Hook Manufacturers Please Take Note

How many of us give what we each consider appropriate thought to the hooks we use for our Barbel fishing? How many of us, I wonder, often attempt to 'make do' with one pattern - fully expecting it to function equally efficiently with every varying eventuality we may face? Amongst a good few other greatly important issues, this particular scenario is covered in-depth within my forthcoming new book, 'Barbel: mysteries, theories and tactical solutions'. Although we each have our own favourite patterns, some of them proving to be highly effective in what they are designed to do, I believe there is still a wide margin for improvement and overall increased efficiency. Brief as I will keep it here, below you will find my own particular plea to all those hook manufacturers worldwide.

Why do we still have to make do with hooks designed for other fish?

Owing to the position of the Barbels' naturally under-slung mouth and the way in which they often grab baits as opposed to sucking them in like carp, I reckon it's time a range of hooks were designed especially for Barbel. Not carp and Barbel, or even chub and Barbel…Just Barbel!

Surely, the overall increasing interest in our quarry now poses ample commercial interest for at least one manufacturer to exploit. Of course, should any do so, others will undoubtedly follow suit. Then, at least, the market will be suitably extended in the Barbel anglers' favour instead of being so limited as at present.

It really is time we had the option to choose hooks primarily designed by Barbel anglers. Personally, I have a few ideas on the subject that I would gladly pool with any contributions offered by others. So, come on you hook makers; you would be surprised - to make us Barbel anglers truly happy, it really would not be all that difficult.

Note. This plea also appears in the relevant article within my forthcoming book and has been briefly displayed on this site before. Like all other material I have written, whether appearing here or in any other form of publication, it is therefore subject to conditions of Author's copyright!

Ó Copyright 2002 Steve Stayner.