Forget the pike or carp fight-harder argument, as barbel are the ultimate long, lean fighting machine. A 10lb barbel would probably out-pull a 10lb pike and a 10lb carp at the same time, which makes them one of the most desirable specimens in finishing.

Unfortunately, barbel are usually found in running water which means their amazing strength, combined with the current, makes using light tackle worthless.

The only option you can really have is to beef up the ledger set-up to big carp proportions, which makes catching them very difficult.

Experts, such as Trevor West, regard them as being the most shy of species who have amazing line detection skills as well.

The main way of targeting these specimens is to introduce large amounts of hemp and wait for the roach and other species to eat their fill first. Only after everything has moved off will this recluse of the river venture to the table.

Fishing the few hours around sunrise and sunset only is usually the best time. Even though you are constantly baiting the swim all day, you must refrain from dipping a line as they are notoriously spooky and may not return to a feeding spot for a couple of days if they so much as brush a line.

When this whiskered wonder ventures into a swim and are confidently feeding, you should creep up and, after gently lowering your tackle into the water, crouch behind a bush and wait.

The moment you lower the piece of luncheon meat or one of the specialist mixes now available for barbel into the water, your heart will thump like a big, bass drum and every sense will be strained to breaking point in anticipation of the slightest indication on the line.

The few seconds it usually takes for the fish to bite and merry-hell break out in your swim, seems like a lifetime.

But the sudden change from utter stillness to the explosion of action is milli-seconds and is one of the biggest adrenaline rushes in angling.

Barbels do not give themselves up easily and even with their tremendous strength, brute force is not their only weapon in eluding capture. They are cute at finding sharp rocks, overhanging brambles and other snags in the water and they have the muscle to get to it if not controlled properly.

Keep the rod tip high and if its not going anywhere dangerous, follow the fish up and down the river until it starts to make short, hard-determined runs for the far bank.

Remember, with barbel fishing, as in carping, these fish are strong-willed and do what they want, when they want, in their natural environment. So, take precuations for their bankside treatment.

Unhooking mats are a must, as the fish hate being photographed more than Joan Collins first thing in the morning and will thrash around considerably on dry land.

Barbel give their all in the fight, so do not be afraid when returning one if it does not storm off. Hold the fish upright so its mouth is facing up-stream and when it finishes sulking, rather like celebrities after unwanted photograhic attention, it will swim off.