Hi All,
Just signed up to this great looking forum so I thought I'd say hello! Seems like some friendly types inhabit this corner of t'web!
Been a confirmed Carp angler since a schoolboy in the late 1970's, and more recently also a reservoir fly-angler ...but have never forgotten the two Barbel caught on holiday down on the Dorset Stour with my Dad when I was about 13. The fish were nothing to write home about size-wise but left a lasting impression on me. For some reason, although I've always meant to have a decent crack at them, I've never quite got round to it. Well, no good putting it off any longer - I picked up an Amalgamation ticket today, and I'm off down to Limpley Stoke tomorrow for the start of my Winter campaign!
I've begged and borrowed a bit of lighter gear for the time being, raided my carp gear for some terminal tackle, bait etc and made up a few flat leads, but in the longer term I intend to get myself setup properly as I become more proficient and in tune with Barbel fishing.
So, my question is really to you experienced guys, if you were to starting from scratch tomorrow with a "reasonable" budget for a complete outfit, what would your shopping list contain? I ask this so I don't end up wasting money on unreliable or over-hyped gear (something I've done on far too many occasions during my "Carping career"!) I'd be looking at a decent all-round Barbel rod & reel, net and all the paraphernalia that goes with it.
Hope you don't mind me asking such a general question, and I'm sure everyone will have different opinions on what makes a good setup - but at least it will give me some idea of what to go and have a look at and start a bit of discussion!
Anyway, it's off to the shed to finish the preparations for tomorrow. Wish me luck - I'll let you know how I get on.
Cheers
Ox