Feedback & Reports

5 x Barbel

First return to this part of the Wye for 50 years. The superb scenery, wonderful wildlife and general ambience hasn't changed and Beat 3 at Whitney Court has it all. The chub just as I remember them - big, bold, brassy and gluttonous, nine fish in total, to 3lb 1oz. The barbel, of course, are new to the scene (well, compared to the 1960s, that is). As on the previous day's session below Hereford, they didnt feed until, on a gloriously warm and sunny day, the light lost some of its intensity. In the last hour landed three to 8lb 9oz,lost one in the near bank rocks. The chub ate anything, the barbel disdained pellets and boilies, preferring old fashioned luncheon meat (Spam's limited edition bacon variety, actually; it's very tasty!) A wonderfully enjoyable two-day break that stirred fond memories, even if it did remind me I'm probably too old now for clambering about the steep banks of a deep and fast flowing river.

The river very high and going through like a train. Didn't have tackle heavy enough to hold bottom in recommended island swim (a 2 ounce feeder simply floating on the surface such was the pull). Tried the margins but just lost tackle in snags.

Nearly gave up, but found a quieter area at the top of beat 4 and caught 1 8 pound 10 ounce barbel and 2 chub. Very limited swim choice when river up. Must come with appropriate gear next time. Lesson learnt.

5 Barbel to 7lbs, 1 Chub of 3lbs, water had a slight tinge to it, weather warm.

Ian Boney met us at 6am as planned and he was very helpful and showed us to Beat 3, which was our beat for the day. We could only fish the other beats if no Game fisherman arrived, which was a little suprising as the passport doesn't make that clear. We had a very enjoyable day even though the Barbel didn't put in an appearance. It's a lovely stretch of the river and 5 Chub were caught on pellet/boilies. The sevice from the foundation was first class, we will be back for the Barbel!

None caught. At least one fish seen. As the number of pools is limited, I think that 5 sections is too many for this beat.

Arrived to find water level up on recent weeks and slightly coloured. However, the bright and sunny weather through most of the day undoubtedly contributed to the difficulty in persuading fish to take an interest in our baits.

Despite a long fish-less spell through the middle of the day, the activity either side of this more than made up for it.
3 Chub weighing 3lb 6oz, 2lb 2oz, and 1lb 6oz
4 Barbel weighing 7lb 12oz, 6lb 8oz, 7lb 8oz and 5lb 12oz
All fish caught on pellet.

(Most canoeists polite and courteous throughout the day, but some seemed to find control of their vessels difficult, particularly when in the vicinity of our chosen swims - no major harm done though).

Once again, many thanks to all involved at the WUF for a truly first-class service.

2 rods, 6 chub, river very very low, weather baking hot. We arrived later than expected, hour delay on motorway (thanks highway agency for not telling us you closed the motorway). Still a great day, enjoyed every minute of it and we will return soon. Yet again a big thanks to the Foundation and Mr Boney who was very willing to meet us at 4.30am. Glad we didn't get him out of bed, after the delay.

5 Barbel, one 10lb 2oz PB for the Wye. 2 Chub both between 4/5lb. All fish taken on pellets. Very hot river very low. Ian Boney very helpful.

Simon’s helpful guidance on the telephone a few days prior to fishing, and then Ian’s excellent introduction to the beat at the start of the day, both served to heighten my anticipation. Many thanks to both.

The day itself brought many special memories. Very pleasant weather and surroundings. Buzzards, Herons, Kingfishers and an unforgettable close encounter with a young Mink, who showed no concern when wandering right to my feet. Don’t think he’d seen a human before.

And then the fish. What a day! Frankly, these facts don’t do the day justice. First two casts brought two handsome Chub, and the day just got better from there.
5 Chub, 2lb 5oz, 2lb 4oz, 1lb, 3lb, 2lb 12oz
10 Barbel, 5lb 12oz, 6lb 8oz, 6lb 12oz, 6lb 8oz, 6lb, 7lb 14oz, 9lb 6oz (personal best!), 5lb 2oz, 8lb and 6lb 2oz.

All fish caught on pellet. All returned fighting fit.
Everyone talks about the fight from Wye Barbel. I can only add the following:
On two occasions, I was sure I was snagged on the bottom, only for the ‘snag’ to start taking line off the reel a few seconds later. 10lb hook link was also snapped twice, and several other fish lost. Phenomenal fishing.

Many thanks to everyone involved for helping to provide yet another first-class experience.