dannym

My local is very silty. A tackle shop I use stock some leads shaped like a 2 pound coin, they're excellent for this lake, because they seem to slow the whole set-up right down on entering the water. I also use pva bags with hooklength and weight inside, because of the large surface area created this also seems to keep things above the silt. I've recently read an article where a bloke swears by inline leads for silty bottoms, something about the way in which the lead falls through the water at an angle, because it is in direct contact with your mainline. I also like to use slightly longer hooklengths for my own piece of mind, usually something in the region of about 12". As for the weight of leads, I don't own any over 2 oz, so anything under that does me.

What a pity. We (the family) spent a week up at Lonsdale Park some 12 years ago. My mum and dad just chilled out mainly but me and my brother did some serious fishing. It was without doubt the greatest weeks fishing I had and still have ever experienced. At the time it was run by a chap called Wayne, only young but very nice. We fished 2 lakes, Deer Lake and the main one Lonsdale Lake. Caught a stupid amount of fish upto mid-doubles all in mint condition and some big tench and bream. The highlight of the week for me was catching my first ever ghostie, a known fish called Rhino at it's heaviest weight 11lb 12oz and it took 20 minutes to land. Deer lake had some truly beautiful original wild carp up to about 6 pound as well, which went crazy when hooked. It's a place that I often think about with great affection when I let my mind wonder. Sounds like I got to fish it when it was at its best.

We really should stop domesticating our carp !! They'll become right food snobs if we aint careful !! I know a fella who swears by chicken breast dipped in gravy !!!

:D ........ don't give too much away !!! LOL

90% of my fishing is done with a stiff hooklength (about 6 inches long, black amnesia). My opinion is that it is less likely to tangle, more rigid under water so less likely to be rejected and miles cheaper !!!! :D . I fished with merlin and silkworm for years but would never go back to supple !! Well unless something MADE me ??!!

I'm guessing you use a semi-fixed bolt rig ?? I personally wouldn't use a lead that heavy but then again loads of people probably do. A really sharp hook is more important than your weight/lead anyway. Make sure you're hook is sharp and you're happy with your hooklength ..

what methods, leads, rigs, etc .... are you using at the minute ??

Heavier leads are usually fished in conjunction with a bolt-rig for effective hooking purposes. I use very light rods (1.5 lb test curve) so at the most will use a 2oz lead, I will usually fish a 1.5oz lead in a PVA bag/stocking. I will also sometimes fish a 'confidence' rig set-up......... a light lead of say 1oz and a long mono hooklength of about 30 inches long. I would recommend fishing slightly different to the norm...... e.g. If the fish are used to short hooklengths fished bolt-rig style with a heavy lead, then you should try a lighter running lead set-up or vice-versa .... Hope this helps.

I've recently changed after years of using fox series 2B (barbless). At the moment using : Ashima Heavy Carp in Size 8's and Nash Fang X in Size 8's - Both barbed and I am well impressed !!

Short hooklengths (below 6 inches) come into their own when fished with a semi-fixed lead/bolt rig. Most of my fishing is done like this and I always prefer to use a stiff hooklength over a supple braid. (Usually Black Amnesia). When fishing weed/deep silt, I place the whole rig in a pva bag (lead as well) so will go down to about 3-4 inches. The run from a hooked carp is usually very fast and aggressive, due to the carp feeling the hook and weight so quickly.

Never used the new Dynamite range but have heard good things mate, so stick with them. I only ever fish with 2 rods and very, very rarely have the same methods/rigs/baits on both. 2 rods = 2 options in my opinion !! Stick with your PVA bag mixture and bottom bait (try smaller baits mate, you'd be surprised how many big fish munch on small food items!!). Try luncheon meat on the other rod, with a handful or two of trout pellets. It's a combination that has always worked well for me. Try a short stiff rig (about 4-6 inches) on one rod and a longer supple rig (about 8 - 12 inches) on the other. If things aint working you've gotta be prepared to change. Don't follow the crowds be a bit different mate and you'll soon start finding a unique and confident way of fishing. Good luck with your carp fishing. There's loads of fellas on here that will offer you help you've just gotta be prepared to ask !!

What about actual bait placement. Is it a chuck and chance type approach or have you been finding some features? Do you prefer to sit it out ? Or do you like to be on the move ?

lpoollad - where are you fishing ? Is it classed as a runs water or a difficult 'big fish' water? What bait are you currently using? Are you pre-baiting? Do you throw bait in by hand/catapult or do you fish stringers/pva bags? Give us a bit more info mate and we'll be able to point you in the right direction !!

wow ...... after reading 4 pages of that my head hurts and i don't think i'll ever go fishing again !! :D