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Probably the only thing I know in depth about Barbel fishing.Firstly Caster is best(more expensive tho.) better for the quality of fish to be caught,maggot whilst being productive usually means smaller fish and more bother with bit fish.Fish both over a good bed of hemp,now if I can I try to feed by hand and fish a straight lead over the top for several reasons,firstly sometimes a big splosh of feeder/big lead alerts Billy summats not right,secondly I like to work the swim casting arround the feed whilst maintaining a steady stream of feed through the swim,thirdly I often use slightly less lead and trot the bait through the swim.Usually fish a main line straight through to a super spade glued on(no weak links) a sliding link stopped by valve rubber/cocktail stick and swan shot to suit.Rubber casters are a good idea for the hook,for natural bait leave a few out in the light to crisp up and float,put a few maggots in water for the same effect, a change bait is a good idea too like corn or meat.Dont be affraid to give them some snap a gallon of hemp and one of caster/maggot especially if you are getting bother with bit fish.Now look to where in the swim over your feed you catch,the bigger fish sometimes sit well back in the swim,the bulk of the fish may be right where the feed hits bottom and often the more you feed Billy will come right up to where your feed hits the water,in that case feed less more often and fish a really long tail slightly above where you feed.If you have a few gos at fishing like this you can read the bites you get,where in the swim you get them and how they take the bait,the classic Barbel strong pull round of the rod comming where fish are lining up for your feed as it hits the bottom,a steady tap tap and slow pull at the bottom of the swim and a pull and slack line jobbie at the head of your swim.Sensible sized hooks and a natural presentation score points with Billy here.If you have to fish a splodger then be positive get some snap down with a big splodger first, work at it then when you are happy or Billy has a good chew ease back with a smaller feeder,take a bit of lead off so the feeder will move after emptying and let it roll through your swim.Three sneaky tricks for the splodger here,open end feeder ut the hook bait inside as you fill it,block end:small elastic band round the feeder,tuck your hook length in it and lastly huge bites that you allways miss and hook bait untouched,hair grip glued to the feeder and slide a big hook on watch the hands tho.Allways fish a quiver tip with small baits as I can read bites and see whats happening in the baited area also like to hit bites early on and get a grip of Billy before he/she gets a head of steam up. Thing with this type of fishing is use your head,if they wont take gallons of bait dont give them it and if a couple of pints dosent work? only way to find out is try it and see.One huge advantage to this way of fishing,you can often be rewarded with excellent bags of Barbel with other species too,so if you want a good bag do your home work and if Billy will take it then give them what they want,its not just the Severn and Trent that take a big amount of bait.Go forth and enjoy, Pedro.