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 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.

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...

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.

A Bloodknot isn't really strong enough for Carp fishing purposes. Your FAR better off learning how to tie a Grinner (as suggested). Much stronger and takes no longer to tie once you've got the hang of it. Why risk losing a decent fish just because a certain knot is quick and easy.

How about ESP Stripteaze?

Why not use a "Figure of Eight" knot to tie the mainline to the Spliced loop on the Leadcore?