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Fully agree. I was impressed with the sheer efficiency of the tunnel experience, no fuss, just drive on and, 25 minutes later, drive off into France. No messing. I hate messing. Ian

agreed Seconded even though I've yet to use one. Clever bit of kit. Ian

Laws, the specimen lake at The Riddings is very small. At it's narrowest point you could almost jump across it with a good enough run-up. No bait boat needed, trust me. It's also rather expensive for what it is. Earlswood Lake/Reservoir may be a better bet. Go on Engine Pool. Dunno if bait boats are allowed but it's certainly large enough to justify the use of one. It's owned and run by British Waterways, maybe their website will offer more information. Pine Pool at Kingsbury Water Park is their carp specimen pool and is a pleasant place to be. Very clear water so I set up well back from the waters edge and don't have my rod tips hanging over the water. Dunno about bait boats being allowed, sorry. I haven't fished either of the other venues so can't comment, sorry. Ian

Laura, you're spoiled for choice. Try Salford Park, in the shadow of Spaghetti Junction. It's often overlooked and is seldom busy. Kingsbury Water Park has several pools/lakes to go at. Pine Pool holds some very good carp and the park has toilet and cafe facilities. Packington Somers, near Meriden, also has several waters to try and has similar facilities to those at Kingsbury. Take a look at www.fisheries.co.uk as there are several fisheries listed which would probably suit your needs, particularly Hoar Park Fishery near Nuneaton. Ian

You may never see your ribcage again............. Ian

Nice cat. Young Matt is a proper, working angler, bless him. How did you do with the carp, Jez? As you know we were on the week before you guys and the fishing was very, very slow. Hope it improved for you. Did Simon catch, eventually? I do hope so Ian

Graphy, I look forward to your catch report, mate. And to your thoughts on the place in general. Try to arrive there hungry, give Kim 110 euros for the food package, and leave a week later, feeling plump. Ian

Hi BB, welcome to the forum. The best man to ask is coopsnorthants. His first name is Jamie, he doesn't visit the forum every day so you might want to PM him with your enquiry. He will have the answers, trust me! Ian

Simon, have a look at Milton Pools, near Oxford. It's a very pleasant place to be and they have bankside huts available for rent. Ian

I'll certainly be bringing some Mainline Cell just to back up the bait that Ian has sorted for us. Bucket of doggies, too. Jez, if you're still going to spend our last night there with us please bring cider. I may be running short by then. You owe me several from last time there. Was it really 4 years ago? How time flies! Ian

Gleavey, Steve's right. Get yourself to Cromwell. Not only does it have a cracking head of good fish, it's a very pleasant place to be and is immaculately maintained. Ian

The very best sort I like you already! Ian

Agree. Regrettably Sundridge have, in my eyes, shot themselves in the foot with this silly notion. Another example of fashion over form. Not useful, not wanted and certainly not required by any thinking angler. I'll stick with my G1's, thank you. Ian

Have the fish grown their lips back yet? Ian

Matt welcome to the forum, mate. You're right in that Christine sometimes need treating with kid gloves, she can also be a bit vague at times, but hey, she's only human and we all have our traits...... Ian

My niece and her husband live very near to Willesley and he fished there two weeks ago. He tried several different approaches but eventually found that white pop ups were working on that occasion. I've had good fish from there using a bunch of worms on the hair. Weekends can get hectic, much more tranquil midweek and, of course, a wider choice of swims. I've found that locating the fish is important at this venue as they frequently shoal up while patrolling and go around mob handed. In warmer/sunny weather I'd have a look at the shallower areas near the car parking area. Also, dont ignore the margins, especially under overhanging foliage. Enjoy. Ian

That's the large water not far from Dinas Mawddwy, isn't it? The times I've driven past there on my way elsewhere and never taken the time to have a look. One day... Ian

Lapworth. I've seen them. Where the road and canal run side by side near the roadside wood yard. Turn right into Church Lane and stand on the little bridge, you'll spot them. Ian

I've used fake corn on the hair with dog biscuits as freebies. Works well. Ian

Agree, almost entirely. I'll use backleads only if fishing very close in and there just isn't the distance between rod tip and hook to allow line to lay flat on the bottom, and only then if there's no weed in the close margin. And, yes, backleads are often sacrificial unless tethered, which is another potential can of worms. Too much potential for unnecessary aggravation. Ian

I watched that clip twice and was so impressed that I went to the garage, got some flouro and tried it. Blimey, even an old git like me can achieve the perfect loop. Every day's a school day and Dan is my hero. Today. Ian

Dave, just taken a look at Chigboro's website. It's a trout fishery, and nothing at all like Newlands Hall which looks and sounds like a cracking place according to their website. Were you aware of this? Ian

Hi Dave, welcome to the forum. It's been some years since I fished Castle Ashby, I enjoyed it so it's good to hear that the infrastructure is being looked after. Can't help with info on Chigboro, sorry, but I'm sure that someone who can will soon pick up on this thread Ian

I've had some good results on the Birmingham-Fazeley Canal. The stretch through Curdworth/Minworth is well worth a go. Ian

Several years ago I used the elasticated method feeders, largely because at that time they were pretty well all you could get. Even then I had my doubts about their safety in the event of a break-off. I then "discovered" in-line feeders, safe, easy to deploy and can be used with peace of mind. Ian