Barbel PVA stick

This more subtle rig is ideal for targeting wary barbel when rivers are low and they’re heavily fished for

BARBEL fishing requires robust gear owing to the renowned fighting abilities of this amazing species. Yet often, especially in low, clear river conditions, a degree of subtlety is required to tempt bites, especially during the middle of the day. This is especially true when fishing smaller rivers, or where the barbel are fished for heavily. The splash of a heavy feeder loaded with bait may be enough to send every barbel scurrying for cover, not to reappear for several hours. It is in difficult conditions such as these that the PVA stick rig can prove a winner. Creating much less disturbance than a feeder, yet delivering a package of free offerings close to the hookbait, it is the ideal tactic when targeting wary barbel. All PVA-friendly baits can be used with this rig, but it is best suited to mini boilies and pellets. However, even casters can be used in PVA sticks if they are dried thoroughly with paper towel before use. Strength is not compromised with this rig, so barbel can be landed safely and with the minimum of fuss. By pinning all of the rig to the riverbed, the rig is well disguised and, even if a barbel should touch the line, it is less likely to spook than if a mono hooklength is used. The only downside of this rig is that it can use quite a large amount of PVA, which can prove expensive. For this reason it is best not used when regular recasting is expected.

This method works well with a mini boilie or pellet hookbait The section of Zig Line is attached via a Quick Change swivel which means you can add a fresh PVA bag in seconds