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Turn every session into a success with our bumper issue!

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The forgotten fish that introduced a generation to angling

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Caperlan Xtrem 900 & Xtrem 500 Bite Alarm Sets: Full Review

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How to locate barbel | the best features to find and fish

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Put your angling knowledge to the test with the :a[Angling Times Wordle]{href='https://bauer-consumer-media-limited.campaign.playable.com/angling-times-wordle' } game.

Our daily challenge is for anyone who loves fishing, whether you’re counting down to your next session or just fancy a bit of fun with your brew. There’s a new angling themed word every day, and you’ve got a limited number of guesses to crack it.

Play solo, share your score, or take on your mates and see who really knows their stuff. It’s a simple way to keep your head in the game, learn a thing or two, and get that little win before you’ve even picked up a rod.

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Rediscover the magic of fishing with this week’s bumper **Back into Fishing** issue from _Angling Times_.

In recent years, we’ve heard from more and more anglers who are returning to the sport after time away — whether work, family life or other commitments put their rods on hold. Now, they’re finding their way back to early mornings, quiet banks and the simple buzz of a float sliding away.

This entire issue is designed to make that return easier, more enjoyable and more successful. Inside, you’ll find practical advice on tackling rivers you’ve never fished before, smart tackle choices that won’t break the bank, and proven tactics to help you catch more on commercials and natural venues alike. We also explore reliable hookbait options that give you an edge, plus timeless methods that still deliver when conditions get tough.

Whether you’re stepping back into fishing yourself or know someone thinking about it, this is the perfect issue to get confidence high and nets filling again.  
  
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**Or, pick up this copy from your local newsagent or supermarket and dive straight in.**

If there's one thing that can put anglers off a new set of bite alarms, it's a complicated set-up process. Pairing alarms with receivers can often be frustrating, especially as modern alarms become increasingly packed with connectivity features and complex menus.

Fortunately, that's not the case with the Caperlan Xtrem 900 and Caperlan Xtrem 500 bite alarm sets.

One of the standout features of the Xtrem 900 alarms is just how quick and straightforward they are to set up. Pairing the three alarm heads with the receiver takes little more than pressing two buttons, with the complete process taking less than a minute.

For anglers who simply want to arrive at the lake, switch their alarms on and start fishing, this simplicity will be hugely appreciated.

## Simple Controls Without Unnecessary Complexity

Rather than relying on complicated menus, the Xtrem 900 uses clearly labelled controls that are easy to understand.

The side-mounted plus and minus buttons allow you to quickly adjust the volume, tone, sensitivity and LED colour settings.

The receiver is equally user-friendly and provides features including adjustable volume, vibration mode and night mode.

## Xtrem 900 vs Xtrem 500: What's the Difference?

The Caperlan Xtrem 500 **s**hares the same basic design and operating system and overall functionality as the premium Xtrem 900 model.

The main difference lies in the number of adjustment options available.

Whereas the Xtrem 900 alarms offer eight settings for volume, tone, sensitivity and LED colour (white, green, dark blue, yellow, pink, light blue, red and off) the Xtrem 500 has four settings for each including blue, red, green and yellow LED options. For many anglers, that simpler specification may be more than sufficient.

The Xtrem 900 alarms also come supplied with snag bars whereas these need to be added seperately to the Xtrem 500 alarms. Both models, however, have an accessory socket to allow the use of illuminated bobbins or hangers.

Where the Xtrem 500 really stands out is value. Priced at under £100 for a three-rod alarm and receiver set, it represents a wallet-friendly option for anglers looking to either upgrade their bite indication or kit themselves out for the first time without spending a fortune.

Meanwhile, the Xtrem 900 provides additional levels of customisation for anglers who prefer more adjustment options and are packed with features that are often only found on bite alarms costing significantly more

The effortless pairing process, intuitive controls and straightforward operation remove much of the frustration often associated with modern bite alarms. Add in the practical accessories and competitive pricing, and both sets offer excellent value.

If you're looking for a reliable bite alarm system that's quick to set up, easy to use and available at a range of price points, both the Caperlan Xtrem 900 and Caperlan Xtrem 500 deserve serious consideration.

Barbel are growing in popularity, with many anglers turning away from stillwaters and carp fishing in favour of targeting the “Prince of the River.” Big barbel are now more accessible than ever, thanks to productive day-ticket stretches on rivers such as the Thames, Trent, Severn and Avon, where fish-of-a-lifetime catches can be achieved with relatively little experience.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the species, understanding which river features to target can significantly improve your chances of success.

**_IF YOU WANT TO CATCH A BIG BARBEL ON A DAY TICKET, :a[THESE STRETCHES ARE WELL WORTH A TRY]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/where-to-fish/where-to-fish-catch-a-double-figure-barbel/' }!_**

Barbel have a higher oxygen requirement than many other coarse fish, :a[making weir pools an ideal habitat]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/how-to-fish-a-weir-pool/' } for them, especially during :a[low water conditions in the summer months]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/river-fishing-tips-or-5-tips-for-barbel/' }. The fast, turbulent waters help dissolve oxygen, making it more accessible to barbel.

Additionally, the water tends to be deeper near the weir itself, and due to the way the current moves, food often collects in this area, creating a natural feeding larder for the barbel to gorge themselves. If the barbel aren't holding in the deeper water, try fishing where the water begins to smooth out slightly downstream of the weir—this is where the riverbed shallows, creating another prime spot where food drifts towards waiting barbel.

**_CATCHING BIG BARBEL IS DEMANDING, THE :a[BEST BARBEL REELS]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/tackle-reviews/reels/best-barbel-fishing-reels/' } HAVE THE EXTRA POWER YOU NEED._**

Any :a[overhang, snag, or raft]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/the-best-features-on-riversand-how-to-fish-them/' } acts as a natural magnet for all river fish, especially barbel. If you're fishing a fairly featureless stretch of river with a single large snag, chances are that’s where the barbel will be—particularly if predators are present in the water.

The shade created by these features usually prevents weed growth, keeping the area beneath them clear, which is great for presentation. To position your rig effectively, cast beyond the snag into open water, then hold the line tight while dipping your rod tip below the surface. This technique :a[helps the rig swing back]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/rigs/the-only-barbel-rigs-youll-ever-need/' } further underneath the snag, where barbel are likely to be waiting.

However, :a[always use strong tackle]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/beginners/starting-barbel-fishing-tackle-and-tips/' }, and if you’re not confident you can safely land a hooked barbel, it's best to avoid fishing there.

**_THE :a[BEST BARBEL RODS]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/tackle-reviews/rods/best-barbel-fishing-rods/' } HAVE THE STRENGTH REQUIRED TO GET BIG BARBEL OUT OF SNAGS._**

Barbel are happy to sit in shallow water, but they are often quite wary and difficult to catch in these areas. If your river features a deeper drop-off after a long, shallow glide, this can be a prime spot to target. The change in water velocity causes any suspended food to sink to the bottom, creating a natural feeding area. Additionally, the extra depth can give barbel more confidence to feed.

**_A SET OF :a[THE BEST FISHING WADERS]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/tackle-reviews/accessories/best-fishing-waders/' } CAN HELP YOU GET OUT TO WHERE THE BARBEL ARE SITTING._**

If the :a[river is in flood]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/catch-a-floodwater-barbel/' }, you need to adapt to the conditions just as the barbel do and choose different areas to fish. One key area to target is the crease, where faster water meets slower water. This creates a distinctive swirling pattern on the surface as the currents mix. :a[Creases are superb fishing spots]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/how-to-read-a-flooded-river/' } because they allow barbel to move into the current to feed and then drop back into the slower water to rest.

Another great area is the crease between two river sections meeting, this confluence of water is like a motorway for food and there are many famous hotspots on rivers up and down the country refers to as 'waters meet' swims. :a[Trotting a float down this section]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/river-fishing-tips-or-5-tips-for-stick-float-fishing/' } can be a great way of catching barbel.

_**CATCHING BARBEL ON THE FLOAT ISN'T DIFFICULT, FOLLOW THE :a[TIPS IN THIS ARTICLE]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/how-to-catch-barbel-on-the-float/' } AND LAND ONE SOON!**_

Many shallower :a[rivers where barbel are found]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/where-to-fish/20-top-stretches-for-big-barbel-on-a-day-ticket/' } often have abundant weed growth. This long, streamer-style weed provides the perfect sanctuary, allowing barbel to move in and out of the cover almost undetected, feeding and living comfortably.

In these conditions, :a[rolling a bait between the weed beds]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/bait/the-best-barbel-fishing-baits/' } is an excellent way to locate and catch barbel. Even if the barbel aren't particularly interested in feeding, they’ll find it hard to resist a well-presented piece of :a[rolled luncheon meat]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/bait/unusual-fishing-baits-found-on-supermarket-shelves/' }!

**_BARBEL FISHING CAN BE A WAITING GAME, SIT COMFORTABLY ON ONE OF THE :a[BEST FISHING CHAIRS]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/tackle-reviews/accessories/six-great-fishing-chairs/' }._**

Subscribe to _Angling Times magazine_ today. **:a[Choose a Print+ Subscription]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/angling-times-magazine?utm_source=anglingtimes.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_anglingtimes&amp;utm_content=article_print_plus_slug' }** and you'll get instant digital access and so much more. PLUS **FREE UK delivery**.

Most anglers have a tale about “the one that got away”, and unfortunately for Aaron Marguet, his story unfolded on a recent session while he was targeting roach.

“With cooler conditions and :a[low pressure rolling in]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/carp-fishing-tips-air-pressure/' }, I felt it was prime time for roach so I arranged a session to fish for them.

“My tactic was to :a[fish a banded pellet mid-water beneath a float]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/catch-more-fishing-on-the-waggler/' } and, on my first cast, I hooked and landed a huge roach.

“While resting it in my :a[shallow pan net]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/tackle-reviews/accessories/the-best-fishing-landing-nets-for-carp-and-coarse/' } as I set the camera up, it jumped out and escaped! It’s never happened to me before, so next time I’ll make sure to put :a[an unhooking mat]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/tackle-reviews/accessories/the-best-unhooking-mats/' } over the top of the net.

“I did get another chance and :a[landed this roach of 2lb 12oz]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/5-tips-to-catch-your-biggest-roach/' }, although it was slightly smaller than the first, especially width-wise, and it made me wonder what could have been!

“But the fish was in great nick, and I’ll be back in the autumn for another go.”

You don’t need syndicate keys or insider favours to :a[catch barbel]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/river-fishing-tipsor-how-to-catch-barbel-while-fishing-a-river/' }. Across the UK, day-ticket stretches offer some of the most exciting, accessible barbel fishing you’ll find anywhere. The trick is :a[knowing where to look]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/how-to-locate-barbel-the-best-features-find-and-fish/' }, when to go, and what to expect when the rod hoops over.

In this article we’ve selected some great stretches where you can put a big bend in your rod for the price of a day ticket...

## Royalty Fishery, Hampshire Avon, Dorset

A historic and well-run day-ticket fishery that’s been providing visitors with memorable barbel catches for decades. There are :a[no end of features to target]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/barbel-fishing-tips-or-where-to-find-the/' }, and plenty of double-figure fish present. When the water levels are quite low, the deeper runs are the most productive. Try smaller baits and strong, small hooks. Tickets can be bought online or at nearby Christchurch Angling Centre.

**Web:** :a[www.swlakestrust.org.uk]{href='https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/royalty-fishery#a' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

## Wyastone Leys, River Wye {#h-wyastone-leys-river-wye}

A picturesque fishery spanning the England/Wales border, meaning you can catch barbel from two countries in one day! The upper section is wooded, and fishes best with extra water on. The bottom half is slower, but comes into its own when the rest of the :a[river is in flood]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/how-to-read-a-flooded-river/' }. Not cheap, but there are few more beautiful places to fish anywhere in the country.

**Contact:** 01989 218080 **Web:** :a[www.anglingdreams.co.uk]{href='http://www.anglingdreams.co.uk/fisheries.html' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

The Upper Thames isn’t renowned for barbel, but Reading DAA’s Northmoor section is an exception to the rule. Covering just shy of two miles, your best chance is to :a[work with pellets]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/bait/catch-more-barbel-and-chub-on-pellets/' } or boilies alongside a straight lead. Tickets can be bought online

**Contact:** :a[www.rdaa.co.uk/river-thames]{href='https://www.rdaa.co.uk/river-thames' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

As well as a feature-packed wild and streamy backwater section that’s :a[produced barbel to over 16lb]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/news/stories/floodwater-cracker-from-the-nene/' }, there’s also a long stretch of main river to go at below the big weir, which holds good fish all year round. Lots of chub present too. No night fishing allowed, but make sure you stay until dusk, as the last hour is often the best time for a bite!

**Contact:** :a[www.fishinginpeterborough.co.uk/alwalton/]{href='https://fishinginpeterborough.co.uk/alwalton/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

**_**_:a[THE BEST BARBEL REELS]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/tackle-reviews/reels/best-barbel-fishing-reels/' } WILL TAME ANY HARD FIGHTING RIVER SPECIES._**_**

:a[Feeder fishing with pellets]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/tackle-reviews/rods/10-of-the-best-medium-feeder-rods/' } and hemp in a blockend feeder is a good tactic to try here, with lots of fish in the 4lb-8lb class to be found throughout. From peg 21 downstream is a Notts Piscatorials water, with day tickets available in advance from its website.

**Contact:** :a[www.nottinghampiscatorialsociety.co.uk]{href='https://www.nottinghampiscatorialsociety.co.uk/daytickets.php' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

**_WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT :a[FISHING THE RIVER TRENT?]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/barbel-fishing-on-the-river-trent/' } CHECK OUT OUT HELPFUL GUIDE._**

Two sections to choose between – from Dowles Brook down to the town (pegs 52-72), and from the town down to Ribbesford (73-120). Lots of variety, from pacey shallows (great in low-water conditions), to deeper areas that produce all year-round. :a[Meat hookbaits work well]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/bait/everything-you-need-to-know-about-luncheon-meat/' } in coloured water, with the :a[maggot feeder]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/maggot-feeder-to-catch-barbel-and-chub/' } coming into its own when the river is clear.

**Contact:** :a[www.kdaafishing.co.uk]{href='http://www.kdaafishing.co.uk' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

**_FIND :a[MORE BRILLIANT BARBEL FISHING RIVERS]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/where-to-fish/fishing-near-me-the-best-early-season-barbel-rivers/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} IN THIS WHERE TO FISH GUIDE._**

Fishing the River Rother in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire, is a hidden gem for river anglers. It holds a surprisingly strong population of barbel, with specimens frequently reaching double figures.

**Contact**: :a[www.ashfieldangling.com/dayticketsrother]{href='https://www.ashfieldangling.com/dayticketsrother.php' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'} or :a[ashfieldanglingclub.clubmate.co.uk]{href='https://ashfieldanglingclub.clubmate.co.uk/Account/Login' }

Excellent shallow water fishing for :a[barbel on the float]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/how-to-catch-barbel-on-the-float/' } at this Ilkley AC-run stretch. :a[Try banded pellets]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/bait/the-best-commercial-fishery-pellets/' } under a stick or Loafer float, feeding over the top by hand.

**Contact:** :a[www.ilkleyanglingassociation.co.uk]{href='https://ilkleyanglingassociation.co.uk/coarse-fishing/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

Thames barbel can be very nomadic creatures, but when you get one :a[they tend to be pretty big]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/news/stories/first-20lb-plus-barbel-of-the-season-hits-the-bank/' }! They can turn up anywhere along this stretch, but try around Rivermead Island and the old Bathing Station at Sunbury for the chance of a memorable catch.

**Contact:** 01784 243185 (Thames Angling)

Throop is a great place to target barbel, particularly on Beats 2 and 3. Fishing link-leger rigs and catapulting pellets between the weed scores well in the early season, with rolling meat always a great back-up provided the weed isn't too thick.

Contact: :a[www.ringwoodfishing.co.uk]{href='https://www.ringwoodfishing.co.uk/day-tickets.html' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

**_:a[THE BEST SPECIMEN RODS]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/tackle-reviews/rods/the-best-specimen-fishing-rods/' } ARE PERFECT FOR FISHING THE RIVER._**

A wild stretch that has produced some big fish in recent seasons, and is always capable of springing a few surprises, especially when the :a[water is running slightly up and coloured]{href='https://www.anglingtimes.co.uk/advice/tips/tips-for-fishing-coloured-rivers/' }. It’s run by Helperby and Brafferton AC, and day permits are available online.

**Contact:** :a[www.helperbyandbraffertonac.co.uk]{href='https://helperbyandbraffertonac.co.uk/day-tickets-available-online/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener nofollow'}

An idyllic stretch, with Laycock Abbey as a backdrop, where the barbel have been making a bit of a comeback in recent seasons. It’s controlled by Amalgamated Fisheries, and the fishing rights extend from Lacock Bridge upstream on the left-hand bank for three fields. Parking in the public car park. The fishing is by no means easy, but it is a great stretch for keeping on the move.

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