Haven't a Clue

I'm hopefully off to Makins in the near future with a few friends, and will be fishing either Reptile or Little Reptile on phase 2. As it's my first visit here, in fact it will be my first visit to a commercial, i'm looking for any up to date info, e.g depths, methods to fish, baits, suitable setups (both pole and float rod) in fact anything that you think may help. Thanks in advance for any information you can give

Do you still get the free fleece if you use your Tesco Clubcard Vouchers, as it's only £11 in vouchers for a year's subscription?

I'll have these items by the time I venture out

I'm hoping to get out on the bank in the very near future, for my first ever fishing session. I've very kindly been given some equipment (from a member here) to allow me to go feeder fishing, with instructions to get me started. However, I've now got a Shakespeare float rod, and fancy having a go with this as well. I'll be going to a commercial lake, which i've been advised is about 4ft deep, and would be happy to catch anything at all. I understand about plumming the depth etc, but where I get confused is with the shotting and different patterns. So I would be grateful of any advice, to enable me to hopefully get off to a successful start. My intention is to start off with a light set up, say 3 or 4lb line, with a lower strength hooklength. So what float should I start with and what shotting pattern should I use? Please keep any replies as simple as possible i.e which shot(s) either side of the float, and position of others down the line. Any pics or diagrams would be a great help also. Many thanks in advance for your advice and co-operation that I'm sure I will get, given the assistance i've received so far.

Just want to say a Very Big Thank You to Rusty. Your generosity is very much appreciated.

There's lies another problem. How do I determine good quality tackle? At the moment all rods look much the same to me as a complete newbie. My initial thoughts were to buy mid-range price gear, from known names. Like I said earlier, I want to avoid going into a tackle shop, saying i've got "X" amount to spend, and coming out with a ton of gear that I don't really need.

The book has arrived at the library, and is now safely in my hands. So that's my bedtime reading sorted for the next few nights.

Thanks very much.

Thanks Newt. That would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your kind offer. Until i've posted enough times i'm not allowed to private message you. I've only got a few more to go, and i'll be in touch, and hopefully come to some arrangement/agreement.

I'll more than likely start off float or feeder fishing on the commercials or joining a club and using the lakes, and i'll be more than happy with anything I catch. I've seen some all rounder rods, are these ok, or would I be better getting seperate rods? Hope this helps a little more

Further to my previous thread, "Where Do I start" which has had quite a few welcome responses. I realise it's like asking how long is a piece of string, but how little or how much do I reasonably need to spend to get myself started out on the bank? I've heard stories (and stories maybe all they are) where someone went into a tackleshop, saying i'm just starting out, and i've got a £1000 to spend, whereby the shop duly sold him a £1000 worth of gear, much of which he didn't really need. Obviously i've got a budget to limit myself to, and like with most hobbies, there's always something to spend your money on, but realistically, what gear did you start with, and what did it cost? Thanks in anticipation of all replies.

Thanks for the links. I've had the knots webpage in my favourites for quite a while now. But i'll be sure to use the Anglersnet link, where possible, when I start on my spending spree.

But somewhere along the line, it's sure to cost me double what I spend on myself

Thanks for your comments. I've no camo gear, so i'm safe there . I'll be sure to have a look at the rods you suggest, there's bound to be some bargains out there to be had. All I have to do then is convince the wife.