welder

I'm fairly sure that the very first question I asked on this forum was about using a syringe to help in popping up lobworms. I've forgotten what the replies were. Where do I buy a suitable syringe, please? Ian

Well, ask and you shall receive. Gentlemen, thank you, no shortage of food for thought. I've just bought some of the Avid Carp Flying Chod Beads off eBay, the ones Chris suggested. I like the idea of using them as, like Carl Beza, I prefer to use slack lines and these should act to pin down the terminal end of things well. I'm from the "keep it simple" school of thought so will, in future, initially try the doubled-back bait band idea from Del and/or Mick's suggestion of using a short length of fine braid as an artificial hair. This would offer the opportunity to vary the distance between bait and hook to suit circumstances. Also like Andy's idea of the bait screw tied with floss to the ring on my pre-tied rigs. Hey, I'm never too old to learn and what better school than this forum? Ian

Nige, can I assume that the added weight of the mini swivel is overcome by the bouyancy of the hookbait? Ian

I use the bore rings also, quick and easy, but I know a lot of people buy ready made chod rigs, so using the bore rings is not an option. Tie the ring on with some bait floss I should have said that I'm currently using the ESP pre-tied rigs. Ian

Mick persuaded me that I ought to try chod rigs (I know that silt rigs is their true title but I don't care). Tried it and caught a couple of nice Nige's. I've got my head around the noose type of knot for tying pop up/tictac/whatever to the ring at the shank of the hook, using bait/dental floss but I've got big, clumsy fingers and find tying them on the bank to be a pain. Is there a more user-friendly method I can use, please? I'm thinking about some sort of bait band or similar. Grateful for all suggestions and advice. Ian

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

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

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

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

Neil, I'm pleased that all was well in the end mate. Thumbs up, in fact. Ian

Almost always do the same unless fishing to known snags. Ian

Abosutely no coersion from their Dad, of course................ Ian

Grinner It gets better. Ian

Still laughing........................... Ian

Without doubt, Morkey. Far less chance of detail problems. I can't be doing with unnecessary twiddly bits. Almost forgot. Welcome to this cracking forum, mate. Ian

Gaz, that's five reasons. Ian

The shank has more straight than curve. A curved shank hook has the curve starting immediately below the eye. This doesn't, so use it. Ian

Splitter, that could have been me talking/typing. Try adding Dynamite Baits Meaty Marine Powder to your mix. It has helped me to catch some very nice fish, frequently. Corn on the hook/hair and in the mix. I use a 3-4 inch hooklink and fully embed it into the ball on the feeder. Use a feeder with a biased lead which means, theoretically, that your hook is always uppermost in the presentation. Most of the decent stockists offer them. Ian

My son's had some good fish using it, he frequently takes some with him. I also frequently take some but ALWAYS eat it myself. It's too nice for fish. Ian

Jay, I've only just found this thread and my thinking is along the lines of others. Firstly, if you want to use hairs as short as you are I'd suggest good sized hooks and baits. Conversely, if you want to use smaller baits try hairs giving around 10-12mm space between hook and bait. I've caught good fish on waters considered to be hard simply by using hairs tied much longer than I'd usually tie. As much as 30mm at times. Experiment, it's the way forward as nothing in fishing is cast in stone. Oh, welcome to this cracking forum, by the way. Ian

Don't go alone. I'll come with you. It's got to be done! Ian