yonny

Daiwa Infinity BR 18lb, no leader Up to ~ 120y 25 acres 12ft 3.25tc What are you trying to evaluate bud?

Thinking about it I don't think I'd buy much at all. All my kit is bought because I believe it to be the best on the market to suit my specific requirements. I'm definitely getting one of those ESP Lo Pro Brollys when they're released but at £150 I don't need to win the lottery for that. Maybe I'd upgrade a couple of bits of luggage to some posh Cotswold Aquarius gear for tart factor, but that's about it I reckon.

Take a look at ESP Tungsten Loaded Phil, no steaming required, pulls straight, and stays straight. For fluro, check Rig Marole CAMH20, same, no steaming required.

For sure David, layer systems are way more effective for warmth. There's no stand-alone jacket out there that'll keep you warm at -5. Base layer, long sleeve T-shirt, micro fleece, fleece, jacket - you'll be toasty at any temperature the UK can throw at you.

I use the US Army ECWS jacket, brilliant as part of a layer system.

They shut down even worse than carp fella

I use Northface insulated trousers, got them cheap while in the US, a million times better than the carp gear. Really good stuff. Karrimor from Sport Direct and Cragghopper from TK Maxx both good cheap options.

Avoid fishing brands fella. The carp brands don't make clothing. They re-brand cheap Chinese clothing. Think Army gear or one of the big hiking/camping manufacturers.

I also use pva foam all year, regardless of weed levels, leaves, whatever; even if I'm fishing on hard gravel. It helps separate the hook bait from the lead on the cast, improves presentation for any rigs with a degree of stiffness, just helps in every department IMO. I will adjust the way I attach the foam in cold water (I've seen the foam stay on all night before!). Once it's on the deck I actually agree with Phil - Dead leaves are so forgiving as a substrate, same as silt; we worry about presentation but the carp will find a way if they're feeding. I'd happily fish a bottom bait over leaves if forced to (normally use pop ups anyway though). Useless fact time: the foam stuff is actually not pva, it's corn starch based, just called pva so anglers get the point of what it is.

Another great option, miles better than the Scopes.

For Scope Black Ops money I'd be looking at Harrison ST3 or I believe Free Spirit do several options. Best bet is ring Nick Buss, give him your requirements and budget, and see what he can do.

That's the way to do it; if you like the blank get them sorted by someone that justifies the price.

Don't do it mate! Any product that advertises itself as "a stripped out ultra light special forces edition" is for children or idiots. Honestly fella, I don't rate Nash rods one bit. For that money you can get something from a company that actually builds rods rather than gets them made in China. Nash rods, IMO, are average rods sold at premium prices. There are miles better options out there for the same money.

I had a dodgy batch of MouthTrap that was breaking at the knot, moved to the CAMH20 in 25 lb and aint looked back. Brilliant stuff, also use the 15 lb version for a couple of boom/stiff applications.

Same as, chill. Sticks are absolutely invaluable to my angling now (not 60 quid invaluable tho....) I remember it wasn't a million years ago that I wasn't clipping up at all, let alone wrapping up. Funny how times change.

I can't wait to see one of my fishing mates with these Korda jobbies. They won't hear the end of it.

The stress is all on the leader bud, 8 lb mainline is fine for retrieving an empty piece of plastic.

Get a shockleader on and use any old cheapo 8-10 lb line. I used to use the expensive braids but got so cheesed off with having to wet the line and still ending up with frap ups, winds knots and general birds nesting. I just went to 10 lb pro clear with a tapered leader and hey presto, jobs a good'n.

The Nene Valley bud. It fishes terribly all along the valley in winter but we can only try.....

Nah, I use a decent sleeping bag, decent winter clothing, and the brolly I use for the rest of the year.

It's exactly the same as what it's like during the summer months lol.... Bivvys don't keep you warm fella. Your body are the only source of heat, assuming you aint using a bivvy heater. It's your clothing and bag that keep you warm, they maintain that heat, look after yourself and the bivvy doesn't matter.

For me the Nene Valley is right up there with the best areas for angling in the country. The Colne Valley might just edge it, but there's not many other places I'd rather be fishing. I've fished the NV for more than 20 years and there's still loads of places I'd love to spend a few seasons on one day. A lifetimes worth of angling.

The trendy carp brands don't manufacture clothing. They buy cheap clothing form China, stitch a label onto it, and sell it at a massive profit. It's all tat relative to the price. I went though loads of winter suits (including a Trakker one and a Chub one - both utter, utter pants) before I learned. They don't keep you warm and they last 2 seasons before they're ready for the bin. They all cost at least £100. It's carp tax of the highest order. IMO you want to go for stuff that is made by a company that makes clothing for outdoor activities. Think camping, hiking, hunting, work wear or even better, the military suppliers. You can spend as much as you want but it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

I use massive leads on silty waters. Set the top bead to the depth of the silt, don't feather the cast, I want it to plug as deep as possible. The bolt effect is second to none, done really well on this method.

I'm going to risk getting pasting here, but I think the Solar Pozi-Loc system (which they're still using on this P1 jobby) is absolutely rubbish. I used Solar for about a month then ditched it, for the money I wanted better. JAG, Defiant MPS, N-Brice, loads of better options out there IMO. The tiny little carbon details on the P1 serve no purpose whatsoever, they're just there to look good. It tells me form was more important than fit or function during the design phase.