commonly

I use 15lb subline (Korda) mainly to satisfy syndi 0.4mm rule. It's very weedy & I have confidence in it, sinks like a brick, but can go springy. I always cut off 2-3 rod lengths, more if I've had a good scrap! I must admit though, it's pure laziness that I use it, as it's the only line in the local tackle shop, that meets the diameter rule.

Yes, Arma mesh. It has its uses, I tried it for a sesh at my syndi, with luncheon meat, trying to be different! Had a mid double, angry pike. The mesh stayed on the hair even in the mouth full of those gnarly teeth!

I've used it for floater fishing this year, wow, roll up a chunk of the ol' tiger loaf. No worries about it coming off & casting is a dream. I am a little concerned about how it may effect the fish ingestive system, should it be swallowed? Not such an issue with surface fishing, underwater may become more of an issue, but assume the manufacturer has taken this into consideration or else certain venues would ban it, should it be harmful to the fish.

I agree, just interested in there claim & to see if Charlieg had landed any. I'm firmly in the microbarb camp. But, If it's as good as it claims, it could result in less mouth damage & I'll do everything possible to avoid that.

That's interesting, I normally prefer a 6 & they seem out of stock on the bay, so 4's may be a good shout. Did you land every time?

Has anyone tried this brand? If so any good? https://www.pallatrax.co.uk/product/gripz-straight-point-hooks-size-6/

Looking for a small, private lake, 4-5 angler's, April. Willing to travel an hour or so from Gatwick area. Looking at burghfield gold pool, https://www.advanced-angling.com/our-venues/burghfield-gold-lake/ or similar

Apologies for the use of the word species, when it should of been strains.. I am intrigued by the responses & understand that certain fish will prefer a certain bait. This is evident at my water, with some angler's having recaptures in a season. As I mentioned above, there are a few commons in there that are very rarely caught. Scopex squid! There's a name I haven't heard in a while 🤔

One of my waters has well known fish, mostly commons! The lads that go 2/3 times a week have only caught a few! So that leaves it to luck for me doing the odd night here & there. I know one or two of the baits going in.The 1st few years, I went my own way, this year I'm using the better known bait, had a small stocky linear, which was OK. I want the Redmire commons though & if the wealth of angling knowledge available here can offer me an edge, I'm all ears.

I have begun to wonder wether certain baits/flavours are preferred by say a common to a mirror? I only ask as I love to catch commons & seem to of only landed mirrors of late. Both waters I fish have decent sized commons, but they are eluding me. Any suggestions welcome.

You may get on elphics less popular lakes, or you need to book early Jan. A friend of mine goes a few times a year. Had a 36 common on his last trip. He uses cell & parti. Afraid I know nothing about mid Kent, yonny may know more. I have a ticket in a Hampshire water & estate lake in mid Sussex. You say you're going to Kent, where are you roughly?

I had the misfortune of wetting a line there a few years ago. As some on here might say it's a commy day ticket. Trying to be another elphics. There's claims to have a 40 in each lake, yet the 2 photos I saw in the tackle shop were of the same fish. Go to elphics if that's the kind of fish you're looking for, to me it's like someone's dug a lake in a field & designed it to get as many swims as possible out of it! A Cash cow, basically. There are much nicer, mature waters around mate, Tunbridge area?

Plenty of great advice above. I use fox bags, tied with Korda tape. I tend to use them only if I'm unsure of the debris or weed on the bottom though. If you know it's clear just use pva stocking, it's much quicker, less mess, easier to cast & goes straight on the hook, so if you miss your spot, you can put another one on in seconds. I protect the hook point with a pva nugget.

Good content. I use my marker rod for floater fishing at distance. It's 3lb tc. & actually prefer the feel of it to my main roads, for surface fishing, not so sure it'd be as responsive with stronger mainline, lead, etc.

Always sad to see. Very difficult to control. From what I have been told, this is as much to do with the fishery as the angler. Their desire for cash over welfare will always take president. I believe, to eliminate the desease properly is a question of draining and liming the lake. Obviously causing huge cost & loss of income for the fishery. Mmm, it's not going to happen! As above I ensure all my gear is thoroughly dried, it's all I can do.

Not sure about the owner, I like Andy there. I think they've moved the cats out of snipe into Tuscany. Tried it twice a few years ago. Had a few pasties & bream. Only buy a bit of bait (if I haven't pre ordered) from there, now Wickhams has shut in my town. Similar stories with the hedge court lakes. Supposed to be a few gems in there, but rumours are rife about them taking a trip a bit further down the 264?

Ive walked bay pond a few times. Owned by some nature reserve, so I'm not sure if you can fish it. I heard there's only small carp & silvers put in there since they drained it a few years ago. Had lunch at wire mill the other day, closed season. Talk has it, a few of the bigger ones came from beaver in the floods of 97? Or is it a fisherman's tale?

Absolutely! I take my son there, had a few pike over the Xmas period. Can't wait for it the new season. I will give you notice as I remember owing you a guest ticket. Nearly shat myself when the cadets came past me at the army lake. Guns blazing! Ha. Ha. Great memories already!

Pipping Ford is closed till June. Ian was most gracious telling us about the place. Amazing is an understatement. For obvious reasons when you have seen it, it's the kind of place you won't want too many angler's on. Had a nice one from a friends syndicate lake last week. Full of spawn. Have you thought of an Isfield ticket? A few people I know fish Horsted Keynes, Imber Horne & Dormans land. Well priced @ £70-90sh. Be lucky

Isfield is a club. Used to sign up at Wickham East Grinstead. Not sure now. Can get you details if u like? Not joined myself but fished one of 2 lakes in West Hoathly. There's quite a few around, Dormans land. Felbridge & Uckfield way. Interesting about Gabriel's. I have a ticket at yately, so only really fish ocal with my son. Is there rules on kids there?

Not fished it. Walked around. Close range, which I like. But silly rules. You've got to catch a certain size from one pond before you can fish the speci pond? Put me off. Have tried any of the Isfield waters?

Sound advice above fella. A lot of these clips & links are a bit of a gimmick. I saw a video showing how much movement there is on a lead clip to the hair. I will now only use it in silty conditions when you may need that kind of movement. I am a firm believer in keeping things simple. Mainline with running or drop off leads. Bead to swivel & hook link. It takes seconds to tie, keeps terminal tackle cost down & is less likely to cause tangles. I know some venues require a leader of sorts. Wouldn't fish them personally.,but a good angler I know swears by lead core, if used correctly.