hi guys

just for clarification here are the two points from the barbel society handling code that are in question here.

9. Exceptional fish may need to be retained in barbel tubes or tunnels for witnessing but this should be for the shortest possible time period and only place one fish in each tunnel or tube. Carp sacks and keepnets are not advised for the retention of barbel.

10. The Barbel Society recognises that barbel are retained in keepnets during matches. However, we appeal to match anglers to use the largest barbel friendly nets they can and to position them where the fish can obtain maximum through flow of water and minimum overcrowding. Staking the closed end of the keepnet up-river will greatly help in this matter. We also ask that a weigh and release policy is considered where large fish in particular can be weighed individually and released soon after capture.

From reading this I dont think that the barbel society have much of a problem with a large barbel friendly keepnet being used for a short period of time if positioned correctly. Its not a case of condeming one and advocating the other its all about correct use of appropriate (barbel friendly) tackle.

Regards

Paul