smufter

"Large" it is then Mush. As I say, they are really simple. I thread a bait screw onto the D rather than a ring. Just prefer to mount my pop ups like that.

They are a doddle. Even I can use them!! If you are going with a size 6 or 4 hook you'll need the "large" size. Anything smaller hookwise, go with the "small".

For my pop up presentations I tend to use these..... http://gardnertackle.co.uk/product/pop-up-hook-aligners/ There's an accompanying video on that page if you click on the link. Very easy to use. I thread the rubber part that forms the D through a bait screw with a rig ring attached. Can get that well hidden within the pop up and doesn't weigh too much I also use these instead of putty or split shot to hold them down..... https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/fox-edges-kwick-change-pop-up-weights Nice and neat.

Thanks for your suggestions lads, I went for three Wychwood "Slugs" in the end...... picked them up cheap off the 'bay (£6.50 each). Like the idea that they come with so many chain options as standard (including a Dacron cord) and the fact that I found some in really bright orange, which is my preferred colour. They're not the prettiest kids on the block, but then nor were Fairy Liquid bottle tops! Shame about the chains on the Avids, they are a really nice, simple bobbin but the aforementioned chains are made of chocolate! I emailed Avid about two weeks ago to find out if I could buy the chains separately, but had no response from them. Thanks Avid.

Looking for some fairly inexpensive bobbins. I've been using the Avid ones for a few months, they do the job but the chains are rubbish. Two have now broken, (others have mentioned how bad these particular chains are before). Can anyone recommend a decent enough, simple bobbin. Would prefer orange or yellow ones as they are highly visible on the bank. Many thanks Rob

I checked with Saber and the receiver on this set also has a vibration alert, which the sales blurb doesn't mention. That prompted me to go for it. I'm going to have the actual alarms on silent and the receiver set to a very low volume during the day and on vibrate at night. That way I won't be annoying anybody.... hopefully.

Damn it. Bit the bullet.

Too expensive geezer. I'm on a budget here mate.

Have had a look at the TF Gear ones, only problem is they don't have a volume control on them. Kinda defeats the object as I wanted to mute the alarms and rely on the receiver to wake me from my slumber!! Just missed out on a set of three Prologic SMX's for £80.00..... I can wait though. Don't really need them until next years French trip, just putting a few feelers out.

95% of the time I'm using a size 4. Might go down to a 6 if using a pop up. There's so much silt on the bottom of the lake, I very much doubt they can make them out.

I'll have a pint of whatever it is you're drinking......

I'm hovering over the "buy" button Dayvid. Just over £43.00 on the 'bay.

I only do a few nights a year, certainly not through the colder months... tend to stick to beautiful summer evenings! Of course a quick shower is possible at any time, but less likely during June/July/August. Like I say, Saber stuff is generally well respected, certainly their luggage. I'm just concerned that I sleep like a log and don't really want to turn my Fox's up to full volume, waking everybody else up on the lake. A receiver placed either next to my bonce (or even strapped to it!!) might stand a better chance of waking me lol!

Have my Micron MX+ for daytime use, but looking for a "cheap" set of alarms with a receiver for night time use. I know that Saber stuff generally gets very good reviews, just wondered if anybody had any experience with these particular alarms? Under £50.00 for a set of 3, with a receiver seems terrific value for money http://www.thetacklestore.co.uk/product/saber-s4-wireless-bite-alarm-set-3-alarms-and-receiver-free-carp-fishing-dvd/

Are these the right fella's???? https://www.postpack.co.uk/acatalog/biodegradable-loose-fill.html

Can anybody recommend some that dissolve pretty quickly. I tried some out the other day (Solar) and they seemed to take ages to dissolve. I didn't squeeze them on too hard, but were taking like 10 minutes or so to do their thing.......

Same as.

It was amusing watching him at first. He was having to hold the rod upside down to crank the handle.... Got it sorted in the end but I couldn't figure out why he was more comfortable with it on the other side.

I'm right handed and always have my reel handles on the left hand side. My brother in law is also right handed but prefers the handles on the right hand side!! Is he weird, or am I?????

That's only on the 6000 size. The 8000 and 10000 have singles. I don't like double handles either

Thing I like about them is the larger spool to assist in long chucks. Also, being slightly bigger reels I think they would balance the rods up slightly better than my current Daiwa's. I don't want/need "big pits" but these look a good compromise whilst keeping the baitrunner facility.

http://www.ericsangling.co.uk/shimano-baitrunner-x-aero-8000-ra-reel.html "Possibly" thinking of changing my reels. Normally a Daiwa reel user, but these have taken my fancy. The only thing I don't particularly like about them is the rear drag, much prefer it on the front of the spool, but I guess I could get used to it. Does anybody use them and have any thoughts????

I use a brolly for all of my fishing, although I am looking at a new Bivvy primarily for a drive 'n survive trip I'm planning for next year. I have a Wychwood Solace 60" HD brolly which is fantastic. Superb build quality and very good material (comes with a 5 year warranty too!). It's an absolute doddle to put up, I can have it up and secure in less than three or four minutes. It's solid and secure. I only fish during the "warmer" months, so have never purchased an overwrap for it, but one is available. I have been out in some torrential rain in it and it has never let me down. Just have to tuck yourself right up the back!! If you do go the brolly route, make sure you pay the tiny bit extra and get a 60" one.

I was just assuming that the higher rating might keep the light out a bit more. My Solace HD brolly let's no light through at all. Much cooler than my daughters one.