Recent content by Karl Heptonstall

As long as it’s a decent bait I don’t think it matters too much what you use, what matters is feeding it regularly. If you can get it going in twice a week the fish will respond well. Not large amounts either, a dozen boilies broken up and put in a swim will keep em interested. I’ve tried it...

One of the strongest small hooks on the market, perfect for the float.

Wander round the island dropping a lump of meat into every likely looking spot! Mobile approach seems to work well on there.

Evening Dave, I'll take the rod if that's ok

I've got some of these Dave, not sure if they're mk1s, black with red whipping and sliding reel seats. They are fantastic float rods for barbel

Most things are faster now and kids are more used to that! What if the rivers declined and there were no commercials? There might be far less young anglers! Kids can fish a puddle and get a few bites, it's not what you'd call ideal but at least they're fishing! As they get older and progress...

Rapala pro wear titanium gloves are good, thin nioprine with finger and thumb missing. I use these for match fishing, there's no need to keep taking them off! The titanium reflects heat back into your hands.

Last time I went to the Trent there was a landing net in the road, pole and all. Looked like a good one, Would of stopped to pick it up but outside lane of the a1 was particularly busy that day!

Mine are in the bin, let me down more than enough times! Can't fault their service as they replaced them the first time but the new ones were worse

Chimera for me, stunning rods. Playing fish on a through action rod is something else, special when you clamp down and let the rod soak up the pressure.

I use a wide "ish" gape hook for barbel, Korda crank, for the exact reason you stated, they snag great in the barbels mouth! Barbel often turn and run when the baits been taken and I think the wide gape works well.

Tench fishing without casters Gavin!! ;-)

Pm for you Derek

Caster and hemp for float fishing, a decent boilie will cover every other situation! I used to mess around using hemp and pellets or meat if the river was up but I find boilies work in all conditions. Having confidence in your bait is important, once you know it works it's one less thing to...

Mine are just xtb's Andrew, think they are an older model.