Barbel

Eight species of barbel exist in Spain, with three of these – the gypsy, valencian and much larger comizo - of very real interest to the angler.

Gypsy barbel (or Andalucian barbel) are found throughtout Andalucia. They grow up to 14 kilos (30.8lbs), although 3 kilos (6.6lbs) is the norm. These fish fight really well on light ledger or float tackle, and they are also taken quite readily on the fly. They tend to migrate throughout the year, with most fish found in the lower reaches of larger rives such as the Rio Guadalahorce in Malaga during the drier summer months. During autumn and winter, these fish will move into the smaller tributaries that have been dry most of the year.

A number of methods and baits work well for gypsy barbel, but first and foremost is fish location. On rivers, try to fish well oxygenated, fast glides over gravel where possible – especially during the long hot summer months. During periods of high water, fish behind sunken trees, rock or weed beds, just inside the crease. On some occasions, fish can be seen gliding over the gravel. Try walking the riverbank, identifying likely swims. Feed a handful of free offerings in these areas, and then return to fish them towards dark. A simple running ledger rig will bring you fish, although the feeder is probably the best way to go. Some of the faster glides could require up to 0.567 grams (two ounces) to hold bottom. If you decide to float fish, then fish with the bulk of the shot near the hook, with a couple of dropper shots further down. A chubber or loafer style float might be required in the faster water. Fish with the bait tripping bottom, about 3 cms (1.2 inches) over depth. Fish maggot or caster on the hook, with hemp, caster and maggot in the feeder. Corn is also a good bait. Groundbait is effective, but can frighten fish if the water is clear. If you decide to fly fish, then try working your way downstream, casting to all likely looking lies. A small nymph such as a mayfly or pheasant tail, on a size 6-7 floating to intermediate line, with a 4 kilo (8.8lbs) leader, is a killer method.

A traditional, but effective, method to catch gypsy barbel in rivers is to use pieces of streamer weed as bait. Fish this on a size 6 or 8 hook, and trip this along the bottom under an 8 or 12 gram (0.28 to 0.42 ounces) float. Fish behind rocks and bridge columns on fast waters for best results. May through to November is the best time to use this bait.

Small slugs or snails on a size 14, especially behind bridge columns or other slug holding areas, are very effective. If fishing an area with lots of vegetation do not ignore crickets. These can be devastating, especially towards dusk from June to September. Fish these under a suitable, buoyant float to a size 8 hook. If fishing the sill on a weir, try a dead minnow or similar fish. Ledger these on a small treble. The best time to use these as bait is from June to August.

Comizo barbel can grow to massive proportions in Extremedura, but are also found in parts of western and north western Andalucia. Fish to 17.2 kilos (38lbs) have been recorded. They are widespread in all major rivers in the area, although your best chance of a real giant is in the reservoirs. The only practical method to catch these fish, especially the larger specimens, is on the ledger. This is due to the huge depths normally encountered on these waters, especially if fishing at or near the dam wall. It is possible to fish the waggler on shallower waters, or even the pole, but these fish are strong, so your tackle needs to be up to scratch.

On most waters, the comizo will be caught further out than you would fish for the carp – normally present in numbers on the same waters. Try to find a level patch of bottom, especially where a steady drop off starts to level out. Winter and spring are the best seasons, with dawn and dusk most productive. Fish one or two rods ‘carp style’ – buzzers, semi fixed or running rigs, 0.68 kgs to 1.13 kgs (1.5lb to 2.5lb) test curve rods. Fish large pellets such as halibut pellets, fish or shellfish based pastes, boilies or meat over a bed of groundbait or particles. Hemp is the number one attractor – either on its own or as part of a fishmeal based groundbait. Corn and sausage meat also work well. Try fishing half a pork or spicy sausage on a simple running ledger. If fishing snaggy waters, make sure to use a weak lead link to avoid hang-ups when playing these fish. As with any large fish, a large landing net and un-hooking mat are a must.

Valencian barbel (or Mediterranean barbel), as the name suggests, can be found in Communidad Valenciana and Murcia. They can be taken using the same methods you would use for carp. 'The Method' and standard swimfeeder tactics on the emabalses of the region will score. Try maggots, corn, maize ,pastes and bolies for bait. Some fish can also be taken, usually by accident, on artifical lures! Fish to 3.5 kilos (7.7 lbs) can be taken, but most fish average about 1 kilo (2.2 lbs).

Other barbel species available

• Common barbel (max size 10 kilos/22 lbs) - this is the same species found throughout northern Europe. They are present in northern Extremedura, Castilla Leon and western parts of Castilla la Mancha.
• Graels barbel (max size 6 kilos13.2 lbs) – can be found in Pais Vasco, Navarra, La Rioja and some northern parts of Catalonia.
• Colirrojo barbel (max size 500 grams/1.1 lbs) – Navarra, western La Rioja, Aragon and eastern Catalonia only.
• Mountain barbel (max size 500 grams/1.1 lbs) – present in northern Navarra and northern and north eastern Catuluna only.
• Cabecicorto barbel (max size 2 kilos/4.4 lbs) – these can be found in southern Extremedura and western Huelva in Andalucia only.