smufter

Thinking of booking up here for a week. Looks idyllic, and only £1,200.00 for a week's exclusive for 4 (including accommodation for anybody that doesn't want to "rough it"). Has anybody been from on here???? https://www.etangdeslandes.co.uk/

In France the other week I was fishing my chosen swim (3) and after 3 days had had nothing. A few bleeps, but that was it. The swim directly opposite (12) was free, and I had noticed showing fish in there for some time, so I upped sticks and moved in. Rewarded with a 40lb Mirror and a 35lb Common, and lost two others.

Looking at trying these out, but the information I have seen on them doesn't make it clear whether you can insert tubing into them. Need to confirm as our water is tubing only. Does anybody on here use them and confirm one way or t'other please??? https://www.korum.co.uk/products/rig-accessories/camo-running-rig-kits Ta

Not bad rods at all. A little bit heavier than others I have owned, but not unduly so. I had 3 (11' versions) which I have now passed on to my daughter and she loves them too.

Well back home and absolutely pooped! Ended up catching two carp (40lb 2oz Mirror) and a 32lb Common. Two Catfish, one at 25lb the other about 15lb (didn't weigh it). Also had a lovely little Tench which went about 3lb not big but it was nice to see as I love Tench and haven't caught one for donkey's years! One of the other lads, Darren, caught a lovely 51lb Common, biggest fish of the week and a new pb smashing his previous 37lb. Great going and hats off to him because he stuck it out all week in a swim that had produced nothing really all week. Tough going though. Baking hot weather for much of the week, water level was way down on the lake. Smashing venue though, ideal set up, I'd go again, only not in July. The mozzies were crippling.

Nothing much more to report. One of the guys lost one last night, I had a screaming run and ended up landing a 25lb Catfish. God I hate them with a passion. Cooler this morning and overcast, so hopefully they might come on the feed later on. Fingers crossed.

Yes mate, tipped with plastic corn for visibility

Tough going in the heat, but a new pb for me.... 40lb 2oz Mirror!!....

👍👍👍

Bait turned up yesterday all okay. "Decanted" into session bags and half of them popped in the freezer to help keep the rest cool on the way down. Look and feel, superb, (as always with ABS stuff). Nice light colour, they look like they'll wash out well. Unique smell. Chocolatey, with a fruity twist, and something else I can't quite put my finger on. This new bait has been hammering it everywhere, let's just hope the Frenchies like it too!! Yesterday was spent charging everything up. Kitchen looked like Close Encounters of the 3rd kind with all the lights flashing lol!!

Doh!!!

You can freeze shelfies but you must then use them like frozen baits.......

There is a limit to how many times though. 😉

Will be fine, but don't let them "sweat" too much on the day. Try to keep them in the shade. I have re-frozen unused boilies before and never done any harm.

Oh well. Managed to scald my right hand the other day on a kettle. Won't be dipping this one in the lake that's for sure.....

So did mine! You can't get easier (or less painful) than that 😉

blooming hell!!!

Because one took me into the pads. Steve (the Bailiff) boated out to help release it, but it was well in there. Second one the hooklink snapped at the knot. But the hook hold up until then was fine. Absolutely no mouth damage mate. Not a mark

Well these Pallatrax Gripz seem to be fine, and I have no qualms whatsoever about using them in France. Seriously, (and I do mean seriously), sharp straight out of the packet and they stay sharp. I've used them on my last 3 sessions, have lost two fish but that was definitely not down to the hooks, and landed one. Felt very confident playing all three, and on the one that was landed the hook came out very easily when the fish was in the net. Using the size 4's and they are not as big as some other size 4's I've tried. Highly recommended.

Spoke to Paul at ABS yesterday, he is putting just a smidgen of preserver in them to be on the safe side and they are being dispatched to arrive here on the Thursday, two days before the off. Haven't got room in the freezer for them, so will keep them in the coolest place I can find and freeze them the minute I get to the lake. I've absolutely no doubt they'll be fine. Our only wish now is that the temperatures out there drop a little from their records highs at the moment. Don't fancy sitting out there in mid 30's temps. although I'm not planning on having the rods out during the heat of the day so as to rest the swim. Really looking forward to this one......👍

Tribal Velocity's are quite a good rod Dicky, but they are a bit heavier than others. Not much, but noticeable. I've used them before. In answer to your earlier question, I've not used the Extremis rods, but Wychwood rods in general are well respected for the price.

I trust ABS Geezer 😉

Two weeks today and we'll be on our way!! Surprising how quickly it comes round..... Have the preceding week off work so will have plenty of spare time to check, double check and possibly even triple check before packing everything away. All batteries charged for the bait boat, alarms etc. Tie a few rigs up, bait ordered for delivery the day before we set off, can't wait. Three of the lads going are popping their French cherries so you can guess how excited they are lol!! Cushty!!!!

Hi Jack don't know if you are on a wind up here mate, but you started three threads on this same topic on another forum and have received plenty of advice and answers. Your response last night was... "Definitely going for a big lake now just deciding on whether to have weed guards and rig release fitted" You've either made your mind up, our you haven't??? 😱😱😱

The price range of between £100.00-£125.00 has got to be the most hotly contested around, with most of the big brands offering decent rods. As Framey suggests above, a visit to a well stocked tackle shop will be your best bet, there's nothing like actually holding a rod in your hands. Personally, I like Wychwood rods. I think they are great value for money and the new "Extremis" read well and are competitively priced. But get out and have a look if you can.