TC reader Jimmy Beckham says: This comfortable, olive-green rucksack is very carpy and cult. There is a pocket and storage space for everything you can think of. Unlike other sacks, the space isn’t wasted either; featuring neat internal and extrernal pockets to store buzz bars, scales, tackle bags, pop-ups and other essentials. The cylindrical-shaped pouches in the main compartment to hold PVA tubes are a neat addition too.
Most carp rods have line clips on them, but many are a bit harsh on the line. These clips, which come in three diameters to suit all blanks, slide onto the rod and are very line friendly. I also like the fact that they can be slid up nearer to the buzzers if needed, which I do quite regularly. I’ve used them for as long as I can remember and will continue to do so.
I have used the long versions when fishing with PVA bags, in conjunction with Avid’s excellent In-Line Groove leads and they work pretty well. The longer stem gives something to work with when tying the bags off, but I have found them to be quite a loose fit. This is a problem if I have to push the lead down into the bag once filled because the insert simply pushes through the lead rather than taking the lead with it. They also do not really suit many leads other than Avid’s, which is fine because I guess they’re not designed to.
There are only one or two members of the TC staff who have been involved with the magazine long enough to remember when Frank Warwick first brought Enterprise’s imitation sweetcorn to our attentions. At the time, although largely taken for granted today, it was revolutionary and anglers were gobsmacked at how effective it was. Our editor, Marc Coulson, caught his very first 20-pounder on two grains of yellow corn way back in his early career on this magazine. Nowadays there is a plethora of imitation baits available, and not just the corn either.
A fine particle groundbait with 28 active ingredients, designed for the fast release of attractantsRRP: £6. 99 per kiloContact: 0300 3031012 or www. marukyu. co.
A fine particle groundbait with 28 active ingredients, designed for the fast release of attractantsRRP: £6. 99 per kiloContact: 0300 3031012 or www. marukyu. co.
Based on a highly digestible super-seed mix and laced with strawberry flavour and condensed milkRRP: £7. 99 per kiloContact: 01925 444797or www. cheshirebaits. co.
Oil-based, classic liquid flavours including molasses, sweetcorn oil and shellfishRRP: £2. 99 per 250mlContact: 01666 575330 or www. cotswoldbaits. com .
Mini, fluoro yellow pop-ups with an appetising creamy, sweet flavour, ideal for use with zigs and PVA bagsRRP: £3. 75Contact: 01491 834911or www. blakesbaits. co.