The Barbel (Barbus barbus)
Identification.
The Barbel (Barbus barbus) Barbel have elongated bodies, almost round in cross section but flat bellied. Head pointed and scale less, eyes rather small, set high on the sides of the head, lips thick with two pairs of fleshy barbels. Dorsal fin high but short based, strong spine at front of fin, anal fin short based and rounded. Body covered with fairly small scales firmly embedded in skin, 55-65 scales in the lateral line. Barbel coloration, a warm greeny-brown on the back, golden yellow on the sides and ventrally, fins dark, except pectoral, pelvic and anal fins which are yellowish orange.
Habitat.
A bottom living fish in the middle reaches of lowland rivers. Particularly common in areas where the river bed is gravely and the current is moderate, often in weir pools. Barbel are typically most active at night, usually in schools.
Food.
Bottom living invertebrates, particularly crustaceans, insect larvae and molluscs.
Breeding.
Barbel spawn in late spring following an upstream migration to clean gravel beds. The yellowish eggs stick to stones, usually in the interstices between them.
Statistics.
The average size will be about 7-8 lbs, but there are many specimen fish to be caught by those who put the effort in. The current UK barbel record is 19lb 6oz.
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We are Hiring!
GHOF Project Manager Post Available GHOF Project Manager - Ealing, London Social Enterprise Angling Centre (SEAC) Full Time Contract - flexible working hours Salary is £21K - £25K per annum, depending on experience The post is available with immediate effect It will be based at the GHOF SEAC at Northala Fields, Northolt, UB5 6UR. GHOF is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, dynamic and energetic person who is a facilitator and can engage effectively with the local and wider Ealing community; a promotor who will develop both the core and wider opportunities synonymous with Get Hooked on Fishing and a visionary with the ability to embrace the social and community benefits of angling in innovative ways. The successful candidate will receive support and guidance during the establishment and development of the SEAC which will lead to its independence. GHOF will also provide access to national networks for funding, information, training and development; a high quality venu…
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Mark Jones Memorial Tournament
Mark Jones Memorial Fishing Tournament - 27th, 28th & 29th April 2012. In 2010, Mark Jones lost his life to drugs. He was just 34. Mark was a very keen angler, a "wizard of the fishing rod," so this tournament is a tribute to Mark's life and a way to celebrate his memory. So GHOF is hosting a fishing tournament at the Commonwood Fishery, Holt, Wrexham. The event starts with the National Get Hooked on Fishing Competition on the 27th of April from 9am - 4pm. The Mark Jones Open Tournament runs on the 28th and 29th of April from 9am - 4pm. To find out more here..…