Phone

Vagabond, Well, it's true. In the famous words of the Appolo astronauts who lost their source of fresh air whilst in orbit, "Houston, we have a problem". That could not ring truer anywhere in the world than it does in many lakes in the United States when it comes to common carp populations. The only example that comes to mind where balancing carp populations was achieved by balancing predator populations was in Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin. I am speaking in terms of government projects. In fact, as you imply, it takes a very agressive stock of fish to control carp. Good or bad, carp are survivors. I cringe at the thought since they are not species specific but the word OTT----- comes to mind, at least they are native. As for eating carp. It's actually better than walleye (zander). You just have to aquire a taste for the subtle flavorings of heavy metals like mercury. Phone

Emma two, Fair enough, I don't pike fish. That's why I tried to draw comparisons. It could be something as simple as casting distance required. Pike guys in the US/Canada are 99% boat anglers. I could certainly see it being a casting issue. Good point - and I will learn from it. Truth is, most big predator anglers are going to braid over here. Is that true on your side of the pond also? Phone

Dales, I didn't vote. None-the-less I have a question and/or a comment. First, the following is "cut and pasted" - ""Once the shallows bays [in Northern US lakes] get to warm for their comfort; the bigger pike head for deeper water." "..., big northern pike [british Pike] prefer cooler water in the 50 to 55 degree range."" Do you have any 50 - 55 degree waters in the summer? Since I know so very little I can't vote with any fairness. However, I would not favor fishing for any species who is under stress from high water temperatures? Is that the case? Phone

davedave, Best "fish story" on the AN site for the month. Congrats! ! Phone

Smudger, (or any piker) The subject of the thread is roughly "the guy needs help learning". Fair enough, I too would like to know. The fish you call "pike" we call "northern pike" and they are a favored target fish among sporting anglers (Esox lucius). In carping we use a well balanced clutch. Why isn't 8 lb line enough for UK pike? Skilled Black Bass anglers in the US use very heavy line because it is paramount to "horse" fish into the boat as quickly as possible with NO clutch and line burning reel speed. It reduces the risk of a lure caught fish coming off. Pike guys in the US/Canada don't use heavy line in open water. Is it the culture of your style in the UK that would require recommending heavy line? The swim strenght of all "pike" (one of several fish in the scientific or taxonomic name "esox ----") is not much. It is well below the strength of salmon and carp. Since bouyancy plays a role 8 - 10 lb line should be adequate I'd think for pike fishing up to 30 lbs or so? I would agree with you 8 lb is a little light (well, a lot light) for a newbie, but then so is 50 lb PowerPro braid. Everyone has a learning curve. Phone

Smudger, What scientific evidence is there that favors a slimeball disease infested bacteria concentrating black unhooking mat? Perhaps pikers are much like my fellow carpers. The use them because they are told to. Not because they are safer. They are NOT. Phone

Elton, In all my born put-togethers I have never seen the word Aussie and carp in the same sentense without at least SOME controversy... Haven't been there so of course, I don't know. But if conditions are right - LOOK OUT!! Vagabond, How heavily fished are the predators that would keep carp fry in check? Are predators "re-introduced" by govenrnment programs? It won't matter after the carp are "yearlings". Phone

All, Unlike my beloved carp - aren't pike just fish? Phone

Adam, Just a quick comment. Smoking has absoulty nothing to do with it! What kind of jerk would still be smoking in the 21st century? Phone (did I mention 25 a day?)

sportsman, gozzer, I too, just finished reading this enormous thread. - WoW It was indeed interesting. Rarely am I speachless. The cultural differences are so profound it's hard for me to comment. In America we argue, "are 10 year olds to young to get a big game license?" They already own a gun. Private ownership of guns in the US is in excess of two hundred million. IMO we anglers do have to "suck it up" and simply admit C&R fishing is not only and always because we have high moral excellence; goodness and righteousness. It's a real pain in the arce to carry home and clean fish - especially a "proper bag" of dace and two tench. NO - I don't want to hear BS about protecting fish stocks etc etc. If the culture was catch and eat - stocks would be replenished. C&R angling is a blood sport, no question. Phone

Rump, Had a pal who was extremely allergic to latex. If he went into a home with new carpeting he had to do a "U" turn and go directly to the hospital. Aren't most quality bivvys at least coated or glued with latex? Phone (Certainly I'm no health care professional)

All, I think leader is more important that mainline wts. Phone

All, So, which one do you figure came in the soil on early sailing ships? Red worms or night crawlers? This stupid book, which I am enjoying very much and would highly recommend, makes it look like ALL our earthworms are from England. Haven't looked, the author must be English. Newt, We also call red worms "red wigglers" and they are often "whacky" hooked now days. For pan fish you didn't need to waste a whole worm anyway. In MO we have some gray-green worms, about the size of red worms, that stink to high heaven. Never liked them for fishing. Still, you could find them in the garden from time to time. Phone

Nicepix, Ohh Phone

All, Measured in commercial value it has to be Roland Martin. Aren't those guys on the list all Brits? Phone

AddictedToScopex, FAO "estimates" there have been 1.6 million artifical lures used for angling. Surely that must include size and color variations, although it doesn't say. Good luck on your quest for the "right" lure. Phone

Dales, Should you elect to remain bored, Tuesday, today, is my bridge day. I have to go play bridge now. There are 32 blue haired ladies and me. Phone

All, For fear of "hijacking" Rudd's thread and aggravating #18 I will start a new thread. Rudd, in his thread, is looking for "jelly pellets". Perhaps the fastest of all baits for carps, barbels, tenches, breams, goldfishes, chub, dace, shiners, etc is bait flavored Jello gelatin. Frozen cubes fished over a small wooden bead or kernel of maize is killer fast. (Hemp on the hook and smaller cubes for little boogers(?).) Flavors are unlimited as you add your own. Just be careful not to use flavorings in an alcohol base. Alcohol doesn't freeze well. The Jello shoud be at about 1/2 - 1/3 strength. The "melting" time is limited and bait in reserve must be kept on ice (or under a layer of dry ice) so this bait presentation is quite fiddly. Other than that - "best". Phone

All, "The exact science behind the baits is a closely guarded secret at Marukyu". Ahh yes, perhaps the best flavor for any bait. Profound mystique - - aura of magic!! The “everyone's doing it” syndrome. A most powerful marketing tool. In fact, THE most powerful short - but powerful ride. It's like drugs and teenagers. Phone

viney, First, my disclaimer, I have not used this product. I'm sure it is a very fine product. In general CARP are not big spawn eaters when it comes to "naturals". I don't know the flavorings or anything about aqua spawn. Is the "spawn" look just a presentation vehicle for multiple flavorings. How about various colors? Wonder, will it stay on a hair? Phone

All, As one who's spun a yarn or two, outrageous unsubstantiated claims require more than a preponderance of outrageous proof. I agree with Steve Phone

Ohh Worms?? Phone

All, I can tell this is an advertisement for selling a product. Certainly, I don't want to be critical. What, again is it's purpose? How does it differ from most other bobbers? Phone

All, May I also say, few have mentioned the non-fish species that have been caught. Nothing quite like a Canada goose on light tackle. You have no choice but to use a "long release" on otters. Predators are quite common on empty hooks - hardly strange really. Phone

RUDD, Those are called "white fish" A common species in urban lakes. Phone