Leaderboard

I remember to smile sometimes! I don't really put pressure on myself, angling is my escape. I just love being there. If I lose a big fish or blank or have a bad session, I can usually shrug it off and not think about it again. I once fished wraysbury 1 for a whole season every weekend, I had one take after a whole summer and into the colder months (from a carp as opposed to tench) and lost it about 3yards from the net... Bizarrely, I burst out laughing! (I still find it amusing even now... Work that one out, because I cant!!)

Big hooks all the way. I use a minimum size 6 with 4s being my fave. I drop to 8s in winter normally if I switch to a more commercial water. For me I would rather potentially hook less fish but know when I do hook a fish the hook can cope with whatever may happen during the figh (snags, weed, etc) Reasons being: 1 - the larger gape between shank and point means more flesh is gripped so much less chance of losing fish 2 - easier to balance pop ups using less putty or shot so neater rigs 3 - stronger hooks as wire is always thicker than smaller sizes I will also disagree with the whole small fish dont pick up big hooks. I have personally caught 2lb bream & tench on size 4s popped up 2 inches off the deck.

I used to use smaller hooks and lose quite a few fish. I was fishing with a mate and he just said to me that even a small carp has a big mouth and to up the size. Started landing a lot more fish and never looked back.

I found over the last few seasons that I lose the buzz on and off, usually it was seasonal - as I learnt the water I was on, it became obvious that they had shut down for winter. I was wasting my time. I had another water that I lost enthusiasm for during the summer months as it was so busy. I only had two of the "A team" to catch - a 35lb+ common and a 21lb+ linear. But the lake, which was only about two acres, was always packed out which I didn't enjoy. I brought a cheap club ticket with a new pond on it and that got me going again. I had a new challenge and it fired me up to get the rods out until the winter when the two acre lake was empty of anglers. I returned for a two night session on the two acre lake, had it to myself and caught the common at 37lb 10oz and the linear at 24lb as a brace in a 4hr spell, both on maggot rigs. (I haven't been back) It's easy to get stuck in a rut and if the venue isn't calling you back each time, then maybe it's time to bid farewell and look for a new water to fire you up again? mind you recently, I've not been getting on the bank as much as I could, although I want to be there when I cant, when the opportunity comes up, I can't be bothered! Unfortunately, this is down to working long hours and not having the energy to get going!

Big for me. 2s and 4s. I use 6s for zigs.

Purchased around 2001. They really are around 18years old.

Im a Bear , They do 😂

Have to be comfy when I'm dropping the kids at the pool mate. 😅

I bought Delks after years of wanting some over my old Fox's, they were the dream alarm in my head. I've had problems with rain and damp in the air making them not work at all, this has since been fixed by buying the screw on back plates. All 3 packed up all day in Italy because of the foggy air, well annoying, took prob 8 hours with the backs off and battery out to dry them in the sun! One just seems dodgy always has, should have sent that back tbh. Whilst I still like them to a degree, I am disappointed and wish I'd have upgraded to the best Fox alarms instead - but then again people say only the old fox ones were any good. Truth is I'm stuck with Delks now so tuff titty for me 👎

In the van somewhere is an 18L pail, heavy duty bin liners, a toilet seat, toilet paper, and a shovel, (just in case there's no place to put it).

I saw the light after I lost my parents.... time to slow down and enjoy what's around you, whether it be the bankside, wildlife, just being out in the fresh air, or your loved ones.... life's too short to worry about how big the next fish is going to be... just enjoy your sport for what it is

Having looked at your responses to this question the contrarian in me is thinking smaller hooks may be more effective because they are different 😁