Overgunned tackle!

[chrisinhackney]

Hi

 

Is it just me or is there a massive trend for anglers and tackle companies to specify, recommend and use massively overgunned tackle? why is this becoming such a trend?

 

It seems that nowadays you have to be using 3lb test curve rods for carp, 2lb test for Barbel and hooks and rigs etc that look more like sea tackle!

 

I can remember catching loads of big fish when I was a kid just using a cheap float rod, 5lb line, size 8 hook etc.....when you are young and poor you tend to just go for anything with the tackle you have.

 

Also I have caught large carp and pike from fairly weedy waters with 2lb test through action rods and size 6 super specialist hooks 10lb line etc and this type of tackle seems to work fine.

 

I understand the need to use adequate tackle in order to suit the conditions and size of fish etc but surely some of these super stiff rods, heavy braided mainlines and massive hooks are a bit too much and take away alot of the excitement of playing fish etc?

 

Just wondering what other people think?

 

Cheers

[ayjay]

Hi

 

Is it just me or is there a massive trend for anglers and tackle companies to specify, recommend and use massively overgunned tackle?

 

 

 

Just wondering what other people think?

 

Cheers

 

There does seem to be; the most powerful rod I have is a 12 foot 1.75lb TC Sportex carp rod, I only use it for Barbel fishing in floodwater or for a big bait dropper, other than that up to 1.5lb does it all for me. I use lighter rods for my carp fishing than many anglers use for barbel these days.

[Ken L]

My dad's fishing is very much club match oriented even though he is no longer fit enough to fish the contests, it still defines his approach.

When he fishes, he fishes for bites which often means that 1.7lb hook links are the starting point.

If bites don't come, he will drop to 1.1 or lower.

If fish are confident and there bigger fish amongst them, he will go heavier but only rarely goes above a 2.6lb hook length.

He catches plenty of good sized chub, barbel and carp but he also looses a fair few, inevitably leaving hooks in them.

When he does manage to land a big fish, it (and he these days) is often exhausted. He always ensures recovery before release but is there really any justification for leaving hooks in fish or protracting the length of the fight due to using light tackle when you could employ methods that will catch you those same fish without fatiguing them to the point of exhaustion ?

[robtherake]

That's what most would consider ultra-light though, Ken. I would imagine most of the lads on here are rarely so under-gunned without being OTT.

 

In a lot of cases, it seems to be the distance cast and the rigs used (method feeders, PVA bags, 3oz plus leads) that's dictating tackle strength, rather than the size of the fish angled for.

[Barry C]

Trouble is that every bit of available water has got bl00dy carp in it.

Long gone are the days when you could fish 3lb mainline and 2lb hooklink for roach and crucians etc.

If you try that on most waters you just get beat up.

[davedave]

Trouble is that every bit of available water has got bl00dy carp in it.

Long gone are the days when you could fish 3lb mainline and 2lb hooklink for roach and crucians etc.

If you try that on most waters you just get beat up.

 

Exactly. You can aim to fish for perch, tench, bream or whatever, but nine times out of 10 it's only a matter of time before carp move in on any bait put in. That is unless your lucky enough to know of a decent water with no carp in.

[ayjay]

My dad's fishing is very much club match oriented even though he is no longer fit enough to fish the contests, it still defines his approach.

When he fishes, he fishes for bites which often means that 1.7lb hook links are the starting point.

If bites don't come, he will drop to 1.1 or lower.

If fish are confident and there bigger fish amongst them, he will go heavier but only rarely goes above a 2.6lb hook length.

He catches plenty of good sized chub, barbel and carp but he also looses a fair few, inevitably leaving hooks in them.

When he does manage to land a big fish, it (and he these days) is often exhausted. He always ensures recovery before release but is there really any justification for leaving hooks in fish or protracting the length of the fight due to using light tackle when you could employ methods that will catch you those same fish without fatiguing them to the point of exhaustion ?

 

Not sure if that was directed at my mention of 1.5lb, but I meant TC of rod, not line strength.

[Ken L]

Trouble is that every bit of available water has got bl00dy carp in it.

Long gone are the days when you could fish 3lb mainline and 2lb hooklink for roach and crucians etc.

If you try that on most waters you just get beat up.

 

Yes, that's one reason why I hate the f*****g things.

[viney]

I had the same thinking when I started fishing for carp, 2 1/2lb tc rods etc but have since caught a 23lb river common and 12lb barbel on a fairly light quivertip and a few carp to 9lb on a match rod and centerpin, I've now realised that A)you don't need heavy tackle B)playing fish on lighter tackle is far more fun! Although if doing a night on the only two lakes I really nightfish I still use the 2 1/2lb tc rods and 15lb mainline/12lb hooklength as I know they pull back hard and I want to be able to land them quickly and safely without snapping up or them getting into snags at 2am!

[kirisute]

My PB fish is on a rod that most people think of as a toy! Light is the way to fish! Huge enjoyment can be had actually fighting the fish rather than "crank to the bank" which you see these days!