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Usually try for the mid range gear My carp rods are 10 ft fox torque 3lb test with dawia 25 mini big pits nice solid set up had carp to 39lb on them. Just setting up some lighter rods same again the mid range rods from Drennan a 1.25 test for waggler fishing and a 1.50 test for a lead rod fishing one or two swan shot as the ledgering weight.

Saying that I did order a small unhooking mat at the same time I ordered the rods, just the roll up one from drennan perfect for what I want, I'm not taking my carp mat to sort perch and bream out.

Got some Facebook market place bits lined up, need a chair for day sessions my carp chair is one that sits on the bed so not ideal, prices new are a bit much, so found a wyhwood one for 25, there is that much used tackle available I would only buy new for the delicate stuff.

I've tended to go middle of the road price wise. Currently using, Rod -free spirit Helical (13ft for my old reservoir ticket) Reels -Shimano 10000 xtr baitrunners (going strong after 11 years) Alarms- ATT's with deluxe receiver Line -Gardner Hydrotuff 18lb (for very snaggy res) Bivvy - JRC 2 man 2 skin (nearly good as new after 11 years) Hooklink -Rigmarole hydro link or flurocarbon. Hooks -Korda Krank, Kurv, chod & wide gape, in all sizes from 8-2. OMC Lock in 4, seems OK but not had them long. Barrow - Carp porter mk2 Bedchair - Lidsters xl. Not long had it, but seems well built. Had a few cheap ones, which are a waste of money. Nash indulgence gave up after about 3 years. I'm on the large side though. Scales -Ruben Heaton Sling and stink bag -Shimano Net- Sonik 2 piece. Handy for stalking. Had this a few years now, it's out lasted Trakker, Greys & JRC ones. There is loads to choose from different manufacturers, all pretty similar in their offerings & price range, it can be confusing. I try to keep everything simple.... A good tackle shop should set you up with reasonable kit if you tell them what kind of waters you're on Good luck

Definitely nothing worse than cracking off on a big chuck when the bail arm closes, well maybe other than losing the fish or woman of your dreams...

Hmm! There are so many differences of opinion on tackle, rods, reels, line, hooks and alarms. What I use has changed over the years depending on personal choice, some of my tackle deals or 'sponsorship', even water to water, or personal ethical reasons. For years I used Century rods, SP and NG's were the last, but then got a deal on Rod Hutchinson The Ones in 3.25lb TC and Enduro's in 2.75lb TC. What rods I use depends on how far I need to cast, and at the moment 100metres is the limit. Reels I don't think that I have used any other reel manufacturer for freshwater fishing than Shimano since the days of Abu Cardinals, the original Aero GTE Baitrunners, Aerlex's, DL10000's and 7000 XTA Beastmasters. Line, again personal choice there are so many out there, Gardner Pro is the current. As for hooks, currently Gardner Muggas and Incizor's because annoyingly my other favourite hooks became difficult to get hold of. There is no magic answer, because every uses what they find works for them.

Just ordered the Solar Undercover Medium carryall for my gear £38 for decent branded bag

Ebro Google ditch Ballard or ebromadcats.

My super bargain basement bait boat arrived today, super fast delivery and well packaged all works just as it should but already started the mods, as its a flip hopper i have added some elastic to damp the eject also added a runcam 2HD action camera to get video of on lake footage, should get to use it at weekend but for the mega price of £60.34 posted really cant fault it at all

Check out decathlons n offerings some of there stuff has a lifetime guarantee but even the cheaper stuff has a 2 year

I had the same thought on the weekend, been sea fishing lately 4-5 hr trips with no cover been looking at mountain warehouse clothing with uv protection very reasonable prices

The line lay is superb so I’m very pleased

Thinking of planning a carp fishing trip to Spain next year. Heard some amazing things about the reservoirs and rivers there. Anyone got any experience fishing in Spain? What are the best locations for big carp? What kind of bait and tactics work well in those waters? Any advice on licenses or permits needed for fishing in Spain? Also, any recommendations on local guides or tackle shops that can help me out? Looking forward to hearing your experiences and tips!

Just wondering what everyone's favourite bits of fishing tackle are at the moment? I'm looking to upgrade my reel and rod setup for carp fishing this season and I'm keen to hear recommendations. What reels are you finding reliable and powerful? What rods offer good sensitivity and casting distance? Also, interested in hearing about any new gadgets or gizmos you've discovered that have made a difference to your fishing. Things like bite alarms, line, hooks, or even just handy tools that make life easier on the bank. Let's share some knowledge and help each other find the best gear! Tight lines!

Yes be a manual to stop it closing on the cast my big reels are the same, glad of it nothing worse than the bail arm closing on a distance cast.

My new reels turned up and first I thought they were faulty as the bail arm is manual return only ! Is this a common feature in big reels I think it’s to prevent the bail arm closing in error on the cast and reducing line twist

We all need joggers and hoodies got no issue with that but we also wanted technical options, thankfully we are starting to get some. I do feel partly responsible tbh thank me later lol

The Carp companies I think were catering to 'chav fashion' with the joggers. I'm not sure on hoodies as I do find a hoodie quite useful though. I much prefer combat or cargo trousers; a few weeks ago one of my pairs of combats died, finally worn through after 20 years, or is that the problem? I do get a fair few years out of combat clothing, it resists rip, tears and brambles. I avoided tackle shops for most clothing to be honest, much preferring outdoor and army surplus stores. There are exceptions, a few decent tackle brand hoodies, (not all are good) and an ESP fleece. Craghoppers use natural repellant. I had to look as your comment got me interested as I'm wary of things like DEET. https://www.craghoppers.com/nosilife/https://www.craghoppers.com/technologies/nosilife/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=10157901071&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7bWx3dGdjQMV66JQBh3CYg6dEAAYASABEgIrl_D_BwE

Cool - I was looking at the Craghoppers stuff last year and nearly purchased tbh, might be wrong but think the fabric is too closely woven to be penetrated on the stuff coming out so maybe doesn't need chemicals, we'll have to wait and see on that, I spoke to the main guy at a show - gave him the lowdown on what anglers really need technically instead of the joggers and hoodies the tackle companies kept spewing out. You shouldn't have to look to mountaineering, safari or European predator fishing for tactical clothing - carp companies were so far behind I just didn't understand their mindset tbh.

There is a fair bit of 'insect proof' clothing about already. It is standard for British Army combat trousers and jackets, but there are other sellers including Craghoppers. The standard permethrin impregnated clothing lasts for 70 washes, but you can do your own which lasts about 6 washes.

Just ordered the Korda long sleeve SPF Factor 50 shirt for those swims where you have no shade or you're up floater fishing all day. Hopefully money well spent. Fortis look to be bringing out mozzie proof summer clothing - deffo buying this when possible! 👍

Just put a order in for some light weight gear went with two Drennan Specialist rods a 1.25 and 1.50 TC two daiwa reels one for float and floater fishing on the 1.25, a 3000 size and a 4000 size for the 1.50 both the ninja reels one a front drag the other a front drag with bait runner. Getting ready for some day ticket fishing will use a waggler on the lighter rod and a single bite alarm for the ledgering rod got some nice little day tickets venus near by.

Another 3 night blank, new swim, position seemed good for traffic, only one stuck it's head out the whole trip. Did hours of swim improvements/clearance for no reward, out again Thursday night for another go - same conditions 🤦‍♂️ Still nice view lol

Lol, no I'm OK with the oil car runs better than ever

You didn't put water where the oil goes did you? 😱