Thanks to preparation, I wouldn’t be caught napping when warm floods put barbel on the feed – but the river was a hazardous place

THE ADVICE YOU NEED TO GET THE BEST FROM YOUR FISHING

With just four weeks left until the rivers close, I’m hoping that conditions improve, and if they do – here’s what I’ll be fishing for!

Two swollen rivers, three tense days, and right at the death I land a decent barbel to bring a season of mixed fortunes to an end...

Casting for a trout called Brutus at Castle ...

Things are slowly warming up now… and sport can be red-hot