kevtaylor

It works really well used it abroad where Mozzies were a big problem and also the version to spray on the Bivvy itself, stops them gathering around the doorway and mesh panels. No damage to me or the bivvy 👍

https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/products/insect-repellents

You cannot book onto Rainbow, the only way on is to know someone who already goes and for them to invite you, unless you want to drive down there on the slight chance the owner might actually speak to you and offer you a winter trip. It is that simple.

Zig supplies for my trip back to Trentview later in the year 👍

Yes it's very tempting to go before the closures but I can't see them feeding whilst in limbo but you never know. The bigger fish prob won't even think about it until the little uns have got it done. Could go this weekend potentially but just not sure if worth it. Temps have been very low in the Midlands this week.

Sorry to hear that - just the worst thing, but you gave him a great life and that's all you can do - they don't live long enough 😭

Follow bailliff Trev on Instagram, he does a daily update on swim availability etc. Just part of Sandmartin and Swan closed at the moment as far as I know.

This year has surprised me, really expected late spawning as spring has been cold IMO but here we are. Was at a deep pit last week and even there some of the small carp started having a go - yet night temps were like 4 degrees and day temps weren't very high either, water felt warmer than expected though!

Depends a lot on depth of water as that has a big impact on water volume. I've recently fished 2 x 25+ acre lakes - both holding 1000s of carp. One is an average of 20+feet deep, whereas the other is only about 8 feet deep on average. I would have no concerns about the fish in the deeper lake - the volume is more than twice that of the shallower lake. You will obviously catch much less in your 20 acre - 100 fish lake, BUT the fish will be less stressed, better water quality (the most important thing full stop) and you will learn more and appreciate your successes more than on an easy runs water. My early experiences on a lake of 25+ acres with 35 fish, choked with weed gave me invaluable skills and understanding - a fast track apprenticeship if you like. Go for it!!!

No mate he barks which obvs calls them over for agro at this time of year, much to learn lol

I was re-using cork ball pop-ups, drying them off off home, re-starting the glugging process - they worked fine, I've used the same bait to catch several fish with the thinking that a washed out is better than a fresh one on occasion. For me the key is to know what your pop-ups and wafters achieve in terms of staying popped-up or wafting, many are utter rubbish in home tests.

I've been enjoying quiet banks so far this spring, but May sees an influx of new keen anglers so it will change for a short while. As soon as I can I'm gonna have a crack at the little river on site so that's another great option to get away from the crowds. My first from a river would be epic regardless of size 👍

Not quite a view from the bivvy door but from the swim to the next poke hole, gotta be one of the most carpy paths ever? - would love to see others. 😎

This is what matters ☝️ Stuff the high pressure, over subscribed fishing of today, tolerating many annoyances just to chase a number - madness looking back! The atmosphere and wildlife is my new target!

Racking up the blanks but we're enjoying the scenery for sure.

Yes I have this for attaching my tablet to camera tripod 👍

You've done well there mate - good skills and saved yourself a small fortune I imagine 👍

She looks lovely mate 🥰 Good luck 👍

Thanks mate - I'm made up with him. Not sure what will happen to his colouring, the stripe down his back is proper hair, the sides, underside and legs are like puppy fluff which I guess will change? Whatever happens I think he will be a stunner, and a great carpy campanion!

Jacks first solo trip - he was brilliant, no travel sickness, no being naughty, was chilled and seemed to enjoy it lots. Many happy trips to come 🥰😎👍

Super tricky time of year mate IMO

I think its nonsense to say that if you have cats you wont have prey fish, there is a balance found. Big cats are in Bluebell Lakes yets all hold good numbers of Tench, Bream, Roach , Perch etc and I've seen these prey fish masses on sonar in the winter so I know for a fact they are rich in prey, despite holding many huge cats, many! I was a young angler when they used to say kill Pike because they eat everything, I left one on the bank then thought hang on this is nonsense I'm never doing that again. It was ignorance on the part of the clubs or whoever was supposed to be running the venue. Predators will go for the weak first and foremost and that can be seen as a good thing for a healthy population. Biggest threat to prey fish is Cormorants, carp Otters. I'm not a cat fan at all btw

I fancy 3 nights if the standard is 2 👍

Seems like you've got everything covered, maybe a comb/brush coz they get sticky seed heads stuck to them. Good luck - hope it goes well. 👍