prep for new season...venues?

[barbus maximus]

Hi all,

Well its been a busy winter, with very very little in the way of fishing done, lots of house decorating though!
So now its time to dust of the trusty rods and reels, stock up on bait, and repair feeder links......I can't wait.

But I still have a problem with venue. As you know, I moved to Tewkesbury last september, so I have the Severn and Avon on my doorstep, but in this area the Barbel are thin on the ground, or quite small in size. Further up towards Evesham is the BAA controlled water, which I understand can get hammered during the season.

Does anyone know who controls the stretches in between? It must be about 15-20 miles of river, and despite the usual web search/asking at the tackle shop, I cannot get a difinitave answer.

If anyone knows, please enlighten me. I may have to bite the bullit and get a BAA ticket though.

All the best

John

[mutley]

Dont know about baa etc but have fished the wye and usk foundation waters a bit. Real mans barbel fishing and enough doubles to keep it interesting

[firemantim30]

BAA is the way to go. It gets hammered in parts by the carparks when people don't like to walk too far, but if you explore there are lots of little hidden gems that are seldom fished.

[barbus maximus]

Thanks for the info guys.

I have found a little place, lets say 'in the area', it gets a fair amount of holiday traffic, but I think as I usualy fish mid week anyway, I may be safe-ish!
BAA ticket is still an option though.

Thanks again

John

[barbelblanker]

For sheer value for money and miles of bank then I agree with Firemantim , BAA is the way to go. Don't totally ignore the "car park" pegs though. I'll be wandering up and down Hampton Loade again this summer as I've decided to stick with one area. Assuming the Kinver Freeliners membership comes through (a waiting list the year I want to join, wouldn't you know it) then you probably won't see me till August as I'll be tenching. If it doesn't then I might be fishing for things other than barbel on the stretch for a month or two. Want to get to know one area very well rather than nowhere good at all. I will still visit the brook stretch though simply because it is so beautiful.

[mutley]

Back from the Wye after an amazing start to the season 25 barbel to 9 lb 16 chub 2 over 5 lb in 3 days

[Maddison_Twatter]

Get yourself up north to the Trent mate, Its fishing its arse of up near newark, A friend of mine had ten out today in four hours ranging from 6 to 9 pound. I only managed an eel and a chub unfortunately but Im confident Ill catch monday

[Jords]

The River Ivel just into biggleswade!! barbel heaven!!!!