whips

[Craig Robins]

I have just bought a 6 metre whip should I elasticate it?

[nursejudy]

have been fishing all week in norfolk using a six metre whip with top 2 sections elasticated and caught carp and tench more than my hubby did with his float rod go for it

[John S]

I would recommend elasticating it as well. At the very least, it will give you a better chance of landing a large fish that might otherwise snap your line.

[Craig Robins]

thanx you two what elastic shouls i go for? Will i still keep the eye on the end of the whip?

[coarsefish-torbay]

I suppose it's too late to really influence your choice of tackle, but whips are designed for using without elastic and are mainly for catching small fish. If handled well, you can land quite big fish and a longer whip will give a better degree of shock absorbtion, so it's not all bad. The main problem you will have is tackle control, so it would have been better to buy a take apart pole.

If you decide to press ahead with elastication, you will need to cut the tip section back to take a bush to allow the elastic to run out smoothly. The problem you will find is that the tip is so bendy that the elastic may stick on the bend unless you cut back a substantial amount. Also, once you have fitted elastic, it will be very difficult to net fish due to the extra length of the elastic under strain.

I really would suggest you save up for a proper pole and use the whip the way it is intended; for fishing with a long line for small fish at speed.

Steve

ps if you need any more advice on tackle, don't be afraid to email me direct before parting with cash and read all you can in the mags before making a purchase.