Pete Springate's Guns

Thought this might be an interesting topic for discussion. I’m writing this on the bank and considering why and when to recast. The specific situation is one I’m sure we face on a regular basis. Got down yesterday evening and found myself in a swim I’ve fished a few times and caught from a couple of different spots. Left hand rod spot still clear and good drop so baited over it with the Spomb. Right hand spot had weeded over so opted for solid bag in the rapidly decreasing light levels with a view to finding a new spot today. It was a quiet night, odd fish heard but no action and no liners. Always leave the rods till midday since I’ve had fish as late as 11.30 am in this swim. New spot found and baited for right hand rod by 3pm. The question is.......should I recast the left hand rod? I was totally confident in its position, the ‘drop’, presentation and bait. I left it till 5pm and did recast it to the exact same spot. On retrieval it was perfect. So why not leave it, less disturbance might be an advantage?

I’ve had mixed experiences with GT HD myself. I was using the 15lb early on this season and found it to be a lovely casting line that behaved well on the spool. But I discovered that it was prone to abrasion damage in weed and I suffered a couple of unexplained casting crack offs. Since switched to Korda Carp line in 15lb, think its .40 in diameter and a decent all rounder; been told by a couple of guys in the trade that it comes from the same factory as GR60 though I can’t confirm it. For chucking I like the Gardner Light Blend in 10lb with a 50lb Powerpro braided leader and leads up to 4.5oz. Very impressed👍

I have no lack of confidence in corn/maize/plastic, just wanted to canvass opinions on preparation really.

Haha-glad you appreciate it😎 TBH I was/am a bit of a Springate fanboy. Like many of my age was captivated by the pictures of his Yeoveney brace and then of course his exploits at Wraysbury. Could never understand how a hoover repair/carp angler got in such good shape. Hence the ‘guns’ reference for those who are not familiar with the photos💪

Ah yes, apologies BC!!☺️ I’ll certainly be giving the Maize/Thaumatin B a go on 1 rod at least👍

Many thanks Yonny for your very detailed response👏I’m inclined to go down the Maize hookbait in Thaumatin B route in conjuntion with straight Corn. I would go with either Tiger or Brazil hookbaits if allowed but both are banned and I’ve waited a few years to get in to this winter syndicate and don’t want to risk loosing the ticket!

Any views on fermentation, addition of salt or any other additives?

I’ve a mind to use maize, mainly as a hookbait but also in very small quantities at least on one rod on my winter water (November onwards), probably in conjunction with the jolly green giant. I’ve read all manner of recommendations for salty maize, fermented maize etc but I’m wondering whether its worth prepping my own for such small quantites or simply buy a jar of ready prepped?

I’m after a replacement boat since some ****** nicked my Bic Sportyak. Can’t afford another Bic and I’m looking at inflatables as an alernative. Primarily be used for finding spots/baiting, also for dealing with weeded fish. I’ll be using oars (no motors allowed). I’ve been looking at the ‘Bark’ branded models on EBay which are reasonably priced and seem to fit the bill. Anybody got experience with these or alternatives?

Was catching consistently on Black after it re-opened but lots of smaller fish up to 25. Decided on a change of scenery abd ironically had an 18C on my first night on White!! I’ll be back to Black when the water’s cleared in a month or so👍

I’ve got a set of 13ft Treb Lites myself; mightily impressive tools they are too. But since switching to the smaller of the Dinton waters in the last few weeks I’ve been using my 12ft TE’s simply because the shorter rods are easier to wield in what are typically more restrictive swims.

My favourite shelter by far was an original Aqua Evolution-one of the very last made by Chris Manifold in his old workshop in Crewe before he sold the design to Fox. Fantastic design and quality. Had it for about 15 years before the poles became brittle and 2 of them shattered on a memorably stormy night on the Mangrove in Shropshire. Would gladly pay top dollar for a replacement!

I think it will be fine throughout the year but I opt for a little more space and comfort during the winter, plus I’m not usually moving as much.

Had an ESP Hideout for a couple of months now. Paid £170 delivered. So far, very pleased. Its certainly light, flexible and large enough for a wide bedchair. The door height allows me to sit on the edge of the bed without stooping to see. The material is very thin but no issues so far. I’ll be using till winter when the bivvy will come out.

I’m Cheshire born and bred but haven’t fished locally for years. I’m probably a little out of touch but I’d say joining Wheelock AS would be the best bet; to my knowledge they have 30’s in 5 of their waters. PA is also worth considering for the mighty Redesmere alone. Unfortunately, both of these clubs have significant waiting lists. Northwich Anglers givs you access to Petty Pool which has a good head of fish to over 40 but its days only, demanding and difficult. Warrington gives you access to the Sandiway lakes both of which have 30’s in. Keep an eye on Top Flash on the Winsford card-its on the way back after a devastating fish kill a few years back. That should give you plenty to go at-they’re all open access waters and no big secrets.

GT HD 15lb for me too. Casts well, sinks ok and has, so far, stood up to some pretty savage weed👍

Did a couple of seasons on there 4 years or so back. Gorgeous place, very scenic with lots of history. Decent stock to upper 30's. (Guessing a dozen or so over 30). Biggest was a Mirror ( Pawprint) but most of the other larger fish were Commons. Not sure if there have been any other stockings since. They're getting old now but generally in good condition. Lovely place to relax with the chance of some multiple catches if you get it right. I would like to go back at some time in the future-a nice place to retire on!

Superb mate-that's exactly what I wanted to hear and thoughts of the unknown will make the long drive down worth it!

Sounds like a real challenge! Guessing there's not much winter form on either? What are your thoughts on the uncaught fish? Seen a pic of a huge Common in White in snags next to Tripple Row that has apparently not been landed. Also I heard that a couple of real big 'uns spotted in Black that haven't been caught, or certainly not for a very long time?

Cheers for the reply-much appreciated and exactly the kind of information I'm after. I took a look at the complex last week to get an idea of the lay out and the journey - I live up in Cheshire so quite a trek! It was busy with walkers etc then so I can imagine it must be much worse in Summer! I'm not too bothered about the walkers/dogs etc, I'm quite happy to put up with it for the stock and potential. Interesting and encouraging to read your comments about boat use. Have you fished White as well? I'm intending to get a Gold ticket to give me options when I'm down there.

Just doing some research before committing to a ticket next season. Any current or past members on here? Wondering how busy it gets and how necessary a boat is? Appreciate any replies or PM's.