[water temperature in very deep water.]

Water is densest at 4°C. least dense at approx 0°C. In a perfect temperature gradient deep, still water “ hole” the very bottom layer will be 4°C and generally layers of warmer water above that. If air temperature is below freezing then the top most water layer will be 0°C or ice. Simply, water is most dense at 4°C and sinks, water at 0°C is least dense and rises. Applied to fishing is anyone’s guess, too many variables of current, winds, thermo clines, topography, ambient temps, oxygen levels, food. etc. What I have seen regularly on fish finders is that fish are quite happy to hang in mid water presumably because all the conditions suit them there. A thermometer will throw up a few surprises !!

[Water In Waders]

I never know what side is 'right' in the old "waders fill with water and sink you" debate:

 

 

 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2...15875-22663555/

 

Hope we never have to find.

I imagine its the difficulty of trying to physically swim in waders not the weight of the waders or the water contained. An old guy once told me to bend and tuck up my knees to trap air in the waders to act as a buoyancy aid while using your arms to paddle ashore.

[Strange idea]

Seem to remember Dick Walker hanging carcasses in a tree to let the maggots drop into a river swim. A sheep would last a week or two

[Collecting Worms]

GRUNTING I keep saying I'll give it go but never get round to it..........

 

[Can anyone remember these bait stops?]

Its a long time back but I think the ones Im on about were made by Gardner? Stick a picture up Rob.

 

 

 

Budgie, as you see down to my last 5 stops, starting to panic !! Yep they are pushed through the bait with a blunt baiting needle.

 

Watatoad, Fox bait stops seem totally different from the adverts I saw.

 

Ayjay. The Korum ones work on the same principal, just inferior waffy, fragile though.

 

Dibbler, another number to ring, thanks

[Can anyone remember these bait stops?]

Many, many years ago I bought some bait stops, very similar in design to the modern Korum quickstops. I’ve nearly run out of my ‘old’ stops, which are far superior to the Korum ones and best described as very small orange bullets with a hole through the middle. I’d love to get some more but I guess they’re out of production, I think they where made by John Roberts. Anybody know of a source??

[Is super glue on bait a repellent ?]

I had heard super glue was used medically for the likes of wound repair so in the small “dab” used in baits I had no concern regarding physical harm more if the smell/flavour would reduce the amount of bites. I know its pointless wondering if I’d have more takes by tying on baits rather than gluing, but its reassuring to see the consensus have no concerns.

[Is super glue on bait a repellent ?]

I’ve started to use plastic baits super glued to a hair and wondered what the consensus is on its use on baits.

A “search” showed similar questions but on old threads, now plastics are popular and glues are common is there any suspicion that glue can be detrimental, repellent on baits?

[Freshwater Fishing Bait Tips]

Mainly perch and roach, i was thinking about trying something more natural like caterpillars or something? I want to use worms more often but to be honest ive never really had any luck with them, ive legered and float fished them and never had much more than the odd perch Id love to try lobworms for carp, but to be honest i wouldnt really know how to go about it. Thanks

 

Bear in mind that some insects, caterpillars in particular have developed defences against predation, either appearance or taste. Appearance wouldn’t put off a fish but taste might.

Gotta agree that worm, especially a lob either chopped or whole, is the universal bait for most fish. Don’t know why as fish wont see that many falling into the water ?? must be taste.

[Robin red]

Probably the most successful bait additive ever. I have caught loads and loads of tench when using it as an additive to method mixes,and in boilies, over a period of maybe 30 years. I would hazard a guess that at least 50% of bait manufacturers add some to their mix/baits.

 

And of course a few million bream

 

Den

 

As Den says, its been around since the early 70’s, probably first used by Rod Hutchinson, main supplier was “Haiths”. Again as Den said, great additive not only for Carp but most other species, which was a nuisance in the days when I was a Carper.

[Bottoms, hard ones or soft ones ?]

I guess my quandary is, am I taking the easy option of fishing hard and clear swims with straight forward tactics or should I adapt to the unfamiliar soft bottom tactics?

Given a free choice, with suitable conditions, where would the majority of fish feed?

Always decisions,decisions….

[Bottoms, hard ones or soft ones ?]

Contemplating the last few years fishing whilst waiting for a bite, I started thinking about the forthcoming Tench and Bream season in large lakes and Loughs. For both species I seek out a harder clean areas because that’s where I have had the most success, BUT WHY?

Do the fish prefer/feed over a clean bottom in preference to a silt one or is it my rigs/baiting are more effective on the clean bed?

My preference for the clean/hard bottom now dictates where I fish so are my experiences now biased and am I missing out?

Should I experiment and fish the softer bed and maybe loose a seasons catching opportunities?

Would I catch more fish on softer areas (which presumably has more natural food, cover and attraction) if I persevered and improved rigs/presentation?

 

What’s your choice?