baits for shy barbel

[Graham Elliott]

I would suggest that if the fish are wary try loosefed hemp with a tare nipped onto a size 12 hook on a ledger rig over the top of hemp.

 

Don't be afraid to use 8lb line.

Graham

 

[ 14. June 2005, 10:49 PM: Message edited by: Graham Elliott ]

[msutton]

I usually go with a huge bunch of maggots on a size 12 or 14 and half a ton of loose feed (not literally).

 

I've gone through a gallon of maggots in a days barbel fishing before.

 

It's important to keep the feed going (without a line in initially) so the fish build up confidence.

 

Sometimes I'll just feed fish rather than attempt to catch them. It has long term benefits to your chosen swim. Important not to overfeed them though.

 

Freelining helps with shy fish but I'd only do this if you are certain of what you are doing and the outcome if you get it wrong.