commonly

Same. Hoping to get out between Xmas and New year 🤞 Sometimes wish I was single, so I could go every week😁

OK lads, cash is going to be tighter this Xmas than ever before (thanks to the clowns that run our country), but with a few months notice, I'd like to arrange another social. It was great to put names to faces a few months ago. I'm sure the others that attended would agree??? So, who's in? Numbers will dictate the venue, but as before we are fairly spoilt for choice & open to suggestions......?

Going off topic slightly, is life too expensive??? My daughter is coming to stay before Xmas. There's a nearby farm that puts on a good event at holiday times. So for 4 adults 4 kids to attend for meet santa etc. £339??? Blimey, I'll try another lass well known farm up the road £209??? I earn reasonable money and there's no way I'd pay that kind of money to get in. Crazy thing is, I looked at availability and both venues were near enough fully booked??? This country and the cost of living is out of control. I can't see how anything will change. The rich get richer and the poor can be left to rot.... Time for a major change I feel??

Happy birthday mate. Welcome to the 'over the hill' club. Can't help you with France fishing I'm afraid. Have a good one

Yeah, bivvies a lot further back the normal, as it's being filled up. I had to bring the rods back about 30 ft in 48 hrs. It's very, very muddy. I can get all my kit in that boat for the 15 minute journey to the swim. This weekend was the toughest yet

Had a couple of nights on the res. No fish, again. 🥺 Always nice to get out, even when the bivvy decided it was going to leave without me, a few times in the wind this morning😳

Forgot to say,ideally want to fish for 5-7 nights

So paid over a bag for my 12 year old son and myself for 3 days at the Belgian grand prix end of July next year. Bucket list job 50th. I'm well excited as its 2 birds, 1 stone. Carp fishing abroad for the first time and visiting a gp weekend that has always produced some great racing. I have 2 angling mate's saying they're up for it. We're torn between trekking up and down the canals (TBH sounds like too much hard work) for 4 of us to get swims. Or trying to get a decent lake with at least a shower and a few commons to 40+. I'm not expecting much as this thread has been dead for over 6 years. But I'd appreciate any thoughts or recommendations from anyone that's been over there. Thanks in advance

Agreed. I had marker rod, top ring came out within weeks. Had 3 x XTR's 3.25 tc. All broke within 8 years.

Is it an underwater one BB? Not sure how I'd use it for fishing.????? Maybe watching some see you next Tuesday nicking your gear (If you fish in a dodgy area). A mate's work place kept getting done over, he spent 6k on cameras, next time he gave the footage to old bill and made no difference whatsoever???? Basically, he paid 6k to watch his gear getting nicked🤮

Have tried a bit of yellow foam? you can cut it to suit and balance it with putty/shot on the hair. I soak zig foam, give it a squeeze in the glug and it will absorb it. Soak for as little or as long as you like.

I was looking at the TX range. After asking around & having a feel, the free spirit helical, does feel (& look) a better built rod.

It's only the beginning mate. Battery power is developing all the time I reckon my grandkids will be hovering about

I want one https://youtu.be/lhALK64e4bk?si=AMCaXWLd2svaDYij

I've got 3.5 tc 13ft. They do 3.25 tc Reviews are good, although not specific on through action. I've been impressed so far https://tacklebox.co.uk/free-spirit-rods/free-spirit-helical-carp-rod-12ft-3-5lb-50mm/

I just brought free spirit Helical. £115 each. Very nice nice rods for the money

As above, I have a bag that's lasted well. Tungsten putty is £1 cheaper than usual. Same with sinkers. Can't notice any difference. I've never used ready tied rigs. I'd suggest it's time to start tying your own, or buy from the the top brands I guess????? It's far more rewarding catching on your own rig imo. Good luck whatever you choose

Oh! That's why you have weird hook holds. I'd never fish a venue with barbless rule. Say no more

Sounds a bit drastic? Maybe try another species? I know others on here do that for a change if you're already catching more than anyone else. It sounds like your rig needs fine tuning

Sounds a bit drastic? Maybe try another species? I know others on here do that for a change if you're already catching more than anyone else. It sounds like your rig needs fine tuning

Good luck mate🤞

I've always said it, a short hooklink,(unless you drop the lead) will always end up causing damage to the fish. Either the swivel or lead will be catching the fishes mouth and head in a fight. The shortest I'd go is 5 inches for that reason. Maybe try a stiff fluorocarbon????

Sounds like you should stop buying them mate. Although the one you gave me, was useful. Proper job 👍

Krank

If I can, I'll always use a curved Krank hook. On the rare occasion I catch a fish, it's always nailed center of the bottom lip. I found similar similar issyes with unusual hook holds with the straight shanked hooks. That's on combi or stiff rigs.