Hi and welcome to my blog. My name is Richard Easom and I have been an avid angler since the age of Five, my Brother a keen fisherman also got me hooked onto the sport and I have grown to become a specimen angler catching only big fish. One fish in particular, over the last few years has held my attention span, longer than any other fish, and that fish is barbel. I have spent Four years watching and observing barbel behaviour to try and understand why they react the way they do etc. I think this gives me the right to have a opinion on the fish and maybe know my fair share regarding them.
I started off catching small fish on the Trent and local Ponds, to the point that I did think about match fishing, but as time went on I found that I wasn’t getting the challenge or buzz any more from catching little fish. I spent a day barbel fishing as I had never caught one and the rest is history as they say, I fell in love with them. I also have a keen interest in carp fishing and spend a week out of every other year fishing in France for them (first time last year). The banter with the lads is fantastic, that catching fish is just a bonus but I do take it seriously and hope to catch when I go. I don’t really get the chance to fish for carp in the UK due to me spending all my spare time on a river fishing for barbel, not that I don’t like fishing for carp I just love barbel more.
My aim is achieve something in fishing and become a writer of articles that get published in magazines regarding barbel, doing reviews regarding tackle for companies etc, this is something that I would consider a dream job.
I hope you enjoy reading my blog and picking up some tips along the way. My aim is to help not be patronizing in any way, my blog is for people who embrace new ideas and are new to barbel fishing. Of course there maybe something for the more experienced barbel anglers also.
Tight lines!
Richard
My Quest For Barbel 
Hi Richard, my name is Clint Walker and I’m responsible for some of the media/content which goes on our Facebook/Twitter/website and t’s me that your twitter messages are read by; please email me at clint597@btinternet.com to give me some more details about your IYCF article.
Thanks, Clint
Looking good Richard! The content as usual is very informative and refreshing (not just re hashed article stuff like many!) My only criticism is to get the photos a bit sharper then this will be as good as any other (and far far better than most!)
Thanks mate, will look at making the images sharper in future, thanks again.
Good stuff Richard, don’t worry about the knockers – too may jealous old B’stards around. Keep it up!
Cheers mate, I don’t worry too much about the ‘haters’ mate. I have to expect that kind of thing when I’m trying to achieve what I want to achieve, it’s par of the course. Thanks again mate.
Nice start. Look forward to your next post. You should check out the Dream Fishing blog my mate writes.
Thank you
Hi Richard ,
just like to say great info/reading, very informal and helpful , looking forward to ‘my quest for barbel’ too
will look out for your next blog
Cheers mate.
Hi Richard
The best wishes for 2012 and that there may be a lot of barbel to catch.
Greetings from the dutch barbel angler.
Thank you Ronald, you too mate. I will display your site on my links. Thanks again.
Thanks Ronald. Same to you. I will include your site on my links, thanks again, hope you catch a big ‘un this year.
Richard
Well, you’ll never know what the new tear will bring.
I hope just like the years before to catch a big ‘un.
My pb hangs on 80cm and 12Lb for 3 years now and has to be challanged.
Thanks.
Hope you will smash that soon mate. Always fancied a go at some Dutch barbel so may try it sometime, hope you can put me on some fish when I do though mate. Good luck and best wishes for the new year.
Regards,
Richard
Hi Rich
Great job on the site,your passion is evident regarding this wonderfully fish.
I look forward to following your exploits in 2012.
Myself I favour the Wye,Teme & Dove,must admit maybe should have a few more sessions on the Trent this year.
Thanks Jez I really appreciate your comments mate. Yes I have pure passion for barbel, more than any other fish if I am honest. But I appreciate and love them all for different reasons but barbel stand above all of them for me personally. Thanks again mate.
Richard
Hi Richard,
I live in Bedfordshire but my Local Great Ouse is now almost devoid of barbel, so I’ve been fishing the Trent at Winthorpe with some really good sessions and a couple of blanks.
Been looking at your recommended Barbel venues and really fancy a go at Holgate, Can I fish the weir upstream (Beeston) or is it club water?
Great Blog
Regards
Bill
Hello Bill,
Sorry to hear about the Gt. Ouse although I have heard there is one or two left on the river but I know the otters aren’t helping there much.
In regards to fishing upstream of Beeston if you mean Thrumpton ( About 2 miles away from Beeston weir) as that’s the only weir I know of upstream of Beeston, then No it’s owned by a very select boating club that allow their members to fish it, the only way to fish it is by invitation or get in with the club etc. I have heard however it’s a clique and they will very rarely give you the time of day let alone put you on the very long waiting list.
Although from the lock you can fish it on a Day Ticket I believe, it’s owned by ‘Pride Of Derby’ but I still think tickets are available on the bank (sorry not been there for a while) this is where I have detailed on my where to fish section under Thrumpton/Cranfleet lock.
If you need any other help let me know and thanks for your comments mate much appreciated. Follow my blog by e-mail and you’ll be updated with new posts as I write them mate.
Good luck.
Richard
Top notch!
Good to have a Trent blog………
Cheers John, all you have to do now is “follow by e-mail” you haven’t shown up as a blog follower mate. My blog will be a site with a blog diary within the next year or so…
John just click “Follow” on the sidebar where it says “Follow Blog Via E-mail”. Cheers mate Richard
Following and supporting :o)
Will be asking for pointers in the future if that is ok?
Cheers
Steve
Absolutely no problem mate, I have no problem with helping fellow anglers when they support me, I can’t do what I do without any of you so thanks and that’s fine. Will send your password for the venues via e-mail now.
Thanks again,
Regards
Richard
Hi Richard,
Great to find a website about two of my favourite things, the river Trent and its barbel. I stumbled upon your site about a week ago when I typed into the google search engine “sawley barbel” Loving the site so far but need to reread all of your articles and try and learn lots more things about barbel fishing.
Abit about myself, I am 46 and live at Toton near Long Eaton and so far only fish the Victoria ticket of the Trent,near Cranfleet Lock. Last summer was the first time I had fished the Trent since I was 21 and indeed the first time I had been fishing for 16 years, now I am well and truly bitten again. I have had a little success but basically just lob my bait out and hope something comes along. I now feel I need to learn more about this little stretch of river.
As I work nights I have only really fished this stretch at night and have had a great time back on the banks. The dog walkers make you jump when they say hello at 0130 and there is never anybody else fishing. None of my pals go fishing but I dont mind going on my own, that way I can come and go as I please.
I haven’t caught very many fish, in fact I have only caught 4 barbel, but they have been very good fish, 2 9lbers and 2 12lbers, plus bream to 8lb.
Anyway Richard, great to see that you are being sponsored, I hope your dreams of becoming a full time fisherman aren’t to far away. Where do you do most of your fishing? I have no interest in the popular areas where people are camped out all week, as I have mentioned I enjoy the solitude of “my exclusive open to anybody stretch”
I have read your article and a couple of others about this stretch but if you could give me any other info that would be fantastic (you could but then you would have to kill me!!!!)
Great site keep it up, now all I ask is for a password for full access.
Thanks Ady
Have started fishing on the trent only recently. Have had more luck in 4 visits here than in 2 years on the severn! Had a few hours on the trent this week had 2 bream and 1 barbel. I’m new to this area so only know a few areas. I’ve been going to the weir at collingham. It seems plenty of fish but nothing really big. PB is 8lb 2oz not to bad but a double would go down well !! I’m going to the severn at holt fleet next weekend for the last few days of the season. Hopefully we will have a bit of luck. I’m sure a few beers will be had. Great site and will use some of your tips when i’m away. keep up the good work. Chris Clark. Grantham.
There is very big fish at Collingham but you need to know where to go mate, the fish (most of them anyway) have seen it all before on 1 and 1a so they will move to where it quieter, bear this in mind…
Thanks by the way make sure you follow me mate by clicking the “Follow Blog via Email” this way you get access to some of my old stomping grounds that produce doubles. You will get a password once you follow me mate and use that to gain entry to the venue guide. Your support would be appreciated and being as your not far from Nottingham what I do and where I fish will no doubt be of interest to you.
Thanks again,
Richard
Report from the ribble: fished on the tickled trout stretch today, used marine halibut groundbait with mixed pellets and a 14mm pellet on the hair, fished several swims with only a 4lb pb chub all day which im not complaining about. this was the start of my quest for barbel an ive definately got the bug already but ive got a lot to learn so i best get reading up during the closed season and get a proper rod for the job.
Peace out, chris
Unlucky mate, but the cold rain yesterday has definitely put the barbel right off and the chub will be the only real feeders unfortunately. However you will find once the water warms up from Wednesday onwards, the last week of the season will be spot on. A sudden plunge in water temps kill barbel sport mate, whereas chub aren’t affected in the same way. Hope you can get out again as you will love catching barbel I am sure. Check back soon when I will be updating my blog here with articles and features and of course my videos that you can now subscribe to here: http://www.youtube.com/user/MyQuestForBarbel?feature=mhee
cheers mate and tight lines…
Richard
Cheers for the advice and support rich, im hoping to get on the river again before they close, i havnt even caught one yet an im hooked(no pun intended)
Great mate, good luck and keep me updated, if you get a good picture I’ll put it up on my new section called “Readers Fish”.
Unfortunately im a lone ranger when i go fishing unless i take my eldest lad whos only five so i never get any pics. also when using pop ups do the have to be glued to the hook or can they be hair rigged and what length hooklength is best and should i strip the coating off the braid or just enough to tie the hook on.
thanks, chris
Also can you give me some advice when buying a rod like wot t/c and avon and so on
Cheers
p.s. im not normally a pest
Had another crack at the Ribble today an only managed a chub of about 3lb. cant wait for june 16th. how has your few days on the Trent been.
all the best, chris
Okay mate, stand by for full reviews coming soon to the blog, just concentrating on the fishing just now. Well done on your chub mate, not the easiest time to catch them mate, go again in the summer.
Richard
Hi Rich,computer was down, but back up now. Managed to finish my season with two 11’s and my first rolling meat on the last day! Not big around 4lb. See you did ok good stuff.
Stu
I wondered where you got to mate. Congrats on your two doubles mate, stay in touch may meet up in the new season if you fancy it?
Richard
Hi Richard
Keep on meaning to ask for the password each time I get a blog update through but always forget, would you please send me one through. Great site, cheers Martin
Hi Rich,
more than happy to have a session with you. But unfortuanotly I can’t travel up your way so if you was down south then we could give it a go? But I think that might be hard to do?
Stu
Okay Stu, we’ll see mate, I am going to travel this year for my barbel fishing, the Trent will not be the only place I intend to fish to be honest, the Derwent and Soar will get a major workout next season. Take care and don’t be a stranger, stay in touch, wish you all the best for the new season and be sure to let me know how your doing mate.
Rich
Wiil do Rich.
Had been watching the barbel in my river move up to their spawning grounds, but with all the rain ain’t been down for over a week. Might have a look tomorrow and see where they have all moved to!
Any doubles or anything big will let you know.
Stu
Cheers mate and good luck
hiya richard martin here get yourself a levas book and i will see you down the soar next season will keep in touch i know some good swims down there
Yes joining LEVAS mate, looking to get down the Soar a bit this season. May meet up with you if I get some time to do so and your up for it. Look forward to seeing these new swims.
Richard, finally caught up with some comments you left me a few months back. Not a lot else to do with the state of the weather out there at the mo!! Your site is now linked from my blog,apologies for the delay.
Regards,
Dave.
No problem Dave thanks very much mate, will keep an eye of your antics next season mate as I will be fishing the Dove and Derwent a bit this coming season. Good luck and thanks for the link, much appreciated.
If you would like to “Follow” just click the “Follow” button mate on sidebar, cheers again.
Richard
Nice work
Thanks Terry
good luck Richard.keep me posted on how things develop.there.s a good market for barbel bait.there doesn.t seem to be as much choice as there is with carp bait.
Thanks Nigel, will keep you updated mate.
Hey rich. Love the blog buddy keep at it and keep up the good work. It’s wicked that your starting to get your very own bait and bait mix’s out there, trust pal from here its up up up, your name and products will only get bigger and more popular. Keep them lines tight and those cracking whiskers coming.
Thanks Kris – Your comments are so much appreciated, thank you…
Good luck with the launch.Well done
Hi just wondering when your boiled are for sale hope to hear from you soon
On sale now mate, e-mail me at threefoottwitch@hotmail.co.uk please. I only have the dubby boilies that is available just now, all other products are being tested so will have a proper range in due course, for barbel, carp, chub, tench, catfish and bream. The dubby’s come in 500gr and 1kg bags, it has had over 150 barbel on them from testers so rest assured they’re a very good boilie.
Hi Richard
Great blog with lots of info for a newbie like me . started barbel fishing at start of the season with the father-inlaw few miles down river from ironbridge on the Severn and have been nearly every weekend now . How do i go about buying some of your boilies to try out ?
Hi Michael,
I am sending you an e-mail mate, thank you for your kind words…
Rich
Awesome Barbel, i bet that was a great fight you had on your hands. I wish i could catch one as big as that. If your ever in the UK and want to go fishing in Wirral just message me and i will take you to some great places 🙂
Hi I am from the UK – moving back to Nottingham soon so more time for fishing, thanks for the offer and comment.
Thats great news:) you can do some real barbel hunting then 🙂
Just subscribed to follow your blog, how do I get the password to access the where to fish section?
Thanks
Andy
I will email you mate 🙂
Big busy give me until weekend bud!
Hi. I have mainly carp fished for last few years. Want to try barbel so I’m going to give it a go on the Trent near Beeston weir. I was thinking of trying just bread on a hook with a few shots to weigh the line down a bit. And cast towards the overhanging trees. An I going in the right direction? Thanks, scott
Hi Chris,
My boyfriend has come across your blog and has taken a great interest into what you have to say, (I’m writing on his behalf as I have a WordPress account) he tried to follow the link as to where to fish for Barbel but it is password protected, we were unsure if we had to ask you for the password for this or if you knew how we could see your link? He’d much appreciate the tips 🙂 Thanks, Karen
Hi Karen,
Yes your boyfriend must ‘follow’ my blog and I will send him the password via email. I am pleased he found the blog informative as it was meant. If he has already done this could you please let me know the email?
Regards,
Richard
Hi Chris,
Loving the site, my girl friend messaged you a couple of days ago regarding a password. I’ve now got my account sorted. Could you send me the password
Regards,
Martin
Is they many barbel at cranfleet lock to medhow lane been twice carnt buy a bite. Unless u got to fish well in to dark?
Indeed, fish at night 😉