bart2000

Isn't that where the northern social is arranged for? If so, have a look at the thread for it as there's some info on the lake in it edit: you beat me to it Graham

I remember reading one of those underwater tests in a mag last year where they used maggots in a swimfeeder. They were surprised to find how long it took the maggies to get out of the feeder, and also the fact that they didn't go far once out. Might be worth trying that in your pond or in the margins to see how far they go...

Fair point. But you might fish it, have a great session then come back here and slag it off so no-one else goes there and you can keep it for yourself!

Patty, I don't think anyone was laughing at you, just a bit wary of such an unusual request in these times of online spam and scams. We don't normally see this kind of request on here, so I think people were unsure of whether to take it seriously or not. Please be assured that anglers are generally a nice bunch of people (although we do smell a bit funny sometimes!).

I used to find that when I tied on the swivel it would move and the hooklength would always end up longer than I wanted. To rectify this I hold the swivel in place, tie the knot loosely, then very slowly tighten the knot, checking the position of the swivel and adjusting it if need be as I go. It's a bit fiddly but it works. Anyone got any better methods?

Don't know about it myself, but there was a recent thread on it: http://www.carp.com/carp-forum/viewtopic.php?t=51695

I wasn't happy with the hooks I'd been using so I started trying out a couple of new ones earlier this year, and I've found the Nash Fang Twisters work well for me. I use them on a straightforward knotless knot rig with a fluro hook length of about 7 to 9" and a hair length of about 1 1/2" with a 15mm bottom bait. I've found they give a good hook hold, often in the bottom lip and I've caught more fish since using them without making any other changes. I've found they're a bit smaller compared to the same size hooks in other patterns, so I've upped the size I use (4's & 6's instead of 6's & 8's)

Your garden pond must be either very big or very full!

Good idea Mr Fox, although having had a look around the forum it looks as though a similar thing had been suggested before, but didn't really take off. Perhaps we could resurrect the idea? I'd be willing to put some info together for my area. Anyone else? There is also the 'carp waters' page, linked to from the home page menu, which lists venues by county. Would it be possible to add a link or sticky to that page from the 'UK where to fish' forum page?

Not my part of the world, but nice to see a write up about venues, rather than questions about them

Click on the link below for a guide to uploading pictures... http://www.carp.com/carp-forum/viewtopic.php?t=36721

I've just finished reading this after winning a copy in the competition Martin ran here on carp.com, and I'd just like to say how much I enjoyed it. It's a tale of big carp, both old English ones and others of more dubious origins. There are plenty of references that carp anglers would recognise, from tackle, rigs and bait to the banter and camaraderie associated with fishing, but it's also a story of friendship and challenges. I read it in just a few days, which is always a sign of a good book, and I can recommend it to anyone who fancies a good carp fishing related read. Cheers Bart

Hi and welcome to the forum Danish

pm sent

Nash Fang Twisters for me. I've only been using them for a couple of months but my catch rate's up and nearly every one is hooked solidly in the bottom lip. I think they're meant for weedy waters, but I've used them in other conditions and found they work well. I don't mind the price as I re-use my hooks as long as they're sharp enough, so I get my monies worth. Of course catching carp is down to more than just the hook, but I've got confidence in these as I feel they've made a difference over what I previously used

That's a cracking common, mate (and you're right, you could do with a trim )

Great write up. Going fishing, learning some new tricks and catching a biggie is a win, win, win situation! Look forward to seeing the pics...

Give Rasta Mouse a try, bit of kiddy reggae! Afraid I can't help you with Broadlands, but sit tight and I'm sure someone will come along soon enough...

I quite like 'birdy birdy woof woof'. It's the 'bing bong song' that annoys me

I hadn't heard of these books, but just checked them out and they look interesting, something a bit different. I'll add them to my list and give them a read at some point

Didn't look into it at the time, as it wasn't an option for me! There seems to be quite a few just to the east of Rennes. Take a look here http://www.carp-france.com/AllVenues.aspx

I went there on holiday a couple of years ago. There are a few lakes, a couple of which are fishing lakes: 1 about 1/2 an acre or so with a few carp in it, the other a more mature lake of maybe 3 acres(?). Walked round the bigger one a couple of times but didn't see any signs in it (doesn't mean they're not there though!). I only took some light coarse tackle, and I fished the smaller lake a couple of times. Had a couple of roach out and saw a few carp basking among the weed (singles & doubles). Not what I'd call a serious fishery, but if you're looking for a quick dabble during a family holiday it's fine

You're most welcome. Glad I could be of some help

Yes and yes! The corn would add bouyancy to the rig, in contrast to the hook adding weight to the rig. Basically you are trying to use something bouyant to neutralise the weight of the hook, so it just leaves you with the weight of the boilie. There's probably some mathematical equation for it, but I was always rubbish at maths!

A critically balanced bait is a bait with bouyancy added to it to counteract the weight of the hook. This makes the weight of the bait 'neutral' so it behaves in the same way as a loose fed bottom bait. It will still sit on the lake bed, but will move around freely as though it isn't attached to a hook. When carp are feeding on the bottom there movements and feeding actions can cause baits to move so the idea is that if you have a balanced boilie surrounded by loose boilies they will move in the same way as each other and not make the carp suspicious. A critically balanced bait is normally achieved by inserting cork into a bottom bait, or with a snowman rig: a pop up on top of a bottom bait. These should always be tested in the margins to make sure the desired effect is achieved. In contrast, a pop up is simply a floating bait which will lift the hook and hook length line off the bottom. Putty or shot can be used to set the height which the bait rises to. I hope I've explained that clearly enough, but let me know if it reads like complete codswallop!