Specimen ace Phil Smith’s simple advice for catching more barbel.
Phil Smith hits target of 10lb-plus barbel from 30 rivers
“I can’t stress enough how important local information is in tracking down a big fish”
AS ANOTHER big barbel slid into the net I knew that my challenge was finally complete.”
These are the words of top specimen hunter Phil Smith as he reached his target of catching double-figure barbel from 30 different rivers in the UK.
The angler from Coventry landed his final ‘piece of the puzzle’ at 10lb 12oz from a Warwickshire stretch of the River Arrow to end a dedicated 12-year quest.
Speaking exclusively to Angling Times, Phil reflected on his outstanding achievement and the prospect of more to come.
Q: How did you feel, catching the final double-figure barbel? A: It felt brilliant to have completed the challenge, but I was very surprised to end it on the River Arrow – a waterway from which it is notoriously difficult to catch double-figure barbel. I spoke to an angler who had fished this stretch for 11 years and he’d never caught a double before. Catching an Arrow double is a challenge in itself, so to have banked the 30th double from there is a real bonus.
Q: You must have come agonisingly close to catching a double-figure barbel on a river so many times? A: Unfortunately, yes! I recall one instance on the River Teme when I caught three barbel, all weighing 9lb 15oz, before I eventually found a double. I’m a fanatic about the weight of my fish and will never cheat. I’ve got good scales and make sure the weight of each of my barbel is 100 per cent accurate. Seeing the needle fall 1oz short of my target can be frustrating but that’s fishing, I guess.
Q: What does it take to track down a double-figure barbel on a new river? A: I can’t stress enough how important local information is in tracking down a big fish. This could be speaking to local tackle shop staff or simply bumping into another angler on the bank. You also need to join as many clubs as possible. Many river stretches that hold big barbel are run by clubs, and you can’t get access unless