Dear Angling Traveller,

The courses that took place last year were, once again, super experiences. Marvellous fish, a beautiful river, enjoyable company and splendid memories. Over one hundred superbly conditioned barbel were caught, despite the going being tough on the October course. It was lovely to see Mick and Richard hook into their first barbel and be quite amazed by the power they generate.

"John's knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious. I've never fished so hard in my life. I'll definitely come back." Paul Ward, Pinner "The opportunity to visit private stretches of the river and mix socially with like minded people…a superb few days." Steve Wells, Brentwood "A fantastic weekend" Alex Whitelaw, Aston

It was also good that so many clients this year really wanted to learn new techniques, not just catch fish in traditional fashions. Touch legering is, of course, the favourite and it's always a joy to watch somebody realise that it does, in actual fact, truly work. But there were many who wanted float fishing, this year and there can be no more thrilling sight in English fishing than seeing that red tip disappear and the rod hoop over after it.

"What helped to make the weekend more of an occasion was to spend it in the company of such likable people.... the highlight was the opportunity to spend time with John exploring swims on some of the beats we've never fished before. As soon as you've finalised details of next years courses, please let us know" Lee Foulkes, Uxbridge

Also good to see was the increase of ladies this year: fishing can be a family thing, we believe, something for all to enjoy.

We've already received a number of bookings for the barbel courses from some super people and we've lined up a mile and a half of virgin river which is absolutely ideal for stalking fish. A couple of visits in the late summer showed that there are huge stocks of barbel along the length that have only ever been touched once or twice in the past by salmon anglers. As a result of this, they are very visible fish indeed and should provide a really exciting learning experience for us all in the coming summer. For a relaxed, informative and happy experience our advice is to book early!

"I wish I could communicate the tremendous sense of enjoyment and fulfillment to my non-fishing family and friends…I would certainly like to fish with you again…a week's barbel fishing in the Czech Republic, a weekend on a grayling course and a return to the barbel for a weekend sound a pretty appealing cocktail …and I've just picked up a copy of your ' Travels With A Two Piece ' to put into my bag for a trip to the Far East next week." Mick Roberts, London

"The whole weekend was near to perfect from my point of view…John was extraordinarily patient and persevered with me, with the result that I succeeded'.   'Thank you for the tremendous weekend on the Wye. I learnt so much about barbel techniques that I know will enable me to fish more confidently in the future. I also want to thank you for enabling me to fish such tremendous swims where the fishing and surroundings were exceptional…I also valued your emphasis on how to care for fish which is so important for the future..looking forward to joining you again next year." Terry Scragg, Arundel

Barbel Fishing Courses in Herefordshire with John Bailey

All courses start on the evening of the first date
June 26 (Fri eve)-28 2009
June 28 (Sun eve)-30 2009
July 31 (Fri eve)-Aug 2 2009
Aug 2 (Sun eve)-4 2009
Sept 11 (Fri eve)-13 2009
Sept 13 (Sun eve)-15 2009

John Bailey expedition to Andalucia, Spain (barbel)
April 27 - May 1 2009... early booking until Jan 29 2009
very few places as we limit numbers

Very many of you have enjoyed trips with Angling Travel out to Spain and keep asking us when you can book for the next one and many are very kken to go for the first time - so we have a date for October now!!. John has made many recce explorations out there over the past eighteen months or so. He's also working hard on his Spanish- 'A' levels next!- and is beginning to communicate with the local fishermen properly!

The focus is moving from exhausting searches for big fish to more relaxed, more accessible and more enjoyable trips for smaller fish caught in the most beautiful landscapes. Above all, we're really interested in the fly fishing alternative. Of course, the fly is not obligatory but it's thrilling. Recent trips have proved that fly fishing for the barbel is quite exceptional, as effective as bait fishing. And the dry fly has proved just as effective as the nymph. Don't worry if you're not a fly fishing buff: big casts are not necessary. It's close-in, intimate stuff on gorgeous, meandering rivers. We have two or three venues, Average weights are probably between two and six pounds but on fly gear these go like trains. Of course, you can bait fish as well... dapping a natural grasshopper is sensational!

"If you enjoy the great outdoors and nature with the chance of some super fish, then this trip is for you ... good value. A true adventure. All I had been told or read couldn't prepare me for being in Andalucia. The total wilderness and beauty of the surroundings was far beyond my expectations... John was a real pleasure to be with. He works really hard to make sure the trip was as good as possible." Dave Aris

Whilst the fish aren't massive, a five-pound barbel on a six or seven-weight fly rod will give you a fight that you'll never forget.

"Spain has to be one of the most sensational and undiscovered secrets. The range and size of species is extraordinary. The waters are the most appealing Ive ever fished and angling pressure is negligible. It's great to have John as a guide. After 30 trips in 4 years, the guy is getting the hang of the place!" John Gilman, High Peak

The bass fishing opportunities are historic. John has linked up with a group of likeminded individuals who control the best bass fishing lake in southern Spain. It's a wondrous water, extraordinarily beautiful, pretty well unfished and holds many big fish. Bass of five and six pounds are definitely a possibility.

Most of the bass fishing is on the surface with a variety of poppers. This is mad. Takes are explosive. The lake also holds big carp and barbel but these, as yet, remain a total mystery. Wonderful weather, glorious hotels and beautiful locations your loved one will appreciate, plentiful, hard-fighting fish. A trip that's difficult to beat.

Apologies for those of you still waiting to go there with John - we have been very keen not to rush these trips: we have made sure that all the groundwork is totally in place and that John's absolutely happy with what's on offer. Bring your partner! The hotel has a pool and glorious gardens. It is a stunning conversion of an old water mill.

---

 

An idyllic romantic/family holiday in France - with fishing of course! Of course, we're still running our trips to the South of France for some lovely warm weather barbel fishing (a superb family destination) ... We have a hotel in France for holiday barbel fishing (not specialist). The fish are small, but plentiful. We consider it best for those who want a lovely holiday with walks, vineyards, restaurants, medieval towns and just to dabble with barbel across the meadow from the charming hotel each day. Its idyllic! Ideal for a couple or family. I can arrange this now if you wish, anytime to suit you between May and October Prices from Per week £369, Per Day £55 Infants Free, Child discounts Prices include hotel accommodation with bath or shower and wc en-suite, superb three course dinners, breakfasts, swimming and tennis. Price does not include travel to France (we can arrange this for you) lunches, fishing tickets. Book NOW - phone 01452 813241 Great - How do I book?? Contact