The Association of Barbel Fishers
Some time ago a group of like minded anglers formed the Association of Barbel Fishers. It was formed because the people involved wanted a democratic group that put its members first. The other great emphasis was on having fun. Something anglers seem to forget sometimes. It’s really a social group that goes fishing. However, to be fair, that sells the group a bit short. They also intend to do a great deal of fund raising and eventually would love to involve themselves in more complex research and conservation projects.
Still it’s early days. The Association has already managed to raise £500 for the MacMillan charity and will be following this up with numerous fund raising events along the lines of fish-ins. They have also managed to produce an Association magazine named ‘Riffle’ . This is an on-line or e-magazine available for the membership. Its not a single species magazine and offers articles across a wide spectrum of angling subjects. They have also acquired the fishing rights on three separate waters; 2 on the Trent and the other is the famous Downton fishery on the Hampshire Avon.
They have an on-line forum where members can chat about fishing or life generally. You can expect a bit of light hearted pi…. taking er I mean banter, from a really great bunch of guys. Help and advice are always on hand for anyone needing it. Quite a few of the current crop of members are from north of the border i.e. The Midlands and up and in particular Yorkshire. So you will need to study the local lingo and remember water is pronounced without the invisible ‘R’ between a and t! Oh and remember to say “mi duck”
The group have also just had their inaugural AGM. The Association now have a strong team in place have have outlined their plans for how the group will be run. Elections will be put in place and a full financial report was presented to the membership in attendance and then replicated for viewing on the Barbel Fishers website.
I wish the group well and hope that they can continue their good work and for their great Raison d’etre – having fun.
Check out their website: The Association of Barbel Fishers.
The River Angler 
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