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| BARBEL |
| COARSE FISHING WITH THE ESSEX ANGLER |
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DISCRIPTION A very streamlined fish.It has two sets of barbules with its eyes being very small and high on the head. | |
| STATS Speciman weight - 10lb Max length -36 inches Life span - 15 years |
LOCATION Fast and slow rivers and some stillwaters. |
| HABITAT Small shoaling fish found mainly on the bottom around gravel and weed. | |
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FEEDING HABITS A bottom feeder,taking food during the day or night.Idealy around a gravel bar where food is likely to be washed against. |
NATURAL FOOD SOURCE Molluscs,Crustaceans (crayfish),Insect larvae. |
| LIFE CYCLE Reaches maturity at 3-4 years for the male,5-8 years female.Spawning occurs from May to July with eggs of up to 12,000 per kg body weight laid amongst gravel. | |
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TACKLE Another strong fighter using pure muscle with the current so light tackle is not for this fish. |
ROD -1.5 test curve. LINE - 5lb - 10lb b.s. HOOKS - 6 - 14 | |
| BAIT Maggot,Bread,Sweetcorn,Meats. | ||