yonny

One of these mate:

I know NGT do a cheapo hook vice. It looks just like the JAG one (which I have (and it's brilliant)), but not sure if it's the same quality bud.

I have been checked once. It was April 1st a few years ago, which I hadn't realised, and it was the only day in more than 20 years I hadn't actually bought one!!!!!! I literally rang up an bought one in front of the EA bailiff, and I got a letter a few weeks later saying that they checked my history and saw that I'd always been licensed, therefore no further action was to be taken. Phew!

You still need to sharpen them from the sides (imo) to get them looking good from above, but the machine sharpening from above is very, very consistent. In fact I couldn't find one in the pack that didn't look almost perfect from the side! They are exactly the same hooks as their standard ones, the only difference is this machine sharpening process, therefore all the extra couple of quid saves you is the time it takes to sharpen them yourself. I'm more than happy with that as after years and years of sharpening, I just cannot be bothered any more. I'd rather buy sharpened hooks and finish them off myself in less than a minute than spend 5 minutes getting a standard hook sharpened perfectly myself. I really should have taken photos of the hook holds I'm getting on the Kranks.... they're literally text-book perfect hook holds!

They're not chemically sharpened buddy, they are mechanically sharpened. They've designed a machine that orientates and grinds the point. See my comments in my most recent catch report, I'm reasonable impressed with them. They still need work with the file out of the packet imo, but they are very sharp compared to 'normal' hooks. I've been sharpening hooks for years and it amazes my how many guys don't do it. In an age where there are hardly any real edges left, hook sharpening is a HUGE edge!! Anyone that doesn't realise a sharper hook will catch more fish should give up fishing imo!!!!

100% a fishmeal.

Dunno buddy...... a decent Lego set is more than 100 quid these days!

I know exactly what you mean mate. Most of my closest mates don't fish at all and they're always sending me links to articles about places like Holme Fen and ridiculous captures of 10 x 50 lb imports in a single session. It pains me to think that they believe I'm into that scene. It is embarrassing, it makes my cringe.

None of the krill baits use high percentages as krill meal becomes buoyant after boiling so the baits would float buddy.

I think many of the sea, course, fly and match anglers are all moving over to carp fishing mate. Carp angling is certainly bigger than its ever been imo.

In my opinion UK fishing is not in decline. It's changing for sure, but you just need to go down to your local day ticket and try getting a decent swim to see it's as popular as ever. Tbh I'd be perfectly happy if it was in decline as getting access to fish for big fish on waters which aren't absolutely hammered is nigh on impossible these days.

All my life I've used the HSR for dirty spots and a simple bottom bait rig for the cleanest of clean spots. It's only this year I've started using the ronnie that sits in between those two rigs. I'd happily use a multi in place of it tbf. I always have a chod tied up ready to chuck at something too I suppose. I use this less and less but I'm sure that's because I've been on my water a while now so know the spots really well. Put me on a new water and It'd be used I'm sure.

We have the biggest feed up of the year to come before we start putting bits n pieces in for winter. I agree with Vik, give them some proper grub until December. This time of year I end up emptying the bait freezer and bait cupboards. Just chuck everything in lol.

My bait thoughts revolve solely on what I believe carp can detect and what I believe they like to eat. My favourite bait (to use) is a decent boillie, no doubt, and I mean lots of them!! I fish them with pellets, lots of them!!! I'd say 90% of my fishing takes this approach. Carp absolutely love the bait I use (Trent Baits) and they love pellet. I know this not because I've been told so, it's because I've watched their response to it. They completely smash it up until there's nowt left. Simple. However..... there are times when boillies don't do the do for me. This can be caused by a number of things and for each scenario I have a different angle of attack. There are times when it doesn't matter how good a boiled bait you use, they prefer something else, it's a fact, I've seen it. My alternate baiting always has something a little different in it, although it'll also include some very well known baits such as hemp, tigers, peanuts, bread etc. I'm sure it's the 'different' that tends to see me do OK. Rest assured when I'm not using boillie, I'll be using a mix that no-one else is using.

Sorry I wasn't about to post on this..... I trust Gaz gave you all the info you needed buddy!

If you'd have asked me at any point in the last few years I'd probs have agreed with you. Not after this season though. It's been awesome for me.

@Pete Springate's Guns can I also just say that your username is the best in the history of any carp forum, anywhere, ever!

Lol..... think you're mistaking me for B.C.?? That stuff is awesome on tigers! Never used it for maize so if you do, please report back and let us know how it turned out!

Jeez B.C., if you thought last winter was mild I dread to think what you think of as cold!!!!😂

Agree, sweetcorn is a far better bait than maize, but maize wins hands down as a hookbait obviously. Tbh if it's just for hook baits I'd not bother with any special treatments..... in fact I'd probably use plastic corn if rules allowed it.

My biggest leads (5oz) I only use in the margin, under the tips. Weight is not necessarily just for casting imo bud.

The Tackle Box in Kent do a test of different lines each year (diameter vs. BS). It's a real help in determining what line you might need for a given water. You can find it here: http://www.tacklebox.co.uk/tackle-box-line-test.html

I tend to rate Korda stuff but I'm not a huge fan of their lines. They're nothing like each other buddy. The Carp Line is imo the best one Korda do, it's much thicker than the GT-HD for BS, stronger, better abrasion resistance, a work-horse carp line.

Arma Mesh?? It could potentially be deadly I'd think. There should be no way that can come off the rig, it'd be dangerous. I started using those bread bombs from Nash this year, they're brilliant. I really like them for wandering about chucking big old lumps of bread at carp milling about in hot weather.