Pole fishing is a tactic most commonly used on commercial fisheries, with modern tackle more than capable of safely handling carp of 20lb and above. Yet on the river scene, poles rarely feature when targeting what is arguably the hardest-fighting species, pound for pound, in British waterways.
“If suitable kit is used and solid tactical decisions are made, there’s absolutely no reason why the pole can’t be used for barbel,” explained Frankie.
“These fish fight extremely hard, but modern-day tackle is built with monsters like these in mind. If the right pole is used in the right way, even on a big river like the Trent, you’ll be in control from the moment you set the hook.”
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Work with a flat float
Frankie believes many anglers overlook the benefits of a flat float. “A lot of anglers shy away from using a flat float, but they’re brilliant for nailing a hookbait down when targeting big fish,” he said.
“The thin profile of the float’s body reduces resistance, preventing the flow from pushing it downstream. I always try to use the lightest version possible while still being confident it will hold position.”
On the Trent, Frankie used a 30g Cralusso Torpedo, ideal for big rivers with medium to fast flows. It was shotted with three large, drilled bullets and two No8s below, plus four more No8s on the fluorocarbon leader, split into pairs - one midway and another just above the loop-to-loop connection.
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Gear up for giants
Every item of tackle needs to be exceptionally strong, starting with the pole itself. Frankie warned that if there’s any doubt about a pole’s wall strength, this style of fishing isn’t for it. He used a Guru N-Gauge Power XS, fitted with a thick 14-16 grade elastic.
His setup included 10lb Guru Shockleader mainline, chosen for its durability around snags and rocks, and a 50cm length of 0.25mm Pure Fluorocarbon to reduce tangles. At the business end, he used a 0.23mm mono hooklength and a barbed size 12 Super XS Spade End hook.
“Big barbel will fight like nothing else you’ll encounter on the pole,” Frankie said. “Every single part of your tackle needs to be bombproof.”
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Plumb up accurately
For precise plumbing, Frankie stressed the importance of a heavy plummet. “It needs to be heavier than the weight that cocks the float, or you’ll never get an accurate reading,” he explained. Using a 25g float, he paired it with a 45g plummet, sometimes increasing to 60g for even better accuracy.
He aimed to fish 18 inches to 2 feet overdepth, helping to keep the rig anchored while still showing clean bites. “Once fishing, I rest the pole on a bump bar and sink the tip. Both actions help create the stability this method needs to work,” he added.
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Build up a banquet
The River Trent teems with life, and Frankie noted that barbel are rarely the first to find the feed.
“Roach, dace, and skimmers usually get there first, so you need to put enough bait in to keep the barbel interested once they arrive,” he said.
Using a bait dropper, he introduced five loads of a rich mix of halibut pellets, hemp, chopped worms, dead maggots, and casters - his so-called ‘Bombay mix’ - drenched in Mainline Match Big River Barbel Liquid for extra attraction. He topped up with another dropper full after every good fish or after 30 minutes without a bite.
Frankie also recommended using a separate top kit for the bait dropper to avoid damaging rig components, particularly the hooklength.
USING THE BEST BARBEL BAITS ON THE RIVER WILL HELP YOU TARGET THE BARBEL.
Rely on big hookbaits
When barbel enter the swim, there’s often plenty of loose feed on the bottom, so Frankie prefers a large hookbait to stand out. “You need to make your bait easy to find,” he said. His three favourite options were three dendrobaena worms, a giant bunch of maggots, or a lobworm.
“All three work brilliantly and are must-haves if you’re giving barbel fishing on the pole a go,” Frankie concluded. “It’s great fun and something a little bit different.”
IN THIS HELPFUL GUIDE YOU WILL FIND OUR TOP TIPS TO CATCH MORE BARBEL.
