Tubbytom

@elmoputney that’s a great way to look at it mate. The catches are more worth while.

@hutch appreciate the reply mate. I’ll check out the video 👍

@salokcinnodrog super helpful advice. So much to learn from this forum. Thanks for taking the time to respond. 👍

@emmcee - thanks for such a detailed response. Super helpful. So wind really is a very important factor? Amazing how much stuff there is to learn!

@salokcinnodrog - thanks for your reply. I guess my biggest challenge at the moment is arriving at a swim with little watercraft knowledge and choosing a peg. On the fishery I am going to in Feb they do provide good maps of the lakes but my knowledge isn't there yet. Be interesting to know your thoughts on the map and which peg you would choose if you had to base it purely on the map alone. Here's the description - Sunnyside 1 was stocked with carp and pike back in 1999 and has recieved numerous stock within our stocking programme with last one in 2020. In November 2015, March 2016 and November 2016 it was stocked up again with Pike upto 19lbs. There is an increase in double figure pike in this water. The water has a silt / gravel bed and reached depths between 3-9 ft. The lake record is currently ‘ The Captain’ at 32lbs. Other 30 plusses are 'Jake' at 30lbs and 'Parrot' at 30lbs. I've also attached the map

@kevtaylor - thanks Kev. Whilst I'm new to carp fishing I'm keen to get out as much as possible on the chance of catching. I fished 10 hours at weekend and didn't have a single bite but defo learnt a lot about the lake. Fingers crossed for a catch in Feb.

Hi all, I'm new to carp fishing (started last summer) and did my first session of 2025 last weekend. A lot of people I have been speaking to say words to the effect of it's a waste of time in Jan/Feb because its to cold and the fish are all holed up together and not moving. I'm wondering whether people on here share the same view? Watching some YT videos it seems carp can be caught even in the colder months. I'd like to know when people generally start their fishing 'season' or if you fish 12 months of the year. Thanks

I’m doing a 3 day session at Wyreside fisheries next month on Sunnyside 1. Just wondering if anyone on here has any tips or advice about the lake and the fishery. I’m new to carp fishing so any advice is greatly appreciated.

I’ve been looking at the Navitas Fishing clothing. Not really seen it apart from on YT videos. Just wondering if anyone owns any and is it good. the waterproof jacket with a 5,000mm waterproof rating and fleece come in at £104. be great to know if it’s decent. Thanks

I’ve got a Snugpak sleeping bag. Have you any recommendations for coats?

Evening all, just wondering what other people do to keep warm/heat bivvy in the cold winter months. I was fishing today in -2 which is pretty cold for where I live. I’ve a 3 day session coming up in Feb so looking for ways to keep warm or advice on bivvy heaters.

@framey thanks for replying mate, much appreciated.

Evening all, just joined the forum. I started carp fishing in September 2024 and immediately fell in love with the whole experience. I’ve been 10 times now and blanked on 7/10 sessions. I was hoping someone could answer a few questions (probably sound basic) but can’t find exact answers online. 1. How big does a lake need to be to warrant using a spom or spod rod? 2. How long do people wait to re-cast if there’s no showing signs of fish in the swim? 3. Are plastic/imitation baits affective all year round? 4. If arriving at a lake for a session there are absolutely zero signs of fish, what would be your next move? thanks in advance. Tubbytom.