nigewoodcock

Maybe thinking a bit outside the box??? Move a swim or two down and fill it in with pellet. Then fish your original spot with your rods. Being only a swim down, you can keep an eye on it for any carp activity and move onto them if needed!

What's happening gaz? Update time!!!!

They are so last year! It's all about ridge monkey shots this year!!! Lol

As per gaz's post above. With a 'standard reel' you set the free spool 'how much resistance is on the fish during the take, with the front drag. When you get a take, you have to manually tighten it to the desired resistance you want to play the fish on. With a dedicated bait runner, you set that playing resistance and it doesn't change - unless you want to during the fight. This is done with the front or rear kno b, depending on model. You then set the resistance you desire on the take by the rear drag, a completely different setting to the 'playing drag' of the reel. There is then a switch that engages the 'bite resistance' or 'free spool' as its more commonly known.

No mate - a bait runner isn't set for fighting drag. That's done on the drag system. There is no difference between a bait runner and a front drag / rear drag reel. Other than the instant switch on/off of the free spool. With no bait runner function, you do it manually.

Phildalton, how do you set your front drag when fishing? Are they locked up fully?

Overnighter on my lake, I don't even take a stove or brew kit. It take a flask and that lasts me the evening and morning before I head off home.

I take as little as I can with regards to kit. Quiver Bag Mat Bait Bed If it don't fit in that, it doesn't come. On longer sessions, I just increase my bait and food. Sometimes, in winter or a long session, I will live in a bit of luxury and take a ground sheet!!!

What was it you were saying about slating people without knowing where or what they fish for??? Lol

One of 'the boys' then smufter!!!

A bit like triggers broom then!! Lol

Does your name give a clue as to where you fish?

Near Oswestry. I used to work in Welshpool

Where abouts in mid wales?

Or without two cups on each end!!!! Lol

Should have taken some photos of them to show you!!! Lol

Owned? Branded? Try distributed. It used to be distributed by Gardner also. Old stock - I have some spools that I bought in bulk when Gardner stopped distributing it a number of years ago. I was fearful that I might not be able to get hold of any so stockpiled it. I respooled a couple of weeks back with one of them and it's grand. Stored out of sunlight in my shed, so I'm sure it will be ok!

I recon it's the best line out there if your looking for the all rounder. Some lines have better casting ability, some sink better and some have a better abrasion. You will not find one that scores as high on all aspects though!!! The line lay is immense as well! Synergy is 0.3mm in 15lb test! Have a look round and see if you can find anything close to that.

You can't beat going out on a boat with a prodding stick. Although, I have purchased a deeper pro + not so long ago. That gives you a good starting point.

The explode or the fox impact spod?

Total angling in Shrewsbury. I can get a few spools for you and bring them to the casting lesson?

The trainers are actually quite good. In fact, I would say very good. Mick has a pair and I am seriously considering getting some. Fully waterproof, lightweight, comfy footwear.

Hopefully!!!!

Zigs are a devastating tactic. As anything in angling though, there is a time and place. I would say though, if I fished a full year on only zigs, I would catch more than a full year fishing on the deck only. What I try to do is get the mix of methods right to get an even better return! Steveo has given some good advice but I have to say, I use the heaviest lead I can get away with. Also, as mentioned by others in this thread, a lead clip is the way to go. The reasons behind me having a big lead on a clip include making sure it comes off on the take. Most of the time my zigs are fished over two foot deep (not always though). I don't want lead swinging around that far away from the hook when playing fish. The takes on zigs can, a lot of the time, be either screamers or drop backs ( the fish is already moving during the bite). If the lead comes off and with the use of a tight line and heavy bobbin, the drop backs will be more positive. Another reason for the heavy lead is to do with the distance from the hook again. I want the hook set straight away and the heavy lead helps this. I want the fish to feel it straight away! Where hookbaits are concerned, I like to use a half and half colour. My starting point is always black and white zig lites from avid. White on top and black underneath. If the fish is over the top, the white will stand out against the dark water or bottom. The black will silhouette if the fish passes below it. These two factors can induce an inquisitive bite. All my plastics and foams are kept in a pot soaking in thaumatin B, diluted 50:50 with water. Oh, and zigs at night definitely work!!!!

You will always get flash spots on the flank of the fish if the flash is directly above the lens. An off camera flash with diffuser is the best option. If that isn't available to you, turn the fish head end slightly towards the camera.