smufter

You are spamming this lake everywhere... Friends with the owner??

Spammer alert. And that is one lovely looking fish by the way.

Cheers Dayvid. That's what I've been told by Delkim, (contacted them via their FB page yesterday). One of them is definitely staying on a lot longer than the 10 seconds or so that Delkim suggest..... I didn't time it but it's got to be nearer 30 seconds than 10 lol! They are all packed away now but I'll check again on Tuesday to see if it does it again. Thanks again for the confirmation.

Agreed

You're welcome Teddy. And can I just say it's nice to have a new member on here with good manners! 👍

Just started using my new EV plus alarms, very happy with them and just getting used to them. Just one thing puzzling me. When they go off, sometimes the LED's only stay on for about 10 seconds or so, other times they stay on for about 20. Is this normal?? Not sure if it is differentiating from a "run" or a "dropback". No mention of this in the instructions or on the website. Any help appreciated.

Hi Teddy the gear you have been offered isn't terrible, but if you are just starting out I'd personally steer clear of "quick drag" reels. They take a bit of getting used to, and in the early stages I personally think you would be better served with a couple of "baitrunner" reels. Much easier to get on with. Also, I'd try to get two matching rods if possible. The two you mention are going to have completely different fish playing and casting characteristics to each other. I'd stick with 2.75lbs, these are going to be able to cast reasonably well, and will land any fish you are likely to encounter in any water you visit. A good starter rod is a Daiwa Black Widow G50. These can be picked up for around £35.00 a piece if you shop around, and I personally think you would get more pleasure out of fishing with these than the two you mention. https://www.total-fishing-tackle.com/daiwa-black-widow-g50-carp-rod With regards reels, the two main brands are Shimano, and Daiwa. Between them I reckon they have about 70% of the market sewn up, and it really is personal choice which ones you prefer. Another make worth looking at as they are normally well screwed together and perform well are Okuma. A bit cheaper than either Daiwa or Shimano, but will last you donkeys years if looked after. I have used all three makes, I personally prefer Daiwa, but as I say, it's all down to choice and I certainly wouldn't knock either of the other two makes. Daiwa offer a Black Widow reel to match up with their Black Widow rods, and again they are the perfect choice for a starter set. Reasonably priced, they would be a better bet than the Crosscast 5500 quick drags as they are a baitrunner (or bite 'n run as Daiwa call it). Two of these in 4500 sized at £38.99 each and you'd be away. https://www.fishtec.co.uk/buy.cfm/carp-and-specialist-reels/daiwa-black-widow-br-reels/40/yes/95887?Affiliate=4,397&gclid=CjwKCAjw1_PqBRBIEiwA71rmtcXvaR5vy4ztL3jQuUaiNDkMQZ14EKgp1f7iaorJ1rW7Y85JJ2OIbBoC_boQAvD_BwE So there you have it. Just my opinion, and for a total price of 157.96 you are going to have two matching rods and reels that you could happily fish anywhere with. And when you do upgrade (because you will believe me) you'd get more money for these selling on than the mismatch you've been offered. 😉

I'd love it to be called that Geezer. But it won't. She's not a member..... although she is now thinking of joining. It would be good because she'd be the only lady member.

This one is called "Big Lin"......

I don't believe this!! The last time I brought Liddy up here she caught two to my blank... She's now just landed a 30.5 Linear. And it's a named fish. I'm never going to live this down!!

True. Pretty quiet here today though, not a lot showing.

Just had a small common. Only went about 5lb. Both missed runs earlier, Liddy cos she's out of practice, me cos I'm a Noddy

Off out this morning for the day with my daughter Liddy. Will keep you posted.....😉

Cheers Dayvid. Received. Lovely looking lake mate.

Well in mate. Nice looking lake. Which one is it??? Day ticket or syndi?

My "go to" bait at the Cottage from here on in.

My secret ingredient didn't work Geezer... they both took the plain old VNF.

Lost a nice one in the pads early doors but just had this 23lb mirror

Off out this morning with a "secret ingredient" added to my boilies. If I catch, I'll let you know what it was. If I don't, I'll keep it to myself...😉😉😉

As stated, if you are using bolies then a stinky fishmeal would be best... something with crab in it???? Or a lump of luncheon meat. Tasty to both carp and cats. One of the reasons we don't use fishmeal baits on our water is the fact that there is a massive Cat in there, along with a few Pike and Eels. We try to avoid those.

East Sussex mate. Near Hastings, sleepy little town called Bexhill on Sea.

No problem mate. Just stick with the two, you'll do fine. And they are both easy to tie. Even I can do it, and I'm a numpty. 😉

When I first started out, I found YouTube invaluable for picking up hints and tips on baiting, and more importantly rigs. The number of rigs out there are frightening, and enough to put a novice off... it seems a whole, different language. My advice to you would be to stick to one, maybe two rigs at most, and keep them simple. For bottom baits, a simple "blow back" rig will cover all scenarios.... https://www.carpology.net/articles/rigs/step-by-step-guide-to-the-blowback-rig If you fancy fishing pop ups, or a "wafter" (cross between a bottom bait rig and a pop up), then I suggest a simple "D rig" and they don't get much easier than this, utilising a Korda D rig kicker. Seriously, these are the only rigs you'll need when you're starting out.

At the time I thought it was a good thing... Never caught a glimpse of the fish, so will never know

My lake only allows barbed hooks although I have had a go with them at White Cottage. Got snagged in the pads, Bailiff went out to try to free fish, fish got off, he had a pop at me for using barbless. 😱