Barbel, meat is probably the best bait try using pieces ranging in size from a piece the size if your little finger nail on say a 12/10's hook up to say a 1inch 25mm cube on a hair. You could try sprinkling some turmeric over the meat and leaving it to soak. A bed of hemp is always a good idea from a feeder.
Alternative baits to try sweetcorn up tp 6 grains on a size 4/6 hook, hot dog sausages, pepperami garlick sausage the list goes on. I forgot to include maggot and caster to oh and worms big lob worms 2 on a size 6 works wonders.
chill out go fishing