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I can’t remember the last time I caught a Eel, il be well happy with a 2lb on a feeder rod but defo not on a carp rod

Mmm nice 😎

It is believed that carp were introduced into Britain by the Romans, however it was monks who introduced them heavily in around the 1400's, as Catholics were not to eat meat on Fridays, so stew ponds were stocked with fish.

Decided to fish the little pond for next couple of months due to mass of week and constant closures on main lake, did a cheeky early 4 hour session this morning but sadly the carp were not having it, ended up with a 2lb snotty

It is curious that so many folk are interested in the history of carp fishing and yet the most important event of all – the introduction of the species into England – is not public knowledge.

If anyone is interested, a few more old skool reads: Quest for Carp - Jack Hilton Carp Fever - Kevin Maddocks Big Water Carp - Jim Gibbinson Rob Maylins trio of books (guess they are old skool now?) The Rod Hutchinson Chris Yates Legacy - complitaion of Carp World interviews Casting at the Sun - Chris Yates A very interesting read, not really carp related but an insight into the old days - Fantastic Feeder Fishing by Archie Braddock

Other Hutchy books I have: 'The Carp Strikes Back' - fantastic read, and also 'Carp Then and Now'. Yes. fishing was certainly much more simple back in the day, tackle has obviously moved on so much, social media as with all aspects of life has changed things in so many ways too. If people can imagine a time when carp anglers were very rare on the banks and smaller lakes were not actually brown puddles, then carp were introduced at first mainly for match anglers, sadly other species were muscled out of their enviroment and we all know the rest. I have adapted to the new scene, don't do nights anymore and just fish for my enjoyment of being on the bank now, still experimenting on new ideas which suits me fine 👍

Canal/basin 👍

I do love the nostalgia of 'older' anglers. I've already read Hutchy The Golden Years and it seemed from that, other books, and my memories, fishing was so much simpler

Back on it post spawning, great to be back out at long last.

I’ve had a look at both today. It looks like the Okuma as the only one they had was the owner of the shop. He s going to ring me when he can get one in. I must admit they both look good, the reason I went for the Okuma was the price.

With a line lay like this you won't be disappointed. Smooth a silk, excellent drag, great retrieve, much better than my aerlex spod reel tbh.

Thanks for that I’m going to have a look today. I am thinking more on the lines of the Okuma 8k.

I'd be after some used Daiwa Emblems for that money. If you want new, then the Okuma's are great value.

Thanks for the link I will have a look.

I had the IW versions with green wheels and deluxe receiver Found in bright daylight very hard to see if LED on alarm was lit having to look at the receiver to check As I only day fish I decided they were not for me and sold them for basic Fox Micron alarms with double LED which are easier to see from any position

Yonny beat me to it. Great natural liquid and preservative. Jammed with salt and salty fish extract and some sugar. Can’t go wrong. I have used it loads in the past, not so much anymore because I’m using liver hydro at the moment to complement the bait. You can use this stuff to create dips and glugs yourself due to its preservative properties. Add some powders of choice and give it a good shake, cut with a bit of water if necessary. Only annoying thing is the lid, I’d advise cutting the spout bit off. All this talk, I may have to add it back in to the mix!

Around the year 2000 I would have said Shimano top range reels were the best to go for, but I don't think quite the same any more and the better value Shimano reels are in the lower price bracket. I can't remember exactly when I bought my Beastmaster 7000's, but it was when I was fishing Nazeing on the Central and South Lagoons so around 10years ago, maybe a bit more. They were around £85 each and I bought 4 at the time. 2 years ago on Ebay they were selling for around £80, so I bought another 3. I've got them on my 2.75lb rods and my 3.25's, and they have handled a fair number of fish. The current Beastmaster incarnation is the 14000XC and is around £90. I can give you the link via Johnson Ross: https://johnsonrosstackle.co.uk/shimano-big-pit-reels/27133-shimano-beastmaster-xc14000.html As a tackle shop either mail order or going in personally, Johnson Ross are good people to deal with.

Okuma 8k.

I’m looking for a couple of reels and the Aerlex 14000 ATC looks like a decent reel. It is at the top of my budget £120. What other reels would people suggest at or below this price.

I must admit one of the things I miss since is wind ups. After 40 years in total in the Army and Prison service where wind ups were a daily incurrence.

That's only part of it, we are good at occasional wind-ups as well... Not always intentionally!

Hi Rugby, welcome amongst us. Ian.

Thank you. I’ve had a general look around and like the look of it. I’m sure that I will gain a lot of useful information.