smufter

I've just cleared out my old tackle box and transferred everything into my new Korda pouch and Tacklesafe. I only ever use 1oz leads so have just put 6 in there, one for each rod and 3 as spares. If I lose that lot through my own my stupidity I'll freeline (or be kicked off the lake) lol!!.

This is what I use, and to my eyes, you can't beat 'em......

This guy seems to like them......

Still look a bit heavy to me mate. I've made a few rigs up over the week-end and my ABS pop ups only just pull a size 4 continental up off the bottom, and that's using a lightweight Gardner pop up hook aligner. And once that weld/solder gives up the ghost, you're left with a very expensive "normal" hook!

5 in a pack.

Seems really weird when people call the Shimano rods "rubbish" but they are the 1st port of call for reels.

No I'm not going to buy any mate, just thought they looked a bit of a mouthful!! Also, look a bit weighty.

But what are your thoughts on these???? Look a bit weird to me. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-New-Mustad-BBS-Carp-Fishing-Hooks-Solid-Welded-Pre-Made-D-Loop/301874994507?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D49919%26meid%3Df22f03d5074a4550af048bf348fc3efb%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D281930330872%26itm%3D301874994507&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Absolutely. Just heard that the fishery we are visiting (Genesis) is up for sale. Have been assured by the owner that it won't make any difference to our booking.

Well, have heard back from "Army Andy" and he would charge £60.00 to put a couple of vents into the back of a Tempest. That would possibly help alleviate the problem of overheating on a hot day, although you would obviously need a bit of a breeze to really make them effective. With the basic price of the Tempest coming in at around £150.00, that would make the total cost about £210.00. I can pick a brand new MHR up for just under £120.00. I'm going to wait and see what this new offering from Wychwood is on the 20th. It it does turn out to be a new brolly, rather than a bivvy, it's going to be interesting.

Errrr............happy Velocity user here. I have 3 of the "original" velocities, 11' 2.75 tc versions (I don't like 12 footers). Lovely rods for the price, I have no complaints whatsoever. I think the TX2's are just an upgrade on the graphics. They are a bit heavier that my other rods, but bearing in mind these are Chub Outkast "Smallwaters" with a TC of only 2.25 and that is to be expected. My only other experience of 11 2.75 rods was with a trio of FreeSpirit TS's. These were fantastic rods, and I regret ever selling them. Yes, they were lighter and were undoubtedly better blanks, but bearing in mind they would set you back about £300 a pop, that is only to be expected. For a budget rod the Velocities are terrific value for money. After a year of use, I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone.

Just before I finally pull the trigger on the MHR I've contacted a guy called "Army Andy" who carries out modifications and repairs to brollies and bivvies. I've asked him for a price to fit a vent (or two) to the back of a Tempest just so that I've got all bases covered. The two things that are drawing me to the Tempest are the external "ribs" (which certainly give you more interior space), and the ease in which you can put it up and pack it away again. I'll let you know what he says. Also, to confuse matters even further, it looks like Wychwood are about to introduce another new brolly, this one with rear vents!! It's being shown for the 1st time on the 20th February so until then there is an embargo on information such as prices etc. A "teaser" has appeared on their Facebook page but doesn't give much away, other than a sneaky picture of the vents! Whatever I buy has got to be right.... a brolly isn't the sort of thing you change that often. The piccie on the Wychwood site......

That's odd, because I can't either. I have definitely bought direct from them in the past!! Buy it from ebay instead. Same thing, same price! It's superb tubing. If you buy some, and don't like it, I'll buy it off you I'm that confident. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MCF-Hugger-Tungsten-Rig-Tubing-2-Metre-Length-All-Colours-/271813185336

21 weeks still to go.....

Like I say, I paid £19.99 for mine off of ebay literally 2 weeks ago to go on my spare spools for France in the Summer. A bulk spool easily fills 3 XT-A medium longcast reels, with plenty left over for hooklink duties if required. Another plus point of the 15lb is that it pushes through rig tubing a lot (lot) easier than the 12lb!! I am using a very thin tubing from MCF products, called "Hugger". It really is a fantastic product, a bit heavier than others I have used, and as I say, extremely thin so it's really easy to push into lead clips etc. It's also the most supple I have purchased, so will hug the lake bed brilliantly (hence the name "Hugger" I guess lol!) Another Smiffy recommendation lads........ http://mcftackle.co.uk/product.php?id=107 The 15lb goes through it a treat, first time, every time. Makes life a bit easier that does!!

My favourite line at a knockdown price... http://www.tacklefanatics.co.uk/item/122895/shimano-technium-qp-pb-main-line.html Wish I'd spotted it before paying £19.99 last week.

Struggle with tying nice neat small loops in the end of my hooklinks. One of these should help. Does anyone else use one??? Only a couple of quid!

Never bothered with soaking and never had a problem. Missus holds a wooden spoon with the bulk spool on it, a cloth to stop her hands getting burnt, and just make sure the line is coming off the bottom of the spool. Works for me

Have just ordered a few from Bank Tackle. Good selection of styles and I've had them before from there so I know they are very good quality. And free delivery too!!

Well I can't use them anyway so I don't care.....

Well my Bailiff responded............ "You're not using those horrible things on here". Just as well I checked!!

I've sent a link to them to our Bailiff to get his thoughts. If he says they are okay, then I may buy a couple of packs. But thanks for the heads up.

Has anybody else seen/used these???? For my style of fishing the CVR look to be good as they would seem to eliminate the need for a line aligner. But do they look too aggressive???? Thoughts?

Jacks, by their nature, will chase after anything and everything. Mate of mine has got a well behaved one, but even she will be off at the merest whiff of a rabbit or rat.