Fours

Hi, Try the 'Lift Method'.Beautiful way to fish relatively close in.

Nice to know there is considerate and helpful advice on here.Thanks for taking the time to provide both.

Glad I asked now.Wasn't expecting so many sightings!

Hi there, As I'm a newbie here I've obviously never 'spoken' to you before, but your thread just struck a chord with me as I,ve just been through a rather painful episode myself.As you say, it does put things into perspective and I'd just like to wish you and your family happier times for the future.Best wishes, Fours.

As far as I know (and I stand to be corrected!), all snakes can 'swim'.I presume they were grass snakes but, heh, I'm no David Attenborough!Honestly, it was a faily 'regular' occurrence.Mainly on rivers as I remember.

Hiya, Never used a bait band, so can't comment on that.I have used them hair-rigged, and had amazing results!(see 'Crucian Carp' thread). On several waters i've fished they were the difference between quality fish and blanking.Are they pre-drilled?What species are you after?I,ve caught a wide range of species with these, and consider myself a convert!

Up until a few years ago, I would witness at least 2 snakes per season scrolling across the river/lake I was fishing. Anyone encountered one lately?And no, I don't mean Eels! Fascinating creatures, even if they did make me tuck my trousers into my boots and give an involuntary shiver!

Cheers for that Wicker.Only wish I'd caught it on more 'relevant' tackle.Might scale down to get the full effect next time.If there is a next time!

I'm sure I'll still feel it for the first few years regardless!If/when I land my first double I'll HAVE to sit down cos my legs will be trembling too much to keep me upright!I'm 43 now and still feel the same rush I did when I was 13, regardless of the target.What a sport, eh?!

Sure you're right. I'll give it a crack soon, let you know.

Cheers for that.I'll upload some pics asap.

Well,terminal tackle was beefy gear for large carp.Caught it on 8mm Halibut pellets tipped with a fake corn hair-stop. So as you can see, there was nothing cute about the rig!I'll upload some pics when I work out how to!

Hi John, Sorry, wish I could help.I live about 20 miles from there but have never fished it.I'm looking for some local pike rivers, so I'd be interested to hear some info too!What are you targeting?

Was fishing a Cambs lake in August this year for carp.It's not the easiest water, and I only had 2 fish all day.One was a 5lb Bream, the other a beautiful Crucian. Thing is, I'd never caught one before so didn't really know the average stamp for them.I weighed it anyway and it read at 3lbs 4ozs. I gather this is a descent size!However, it appears they can hybridize.How do I know whether it was the 'real deal' or not? I took some snaps of it, and the scale count seems right.Any other pointers?

Fair comment, well made. However a forum is designed to be question-based isn't it?Many people are looking for a short-cut to success for obvious reasons.It takes the leg-work out of the equation.Not defending it, but has none of your angling knowledge been gleened from books/friends/forums?Just playing Devils Advocate!

Is it just me, or is it a reality that you can stare at a float/bobbin/tip for hours on end but the moment you divert your attention (usually out of sight!) a bite/run occurs?Usually too late to connect!Not always,mind, but often enough that I've DELIBERATELY tried to simulate being 'elsewhere' to induce a bite.Never happens then.Your thoughts or stories please.

A serious topic indeed!Chicken+Mushroom every time.Filled to the brim of the pot with scalding water.Finish the noodles, left with a 'delicious' drink of, erm... flavoured water.At this point, a packet of Cheesy Wotsits is added!Yes,really.Cutlery required.

Quality answer.Couldn't agree more.

Cheers lads, much appreciated.Looking forward to the adrenaline rush!!

I was in a similar position early summer. Look, if you catch fish and don't encounter major issues with your new gear, then 'job done'. I spent no more than £300 for a Carp set-up and caught plenty.My mate has gear worth 10 times that, but the fish don't shop at Harrods!You (and I) can buy the better gear at a later date if we feel the need, but I honestly feel there is an element of snobbery at times in the Carping world and the tackle suppliers can see them a mile off - hence the prices. You do , to a certain extent, get what you pay for however.See how you get on with your kit and keep or reject as you see fit.

Hi, Alcohol gel works for me.I take it with me and clean my hands after every capture(so not often,ha ha).

Hiya, Sorry if this has been asked a thousand times already! I really want to target Pike this Autumn/Winter and wondered if anyone could give me some decent waters around the March (Cambs) area.I'm generally a Carp/Tench/Bream chap in the summer months, but really fancy a pop at Esox this year! Any ideas?Also, I'm a bit worried about landing one and not being confident in unhooking it!Should I find an experienced buddy to help to begin with?Any help gratefully received.

Hiya, I only recently (this summer) took up some casual carp fishing. I was also in need of a baitrunner and alarm set-up, so turned to E-bay. With the budget you've set yourself, which is similar to mine, you should easily get what you need. I found a Shimano 8010 Baitrunner (near mint) for £45, and 2 Micron alarms for £21. Depends just how serious you want to get,but I've had no trouble at all with either. I also bought the 6010 model for about the same price, so had a 2 rod set-up for just over £100! Could've spent more but why???I'm here to be shot down by the 'Carpies', but if my cheapish alarm tells me I've got a run then it's done it's job hasn't it? Hope this helps. Good luck!

Cheers for that!