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On the subject of the fish themselves. Have we all noticed how the barbel population in our own local rivers are big for the time of year; and certainly no less so than those inhabitants of the Great Ouse 'above Bedford.'

The next few months are certainly going to be interesting, and I can't help but feel tempted to have a stab at predicting some very possible outcomes. Surely the Ouse is more than capable of producing the biggest, with a fish that I reckon will excede 21.lbs at the back end. Even before Christmas I can see how the current 19. lb record will have already fallen.

Moving to other rivers, I feel the Trent will hand over the monster we all expect it is capable of producing, and I also see no reason why the presently standing record of many other rivers will not just be broken but literally smashed by fish which excede the current weights by over a pound. I have a strong hunch that we are in for one of the most big barbel productive winters on record. We shall see! See you next month.

Unfortunately, as I'm sure you will all appreciate, I am not able to devote as much time as I would like to the site. Therefore, for the time being at least, I will attempt to update every two months.

My aim now is to ensure that at least one new article appears on the site before Christmas. In the mean time, I would like to wish you all good fishing.

My priorities now rest with the continuation of my second book…the one I've been keeping a little quiet about; the format and content of which are intended to offer readers something a little different from the norm. Further details and a planned release date for the book will follow early in the New Year.

In the mean time, whilst I'll endeavour to keep in contact with visitors, sadly I cannot spare the time to write articles either for the site or any form of angling publications until the book is complete. Therefore, I again ask for donations of articles, reviews, etc, from anyone who feels they would like to contribute to this website. Some of you must have something you could write about, so why not email me and we will discuss your ideas.

As visitors may recall, a couple of months back I couldn't resist the temptation to make a few predictions for the colder months; among them the likelihood that the national Barbel record would fall before Christmas. Well, it's still only November and it's gone already - and yes, as we all expect, it's another Great Ouse Giant - all 19.Lb 6oz of it. Well done Steve Curtin! Now I'm even more convinced that either this very same fish or one of her resident friends will top 21.Lbs before March 14^th. Just where will it all end? See you soon.

P.S. Should I not get the chance to update the site again before the festivities, I wish you all a good Christmas and a rod-bending New Year.

Liam feels the site needs a refreshing change. I reckon that's good advice; hence you will notice version two of strictlybarbel.co.uk.

Regarding the fish themselves, I am beginning to forget what it's like to capture one - as I am sure you can all imagine, with all the writing I've been doing, I just haven't been doing much fishing of late. I do, however, intend to put that right very shortly - although I'm told I'm not missing anything as sport has been somewhat difficult on my favourite patch... perhaps a change of venue is needed? I'll let you know how I get on.

As far as the picture galleries are concered, I have had an offer of sponsorship for an increase of space from someone I will refrain from revealing. Although I am concidering their most generous offer, I'm still undecided whether to accept. Consequently, for now at least, the galleries remain empty. I would be grateful of vistors opinions on whether they feel that picture galleries are all that important before making my decission. Please let me know via email or by comments in my guest book. Bye for now!

With only four updates a year, I'm sure at least a few readers are able to supply a few contributions of their own. On numerous occasions I have asked for both feedback and article / review contributions, and I cannot hide my dissapointment in the fact that, except for Chris Newbold's Stalker review, that no others have been forthcoming. So, once again, I must ask readers to contribute at least something.

Regarding the new book, I am overwhelmed by the fact that 'Mysteries' is selling like hot cakes and I am sure that it will not be long before supplies are exhausted. Therefore I urge anyone who has not yet purchased a copy to do so before it is too late!

I still have a few copies of 'Ultimate' left, should anyone wish to order a copy, please send cheque, made payable to S Stayner, to the value of £12 inc p+p to the address shown in my latest book section. Anyone wishing to purchase both books at once can save £1.00 by forwarding a cheque to the value of £25.99.

I would also like to thank all readers for visiting the site and for the most welcome comments that have been made in the guestbook. Bye for now!