tough venue. Not that The Royalty is easy, far from from it, but I think you'll stand a good chance especially mid week.

Davis Tackle will have all the information on both fisheries and are right next to the entrance to The Royalty.

Have you thought of the Avon at Ringwood?

Lifelands and Ringwood Fishery are available on day ticket. There's plenty of barbel and chub plus loads of other species (and less anglers - mid week, you'll probably have the place to yourselves!).

Travel light, very light!!

Lifelands.

Ringwood Tackle are very helpful and I reckon it'll be a better bet than either the two above.

[mithrandir]

Thanks Neil I think that gives me a plan for next week, will try to get Claudia a day off and we shall give it a bash.

Congratulations on being the Barbel record holder, Might try and steal that off you this week

[Catfish Virgin (Still!)]

Fame at last!

I've just discovered I've got 3 days hols to use up before the end of November. If your Avon exploits don't yield a bertie or two I reckon we'll have to give Throop a go (midweek preferably).

Mind you, I see the "Cider Drinkers" (from another place) are plotting another way to find Claudia a barbel!

But........ maybe we can find one on Saturday? Not sure if the Itchen has any?? But we'll be going for the forum grayling record anyway!

[mithrandir]

Claudia has booked Wednesday off, so off to ringwood area to see what we can catch.

Anyone else got a midweek pass? let us know and we could meet up if you like.

Mike

[Twiddler]

But we'll be going for the forum grayling record anyway!

I'm still holding the record with my last years grayling from the Itchen.....let's see if I can top it

Mmmh now you got me thinking barbel at the Itchen???? Ok baitrunner is packed

[Noel]

The Avon is difficult at the moment because of the lack of rain. Try and stay until dusk/dark. Spend time looking for fish before you settle down. A bait dropper is essential to get the bait on the bottom. Try and get barbel feeding first before you put you bait in. Be stealthy. The clear water means if you can see them, they can see you!

You don't need to go for big baits. A single grain of corn on a size 10 or casters will work.

It's a magic river though. It's my favourite place to fish and wished I lived closer. I'm not an expert, just an enthousiast!

I've never fished the Royalty. Lifelands is a nice stretch and quieter than the Royalty. You can park next to the fishery by the elecricity sub station. Don't leave ANYTHING in your car though...........

Map of Lifelands Fishery

Winkton is nice too but the hardest of the day ticket stretches imo. But you shouldn't ignore it......... There's a lovely sidestream that screams chub so that might be worth a trip in the winter...........

[Greenheart]

Good luck all....

[fishypaul]

hope you all have a great time

[ANT0308]

the royalty in chhristchurch of dorset is great for babel and chub and also eel and trout if you want to go down that far. thanks