Fishing day
There’s something special about fishing small rivers. They may not look impressive at first glance, but they often hold healthy, hard-fighting barbel and can provide unforgettable sessions.
One of the best things about fishing small rivers is the peace and quiet. There are no crowds, no traffic, and no loud music—only flowing water, birdsong, and nature. It’s the perfect place to slow down, clear your mind, and enjoy every moment on the bank.
White maggots were the only hook bait I used, and I added plenty of them to a simple mix of La Sirene X21 Classic, groundbait and halibut pellets.
The first bites didn’t take long to arrive. Several smaller barbel quickly found the bait and kept the action steady. Although they weren’t the biggest fish in the river, they fought incredibly hard, proving once again why barbel are one of my favourite species to target. On a light feeder setup, even the smaller fish provide exciting fights.
Fish on, PB barbel
The tip slowly pulled round before the rod loaded up under the weight of the fish. As soon as I lifted into it, I knew this was something special. It felt heavy, powerful, and determined to stay in the fast current.
The fish fought much harder than the others, staying deep in the current and making several powerful runs. Every time I managed to gain a little line, it found another burst of strength. Staying patient and keeping steady pressure on the fish eventually paid off, and after a tense battle, I finally guided it safely into the landing net.
After taking a few quick photos and recording a short video, I carefully released the fish back into the river. Watching it disappear into the clear water was a special moment. On a quiet little river like this, surrounded only by nature, it felt like the perfect ending to an unforgettable catch.
Watch the Full Video
If you enjoyed reading about this session, you can watch the fishing adventure below.
With my new personal best safely released, I decided to carry on and explore another stretch of the river. That’s one of the things I love most about small rivers—you never know what you’ll find around the next bend. The move rewarded me with a few more smaller barbel before it was finally time to pack up. They may not have been record fish, but they fought just as hard and rounded off an incredible day on the river perfectly.
Days like this are the reason I keep coming back to small rivers. They may not be the most famous barbel venues, but they offer something that’s becoming increasingly rare—peace, beautiful surroundings, and the chance to discover incredible fish away from the crowds. There are no busy banks, no loud music, and no distractions. Just the sound of flowing water, birds singing, and the excitement of waiting for the next bite.
Every session on a small river is different, and that’s exactly what makes them so rewarding. Whether it’s catching a few smaller fish, exploring a new stretch of water, or landing a personal best, every trip creates memories that keep me coming back.
I hope you enjoy the video and that it inspires you to explore some of your own local rivers. Sometimes the most unforgettable fishing experiences can be found in the places that many anglers simply pass by.
Thank you for reading, and as always, tight lines! 🎣
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