Most Wanted : Barbel.

Over the last few years I've had a great time fishing in freshwater all over the UK and in the process have caught many of the species that are found in our rivers, reservoirs, lochs and fisheries. I've barely scratched the surface in terms of techniques, learning just enough to catch my targets in many instances but I've really enjoyed finding out a bit about various freshwater fishing styles and having a go at them along the way. There is one UK freshwater species that I haven't caught however that I am determined to catch this year, the barbel.

Fond of highly oxygenated, fast flowing water this strong streamlined fish uses its four barbels to locate food amongst the stones and gravel on the riverbed.

I could of course head to one of the rivers in England that are famous barbel waters to try and catch one but there are some here in Scotland in the River Clyde. I'd really like to give that a try and whilst I'm not sure how many barbel it holds they do get caught occasionally, most of the time by anglers targeting game species. This makes me think that spending time deliberately targeting them might prove productive. There's only one way to find out!

Tight lines, Scott.