pablo7uk

Yeah I agree, I thought the process through and I'm sure you're all right. Half a turn on the front drag whilst picking up the rod is hardly any different to flicking a baitrunner switch whilst picking up the rod for a take. I think I'll be fine and can't wait to get that first take and feel that nice smooth drag as the fish roars off haha

Thanks for all the replies, I've just bought 3 X daiwa Emblem 35 SCW 5000C QD for £100 each so I'm happy. Just bit the bullet and thought I'd go for it!! Particularly thanks to Yonny for the recommendation, they have fantastic reviews for the money.

I've been having a look around and just can't decide haha. I really can't get my head round QD which seems to be on the majority of carp reels. I'm not sure how I feel about no visual sign that the reel is set to free spool and also yes the drag is quickly engaged but never to a precise level as you would just turn the dial right? So it would be down to me to turn it exactly right every time? Whereas baitrunner you set it before you fish and when you click it on then it's right?

I always felt like QD seems a bit of a fumble when you get a fish on, baitrunner is one click as you're picking the rod up and your drag is set perfectly rather than twiddling the front drag on a QD until you think it's right and those few seconds could lose you the fish. I think I have this mindset due to when I was younger losing one or two decent fish almost straight after the take due to having the drag set wrong. I've just recently got diawa emblem apps reels for my spod rod and marker rod. Thinking there could be a decent diawa that could convince me to part with some cash. Over £100 each maybe. There are so many different models within even just diawa though I'm honestly overwhelmed.

Willing to consider all options at the moment. I bide my time and buy a lot of tackle second hand to save a few quid. I just feel like I don't know where to begin with a reel upgrade. What's your opinion on quick drag Vs baitrunner?

Hello, I'm looking to upgrade my current reels which are many years old and don't have spring loaded line clips and the other modern features of good reels. I have always used baitrunner reels so looking for a good upgrade with this feature... unless someone can convince me that quick drag big pits are the future haha My current reels are diawa regal Z Thanks Paul

I think I can safely say that wearing them all day made me cold too despite having 4 layers on 😂 the damp is no fun! In summer they'll be like that viral weight loss idea of wrapping cling film round your stomach haha. Super slim legs haha

The reservoir is known for some big bream so yes I think you've got a good point. The reservoir has a nature reserve at the shallow end and lots of snags. My thoughts are to target this end from the nearest peg to the reserve. I'm gonna have a few walks round through spring to watch for them spawning etc. Does anyone know of any good YouTube tutorials or similar for feature finding with a marker set up? I haven't done it before but got all the kit together over the past few months so I'm ready to give it a try.

Hi all, I've recently joined a syndicate which covers a couple of local reservoirs. I joined mainly to do some winter pike fishing but one of the reservoirs contains carp so of course this has caught my attention for a summer challenge and a change from the typical more commercial venues I've fished in the past. Has anyone got any good tips on where to begin with such a huge venue, low stock, nuisance fish etc It's close enough to home for prebaiting and spodding is allowed (despite a no balled groundbait rule). I'm thinking stick with natural baits like sweetcorn and hemp. Possibly chod/helicopter rigs to be as anti tangle as possible for long casts and to cope with a possible sketchy bottom as when I've been pike fishing even fishing as far as I can cast a deadbait I still occasionally bring in leaves on the hooks.

Thanks both, I thought so. I'll keep this in mind for next time. It's all a learning curve - even for the simplest of things!!

Well I have to say using them on a local reservoir definitely gave me the reassurance I needed. Easy on and off but not loose perfect for when you are wet and muddy. I really am impressed with these waders but I was a little damp with condensation at the end of the day since they aren't breathable but I couldn't justify paying 2.5x more for the breathable ones. How does everyone manage with this issue? Wear them when required and swap for wellies or boots the rest of the time?

I ended up just buying a 3 rod version at renewal. It wasn't possible to change from 2 to 3 mid season.

Thanks for the reassuring replies haha I'm trying them out "in the field" today so hopefully that will give me some assurance I made the right decision too. I have to say though very pleased with the quality of them, would definitely recommend.

Hello, Just bought myself a pair of these. I bought a shoe size larger than I would wear in trainers as I thought thick socks/double socks is pretty standard when wearing wellies or out in the cold all day. Now they've arrived and I've tried them on they do fit but seem a little spacious - might be solved just with some insoles to be honest. Opinions? Do you have waders and if so what size did you buy compared to standard shoe size? Paul

Hello, I've just got an annual licence for SDAA to fish these two reservoirs. I live really close and have done plenty of day sessions on anglezarke pike fishing. Very little info online about these places though, anyone else a member or fished these places? Thanks, Paul

These seem ok, are they the maxi ones? The "mega" look a bit stumpier than your image and the other two sizes mini and micro look too slim.

I have two of these already actually but because I have a fox stalker pod if I want the whole set up sat low to the ground the middle rod can't have one of these swingers on unless it just sits on the main bar of the pod

What size spomb do you use and why? I've never used a sspomb/spod and am in the process of getting together all the kit. Thanks Paul

Hi all, Thinking ahead for Christmas presents to myself and looking at some bobbins. The korda ones seem expensive but after using some jrc ones I got with my bite alarms on a breezy night I feel I'd need something weighty. Does anyone have the korda ones and what size do you have? Or any recommendations for something that can be used for all weathers? Thanks

Well the new diawa emblems arrived today...but before I query with the seller, is this line clip broken?

Well everyone thank you for the advice - I took the plunge and I've got two second hand diawa emblem spod reels on the way to me! Can't wait to get out on the bank and start learning some new skills!

Hello all, I've been offered 2 x diawa emblems loaded with braid and shock leaders for £89 each. Good value? I know brand new they are £125 as the basic reel so id need braid etc on top.

I have to admit the reels on my actual fishing rods are all diawa. I've had them for years, through rain dirt etc they've been totally fine. The funny part is they were only around £50 brand new so when I kitted myself out with a third rod I found a matching reel second hand for about £25. I do have a lot of confidence in the build quality even on the cheap ones. They are diawa regal z baitrunners.