he proves to be a big one ... the Barbel affords an angler choice sport, being a lusty and a cunning fish; so lusty and cunning as to endanger the breaking of the angler's line, by running his head forcibly towards any covert, or hole, or bank, and then striking at the line, to break it off, with his tail".

Barbel fishing is especially popular in the UK, where it reaches a weight of over 9 kg. A fish of more than 4.5 kg is considered to be of specimen size. Famous UK barbel rivers include the Hampshire Avon,