Peter M

Hi Elton hope its ok to put this on here its my interview with Ian Mouncey who is the owner of the french carp lake Etang de vost http://chubcatcher.blogspot.co.uk/

Don't worry the cormorants will take most anyway, a pound plus roach is just what they are looking for.

I don't see why that is a problem i too would be disappointed to catch a big roach when fishing for carp using a 2 3/4 pound test curve rod and 15 pound line as i would rather catch it on a light float rod with 3 pound line. they are moving them into another lake which i think is fine. i think you need a mix i know a club that has a non carp lake that is full of nice roach tench bream and crucians and i can fish it using a whip. Not every one has great rivers like the Avon or Stour running through it and lakes are what are used to.

fact is we knew a long time ago Jordan was using torture and did not bring it up with them years ago, fair play now that they have put pressure on them to stop this but its too late for this case but hopefully it will help in any future cases.

The law applies in an even handed way. The statue on the top of the old bailey (the lady justice) is blindfold to denote this. If there is a human rights law then it applies to all, even people we find reprehensible. If he can't go back because the evidence was obtained under torture then we should look at any crime he has committed here and allow justice to take its course.

Then why, if he is so dangerous, is he not being charged in this country for any crimes he is said to have committed?

If starting Carp fishing I would not get a starter kit myself. i would do as you are doing and check around. There are some very good entry level carp rods, Fox warrior and Shimano Alivio spring to mind and ebay have some. Reels i would look a Okuma with a bait runner type device, they are good value. Also look to making your own rigs there are lots of how to do it videos on youtube and thinking tackle videos on there are good. Start off with coated braid hooklinks with a lead clip system that allows lead to discharge. Don't skimp on hooks. change them often it really makes a difference. Go for a good carp cradle unhooking mat with sides. Large carp on a normal mat can be difficult to control when un hooking and the sides of a cradle protect the fish. 42 inch carp landing net can be pricy so look around, a net float added makes such a large net easy to use and they are not expensive. you don't need the most expensive bite alarms if only fishing days and even at night the fox micron is a good bet. i would read up and if possible go with a mate who is more experienced. have fun, i bet you are looking at buying a bivvy within a year.

thanks for this. its a case of hitting the indiction early and risking it getting off or waiting and risking deep hooking. i know what i would go for.

nice blog entry

Now the pike season is on us it may be a good time to remind everyone about the safe way to hook dead baits!. Pike take the bait head first and hooks near the head of the bait can lead to deep hooking. i am sure there is an article somewhere explaining how its done. I know there are some great pikers on here who may like to share their knowledge. Just want to get a lively discussion going about all things pike safe and hooks. hope you can join in.

thanks for all the replies great article steve thanks

well i am nearly over carp fishing, one or two more trips then i will pack the bivvy away and start winter fishing. i want to go after perch again and i usually use lob worms, however i was wondering if prawns or other shell fish? i know that live baits work for perch and i may try this. any tips or observations appreciated.

have a look here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_chub

Right thanks for the advice i will be making a purchase in the next week. cheers

sorry what are crash zips ?

that is interesting, although the issue of the zip could be an issue, but still thanks

Hi all, i have a standard sleeping bag i got cheap a few years ago and its been ok for night fishing which i only started doing this year. i am looking for a warmer one to go on into winter. i don't want to break the bank and a few suggestions would be welcome. thanks

I have been doing some investigating about Zigs. The consensus is that it is not that easy to master. A guy I know says he uses white and black or yellow and black foam, set just under the surface no more than a foot below. He said no to boilies or bread as that is more like popped up bait. With Zigs you are trying to convince a lazy cruising carp that a drowned insect is just there waiting to picked up. Hook tight to the foam in size 12 or 10 even for large carp. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

just to say a 42 inch net is easier to use with a net float.

most of the fishing along the suffolk stour is controlled by CAPS have a look at this web site http://www.colchesteraps.org/

if you don't need a spod rod for using a mini spomb what sort of rod do you recommend? ie can you use a normal high end carp rod?

not sure about that reel but i have some match reels from shimano and they are dammed fine reels,

Thanks for all the replies. I suspected as much but thought i would check it out with those who know as i have never caught a silver bream.

On tight lines this week Keith Arthur was talking to Duncan Charman and they were saying that often anglers mistake hybrids for silver bream. well i caught what i think is a roach/bream hybrid, i want to check its not a silver bream. what do others think?

For bigger Carp as a reasonable price i always recommend Chelmsford Angling Association, they have some good waters although the night tickets for this year have gone more info http://www.chelmsfordaa.co.uk/