I hate it when that happens, fine line between tackle for barbel and carp. I am still a barbel virgin. Hoping to change that in the next few weeks.
Just got back from a few hours on my local river the wandle. Had a 14lb 2oz Mirror within 5 minutes of dipping my hook followed by a 2lb 8oz trout. Such a weird river, you really do not know what is on the line till it is a rod length in front of you. Some fair size Barbel have come out of The Wandle in the last few years, great considering all the problems it has had.