pte1643

I think you've answered your own question by and large. For me, they look a bit "Clunky" and I prefer to use shrink tube both ends.

I can name plenty of lakes around (or close to) the area, but would have no clue how they're fishing at the moment. Not too far away you have... Catch 22 in Lyng. Charity in Lenwade. Bridge Inn in Lenwade. A bit further away there's always Taverham, or Taswood. Even Swangey if you fancy going a little further afield.

I have some of the Soft, and have tied some rigs with it, but haven't actually used it in anger yet. At first I found it difficult to "strip", until I figured out the secret. Generally I like the look of it, with the nice matt coating. We'll see. My usual coated hooklink is Mantis, which is great.

Sorry to be picky, but can't help thinking that's a strange use of a "LOL" Smilie.

Now all you need is a solution to the problem... How do you get the Beans to stay ON the Toast when you cast??? OK, I'll get me coat...

Personally, I dunno about 20lb. But it's quite beleivable I'd say. I've certaintly seen a guy float fishing with a John Wilson Specialist rod, catch a very nice "Mid-Double" on Swim Stim Green Hook Pellet. I stopped to chat to the guy because I recognised the rod, as I have a pair of them myself, it's while I/We were chatting that he caught the Mirror. Superb rods BTW, 11ft 1.25lb "Avon" rods really, excellent for close in work. Not that it really matters, but he was fishing on the last swim on the right, along the narrow bit that separates Spring from Heron (just at the point you turn Left to follow the "Far" bank on Heron).

Personal preference mate. I mostly use Kryston Mantis now, which is a "Coated" braid. Then you have the choice of, either using it straight off the reel, for a stiffer hooklink, or scrapping the coating off for a supple "Braid" hooklink. Personally, I have tried them, but I can't get on with Fluorocarbon.

Only two knots I ever use are the "Grinner" and "Knotless", whether it be for Braid, Mono or Fluoro. Basically because they're the only two I know how to tie well. Haven't had any problems myself.

I've had that problem with ESP Stripteaze.

Again, there is no absolute right or wrong answer for this question. But personally, I like to have about 5mm between the "Top" of the Bait and the "Bottom" of the hook bend. Ergo... You need to adjust the length of your hair to accomadate the various bait sizes you're using. But that's just me. If that makes sense.

How about the "Liquidy" stuff used for coating sinking Fly line leaders?

Try here mate. I didn't know anyone still used the "BeachCaster" method??? http://www.carp.com/article138.html?sid=caa5f12a19b1dbad213572ef6b1e7a91

No problems here either. But I never tie them direct to my line. I always have a swivel at the end of both my mainline and Hooklink, so the "Kwik Link" is connected either end by swivel eye.

Used to swear by ESP Raptors, but had LOADS of them "open up" or end up blunt far sooner than they should. So I switched to Korda Wide Gape, not had any trouble with these. Was at the tackle shop the other day looking for some Korda's in size 10, but he didn't have any. Spotted some of them "New" (??? , well I've never seen them before) Fox Arma-Point hooks, they looked good, so I buyed myself some. Bought them in size 8 though, as they looked about the size of the korda size 10's ??? Can't comment yet, as I haven't actually used them.

For coated-braid hooklinks I always use ESP Stripteaze. But I also use ESP Ghost (Flourocarbon), and Kryston Silkworm (Braid). Just my personal preferences.