Ducktape Corkfeet

Like I said on the other thread, I went to a good shop that stocked almost all of the makes available today. I spent the good part of an afternoon going through them and without doubt the worst one was the TFG. It is crud in my opinion, and really bad value for money compared to the Okumas, which make it look positively stone age. It isn't well made, doesn't spin well, and is too expensive for what it is. Take it back, and go for either an Aventa Pro, or better still a Sheffield. Harsh, but I can't apologise for what is the truth in my opinion.

Shimano Super Baitrunner 5000 XTE-A. Much, much better drag, smoother, the best line lay, built to last, and now cheaper. The drag is now enclosed, which was my problem with the earlier models. Forgetting about the Shimano/Okuma price/quality/whatever for a second, Shimano offer the best after sales service there is, it really is second to none. I would also look at the balance of the reel on the rod, and as I have the set-up in question, I know it balances well. http://www.billyclarke.co.uk/product_info....roducts_id=3742

Take my word for it.....IT FLOATS!!!! Been there, got the t-shirt unfortunately. Pre-baiting, should be used as that, before!! Catapulting chunks of fish out will only feed the pike and cost you fish on the bank.

First off, ice floats!!! I've been attracting pike with loosefeed for a while, it's called marine hailbut pellets and they work a treat!!! No need to do anything fancy, other that mix in torut pellets, and /or soak in an oil-based mix, put into a PVA bag with a stone in it, and flung to desired location.

Anyone used or seen the Wychwood Stumpy 'sticks. The 12" Mole Drive 'stick looks the business - http://www.wychwood-carp.co.uk/pods.html and the stumpys have a tommy bar adjustment.

Those look good. There was one type of stainless I looked at with the t-bar adjustment, and I really liked that feature. Does anyone know where I can at least look at the Kings?

I'm not just so concerned, as I'll probably only ever buy the two, but I'm fed up with alot of them not being up to the job, and especially slipping down when wet. Most of the stainless jobbies have a very positive lock on the extentions, which would be a major selling point to me.

I've been looking at quite a few makes recently, most of them appear to be virtually indestructable, and much easier to push into harder ground, but does anyone use them, and what are the main differences? The Solar and Chub banksticks look good, but are there any others I should be looking at?

Are Fox hooks not Ashima?? Ever tried Mustad 3261BLN's? They have a smaller barb, and much stronger than a Kamasan. I use them for a lot of species.

Message recieved and understood. So, really small hooks and freelined rigs for eels then.....................

Try a www.etoriginal.co.uk 4x4 Sneaker. It's a 4 piece 3lb test curve rod, but don't judge the 3lb, because it's a blinder of a rod, with a lovely soft action, and it's really light. You could use it for almost anything, and would make the most perfect pollack rod. They are a steal at £40, and no I don't work for, or have any connection to them.

I'd always heard that slack lining was the better way to go for Perch due to the lack of resistance, and therefore less chance of deephooking, although tbh, I'd respect your opinion. I too have a lightweight Solar bobbin, and tbh I hadn't considered for a second, fishing without a bobbin. Yeah, the Delkims are great alarm, I still haven't got used to the sensitivity.

Always try to use red lights when night fishing, as there is no beam, and your eyes will adjust to the dark much much quicker. There is less chance of the fish being spooked as well, and you won't stick out like a sore thumb, to other people in the vicinity.

What is the best way to set up when fishing slack lines? Anything I should be aware of when targetting Tench, Bream, Eels or specifically Perch? Never done it before, but after getting hold of a Delkim, I think it's about time I started to on a couple of waters.

What are everyone's views on hook pattern, and sizes for Perch? I ask mainly for worm fishing, but would welcome info on other methods.

Korum paste springs or Owner paste hooks, both fantastic pieces of kit. I've also used the springs out of pens to make my own, either on the hook or hair rig.

If it ain't broke.... and all that. The forum is a nightmare, and the whole site is too sore on the eyes. I always found the EMAP mags of a very simple format, whereas this is anything but.

http://www.walkersoftrowell.com/offers/tfg...ishing_kits.htm and try to haggle, I don't think they are doing them anymore.

For that budget you should still be able to get hold of a TFG starter kit, which comes with everything you need. Decent enough for the price, as I've seen them around £39.99. If I find one I'll post a link.

http://www.thetackle-shop.co.uk/ Give Neville, Bob or Carol a ring and ask them. They are based right beside the bridge.

Shimano Exages are the dogs hanging bits. I use them alot of the time as they can be carreid without fear of being broke, over rocks, through trees, etc. As good as any two-piece.

Haven't handled a bad Shimano float rod. I have the Hyperloop 390FA, Technium 390 L, and Antares 390 FA, and I wouldn't want to use anything else, and yes, I've had Normarks!

Go to a good shop that carries the most of the ones available, and try before you buy. I guarantee you won't walk out with the TFG X-pin. It is absolute rubbish compared to the like of the Okuma Sheffield.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6930684.stm

I think you will struggle to get a better bit of gear than a Sundridge Sleepskin too.