Pete Springate's Guns

Size 5 Trig with Large Korda D Kicker tied to ESP Tungsten Loaded Semi Stiff. Going to order some of the large JPrecision versions for comparison👍

I had a dabble on one of the ponds (with Simons permission) they were blooming tricky on there too! The beauty of Dinton for me was summed up by Fat Al; ‘You never know what the next bite will be, could be 15 or 50’👍

Great thread, Yonny👏. Like you, I’ve been sharpening my own for around 10 years. Its addictive and I can’t imagine casting out an unsharpened hook ever again. My Vallorbe jewellers file is an essential tackle box item. I like the candle idea for treating the point👍

Probs Lagoon; had a look at it a few years back and it looks more manageable for weekends. For school holidays (Im a teacher) might be tempted by Meadows/Fjords👍

Black. I fished both (mainly Black) on the Gold ticket but had to drop out this year; just couldn’t justify £1200 together with travel costs etc. So I’m waiting on a Black only ticket now. So many good ‘uns coming through all the time, a testament to Simon’s management👍

Cheshire, so its pretty much the same driving time!

Re-joining a club for some local fishing. Desperately want to get back in to Dinton but realistically it will be another year at least. Still considering other syndicate options, probably either St Ives or Northey Park.

Thanks mate, confirms what I thought. My ‘resolution’ this year is to become more ‘Carper’ and less ‘Camper’😉and weight reduction is part of that commitment. Going through my kit, I’ve been amazed at the amount of surplus ‘stuff’ I’ve accumulated! Bags within bags for God’s sake!!

In the interests of lightning up I’m looking to ditch my stainless bankstick and buzz bar set up in favour of JAG Prolite combination. Its not cheap and I’ve not had chance to see it in the flesh as it were. Any feedback on the quality, strength and longevity?

I received a copy of Adam Penning’s book, ‘Rolling in the Deep’. Wasn’t sure what to expect and I’m quite choosy about fishing books. I’m just over half way through and thoroughly enjoying it. I agree regarding ‘Fine Lines’. Not a patch on ‘Obsession‘ or ‘Flick...’. Like Yonny I found the enjoyment diminished due to the exposure of vlogs. I was interested to read his chapters on Dinton’s Black Swan lake since I joined the year the book came out. The water has changed a lot since Dave’s time and so have the version of events in some of his stories.....

All the very best, everybody👍

Yeah, I bought a few pots of the S2s at the beginning of the year for my spring fishing but a combination of circumstances has written off this season so far!

Yes, I can follow your reasoning. Certainly in my experience the PJPUs are very good as singles in isolation and particularly so if they need to be out for a long time and whacked out at extreme range. Where do you place the likes of the S2-to me they are an out and out attractor bait in cork ball/chip format. Though not as resistant or as buoyant as the PJPUs.

That’s interesting, Yonny. Do you use Corkballs and or standard airballs in specific situations? Singles? Over particles, in Bags?

I’ve used a few over the years. Plum has been reliable too-usually as a topper/snowman with fishmeals. The only one I failed with is the Nutty Maple. Oh and the Black Beauties were great on a water where foam zigs were banned😉

Which is your go to pjpu? My favourite is the Cream Special. I’ve heard good reports of his Tutti in the winter but I’ve never tried it.

Can vouch for the Mulberry version-caught me some good ‘uns. Reliably buoyant and resilient👍

Done🤞🏻

I’m very conflicted about Zigs. I have used them with some success but also suffered quite a few losses and, more significantly a number of foul hooked fish. Its the incidence of foul hooking that really concerns me most. I know many will claim that they’ve never foul hooked one but I’ve seen plenty hooked all around the head and pec areas. Spring last year on Dinton White Swan saw a flurry of action to the zigs. I was talking to one of the long standing members about the amount of bites being generated, to which he replied, ‘Yeah, some of ‘em were even hooked in the mouth......’ They’re banned between June and December because of the weed. No great loss to me if they were banned full stop!

Thats the advice I had for the S1s to preserve the fine coating for longer but Im not sure about the S2s which have a different finish.

Nice one. You used it yourself?

Evening all. I’m looking for recommendations as per title of this thread. Specifically, I’m interested in Hemp and Maples. Not huge quantities but I’d like to stock the freezer.

Appreciate the replies fellas. Anyone had experience with the Avid Benchmark Sleep System? It’s a lot of dollar but could be a real investment for better sleep, particularly through the long winter nights.

Looking for ideas on a new bedchair. I’m primarily looking for comfort above everything. As a 52 yr old with more aches and pains and struggling to sleep I’m prepared to sacrifice weight etc for a decent nights kip. Might consider a ‘sleep system’ integrated sleeping bag thingy.

I picked up a set of 3 original RX Digitals (including receiver) off of ebay a couple of years ago. Brilliant alarms, best I’ve ever had. Couldn’t afford them when they first came out but still happy to pay £200 for them second hand.