In no way am going to go against what Smeagle has written and i think if you wanted to fish a match in that style, he would be spot on – albeit that i would take some meat and boilies as well.
Given that your match is on the 11th October and the nights are going colder, that may well have a bearing on fishing for Barbel only. I also say that as i am assuming that your match will probably be 10 till 3? Probably some of the worst times to fish for them as i think night time, early morning and late evening are all better times than through the day.
I fished not far from the stretch that you mention on Saturday with red maggots at 20ft out on the stick and caught Perch to 2lb 8oz, Dace (small) and Roach to 1lb. The Roach are not really showing at the moment as i dont think that there is enough water on it, whilst it is very clear and they always have it better when there has been some frosty nights.
If it was me, i would go with both of these methods (Barbel tactics and float/feeder tactics) and feed an area in your swim for the Barbel, whilst having a sepearte line for the stick float.
If the whiskers dont show up, fishing for the Perch could definatley win the day.
The stretch you are on is over the rock cutting in the long meadow – if it is, there aint alot of water in that stretch as it runs alot shallower than other sections of the Severn.
Hope this helps, whilst i am back on the Severn now in and around Bewdley/Stourport/Bridgo so by all means give me a shout over the next couple of weeks.
If you want my mobile number, just let me know and i will pm it to you.
TF_john gis.
