ShaggyRS6

There was not really a fight. Took maybe 5 mins to get in.

I use it as a Spod/Marker reel as you can get loads of backing line on that big spool and then braid on top. i don't really have one for distance casting purposes. I fish what I think is a big water and my 10000 XTEA's are perfect. In fact some of the Tackle Tart's (Of which I am c=becoming) are changing their big pits for the XTEA's Not really why, but I am seeing more of it.

yeah it was. I have the bug again now....

Doid not really put up much of a fight. But it was bloody heavy

As promised

Firstly thanks to those who advised on cold weather fishing. It was not as bad as I thought, after 6 months off I had not missed the setting up of my home away from home, but apart from that i was fine. the sleeping bag i have (Trakker Big Z) was excellent, i had to sleep in my boxers it was so warm. The bivvy did not get any condensation in it. I put this down to it being a 2 man? I did pick up various tips from other anglers that I will take up. On to the good news............ At 22:30 last night, just as i had finished listening to the football on Radio 5 Live and just before I turned in my left hand Bite Alarm went off, not for long, it was a really slow take. I left it and just watched the bobbin steadily climb. I was In!!!! 5 Mins later, with out too much of a fight I landed my biggest fish by a mile. My previous PB being 15lb, I caught a lovely chunky 34lb Mirror. The smile has still not gone from my face. I kept it simple. 1 Hook bait (Ace Baits - Black Ice) on a gravel patch, surrounded my 60 catapulted boilies. Hope to have a pick later

thanks guys - I have trakker Big Z which is an ace bag. I also have a chub water proof over blanket for it.

Yeah I know what you mean - I think I have some. Good idea

After a long period away from fishing I am planning to return very soon. No not having fished in winter time I am looking for tips with regards keeping warm. Something I though off was a hot water bottle? Does anyone else do this? or am I going to look like a complete sissy Also I dont have a winter skin for my Bivvy. Will this cause huge issues?

I actually have ended up joining the Linton Angling Society. Their waters seem pretty good. Does anyone on here fish their waters?

Thanks Leon. I have done a bit more digging and Linton Angling Society looks great. Do you know much about them. Just going to have a look at the clubs you posted now. Horsham is right on my doorstep and I have been going there often. Catching the same 40 - 60 fish a day gets a bit boring

I am set-up to do everything. I love float fishing and want to get into Carp fishing. I have posted a reply to this thread 4 times now and the post get deleted.

My uncle left me everything in his will that I needed to get back into fishing. Hardy Carp rods, Abu reels, fly fishing gear etc etc, I had to by a Course rod so i got a Middy Live 3G. I am set up to do everything. Float fishing i love but i want to try Cap fishing as well. I have been looking around the net for clubs that are local but its a bit overwhelming

My uncle left me his Hardy Carp Rods in his will and all of his Abu and Mitchell Match reels, he also left me a fly rod and reel, and a couple of course rods and a boat load of tackle. I bought myself a Middy Live 3G rod so I am setup for everything. I want to be doing float and carp fishing and as I have just been made redundant I have loads of time I have had a look on the net and there are a few clubs and syndicates but its a bit overwhelming

Does anyone know of some good Syndicate/Club Membership Lakes in Kent? I live in North Kent (Medway Towns) so maximum 30 mins drive from there would be ideal although I will consider anything. I am going to fish Major's Lake tomorrow in Maidstone but wondered what you seasoned pro's would recommend? Cheers Lee