yonny

Defo bud. My taret fish this year came after moving to mono hooklinks. It's a tricky one to catch, first time out in a year or two. Coincidence? Probably, but you never know.

You can use a bottom bait fella. Think clone rig for example.

I never alter the length of my hairs. I'll change the length of a rig to suit the substrate but never the length of the hair, I just stick to what I know works with my chosen rig. In fairness I hardly ever use hairs nowadays, I usually present on D or micro swivel of some kind.

When the going gets really, really tough I turn to bog standard off-the-reel mono. Super supple, super subtle, no one else doing it. What more could you ask for?

Honestly bud, you'll struggle to find a purpose made hooklink much more supple than IQ2. Most are intended to be stiff. A geezer on the other forum suggested you should check out the fluro mainlines, that's not a bad shout. I use X Line in 10 lb for zigs due to its better abrasions resistance than the pre-stretched zig lines, it's good stuff.

If you have a rig that works why would you want to change it bud? Stick to what catches you fish fella. If you start changing things for the sake of it you can end up ruining your chances and not knowing why.

Agree, I used to use Choddas but ran out one time, used a Sabre and it looked great. Depending on the hooklink I think the multi is quite versatile when it comes to hooks.

Using the multi?

Agree 100%. In fact in my experience adding flavours or other additives to them makes them less effective. It is my belief that carp use electroreceptors to detect tiny electrical signals given off by live maggots (and other naturals such as bloodworm) and that is what makes them so effective. Add a flavour or man made bait to that and it simply serves to make them seem less natural to the carp. I was speaking to my mate about the above, he thinks I'm nuts but I swear based on my experience maggots and worms etc are best with no additives whatsoever.

Chodda, Sabre and Trappa for me. Between them they do the lot. I'm not aware of the Grippa... do you mean the Grabba?

I just had a quick look for the s6 Muggas for ya Smufter, couldn't find stock anywhere!! Odd. If you e-mail Gardner they're normally very good at getting back to folks. Nah, it was someone else, I can't remember who though. I'm yet to see them in the flesh. TBH every time I stray from Atomics I seem to have problems so I'm loathe to even try them! I'm also not a fan of the ACE (now re-branded as Carp Spirit) Razorpoints. They look great but I found the chod versions drop fish, others have had similar problems.

Please do BC. I'm a VASS man but if I can get something of similar quality at half the price I know where my next pair will be coming from.

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.