keep it Simple
Running lead or feeder with a buffer bead to a Korum Quick change bead. (for quick and easy changing of hooklengths) Above the lead, you can if you like put a couple of floatstops on the line. They will trap any weed kepping your lead or feeder clear, and also can be pushed close to the quickchange bead trapping the lead in the middle and creating a bolt effect, but a safe one. Most important is to use a flying backlead to keep the line above the lead pinned down. really does make a huge diferrence. Id personally never use leadcore for barbelling and use a backlead instead.
Use a feedabead or snap swivel for the lead, so you can change weights or feeders quickly if you need more or less weight etc.
Hooklength wise it depends what bait you are using. If you are using pellet, then the easiest is to knotless knot a bait band on, with probably 1cm or 2 between the hook and the bait. Use a feeder with 2-4mm pellets with a bit of groundbait to keep them in on the cast to get some bait down. Hooksize 10-12 for a 12mm size pelleton the hook, strong pattern on 15" to 2ft length, be prepared to go longer if its clear and shallow or very pacy. Meat is also great id go up to about a size 8/even 6 hook for this.
Another cracking bait is hemp and caster, great for barbel and chub. In this case obviously theres no hair rig required. just nick a couple of casters on about a 14-16 strong hook.
Line wise for barbel id probably go with 10lb give or take b/s depending how snaggy the stretch is, any lower than 10lb is really asking for trouble. If you keep the line pinned down the thick line wont be an issue.
Good luck, spending a week on the severn canoeing about 40 miles and doing a lot of fishing next week so will be on it big time for barbel myself
HELP---- Barbel Set-Up
Linear Mode
