Krugersdrift dam barbel respond well to popping, I learnt today from a new friend to sight them rising and then cast to at least 2m radius of them give a couple of big pops just as the cast hits the water then rest. Then the retrieve goes hard pop rest 1,2,3,4,5 hard pop or pop pop rest 1,2,3,4,5 etc.
I sometimes add in a 'zoom' where I pull the popper underwater about 30cm the rest 1,2,3,4,5 pop pop etc.
My friend explained that the popping is the only way it can locate the lure so keep popping. The lure stays put if you pop and then leave the slack instead of winding in.
Hardest thing is casting at a big one pop pop etc and it doest take but then you see a much bigger fish 45degrees away from your lure. So you have to decide, carry on popping or reel in and cast at the other one... often what happens is by that time both are gone. I think once you've cast out. Keep popping that cast till its back to you, don't wind in and recast. The fish are there if you chase them around the lure isn't getting as much presentation. Eish but its hard though.
My first barbel and first on new rod reel and first popping. Lots of firsts but darn fun!