Winning Question (you'll also find the answer to 3 other questions each month) Email your questions to: panel@mainline-baits.com or send them to:
Mike Redfern, 2 Shipdham Road, Thetford, Norfolk. IP25 6ST.
July 2008
I am going on a fishing holiday soon to a venue that holds lots of carp and a few catfish. I’m wondering whether there is a hooklink I can use to catch the catfish and not get broken off, but with which I can also catch carp, which is what I would prefer.
The last time I went I was snapped up between five and six times, which can be very frustrating.
Can you help me?
June 2008
Recently I joined a small syndicate water with just nine members, all
of whom catch regularly and at different times of the day. I, however, seem
to catch at night and have great difficulty in recasting in the dark. I
have been told many times about using the horizon or treeline to locate
my baited area, but still seem to struggle finding my way in the dark.
Please help me to avoid the brambles again!
May 2008
Whenever I read the various carp magazines there are always loads of complicated rigs, such as the Withy Pool and Swimmer Rigs in them. I seem to struggle to utilise these as they were designed. Are they over-complicated and just designed to catch the angler? In what situations would you use these rigs, and why? Would you use them with PVA bags, bottom baits, etc.?
April 2008
Can you guys recommend a rig to fish a bottom bait over heavy silt? I’ve been thinking of using the Chod Rig but I’m unsure of its safety qualities. I usually fish with a safety lead clip because the safety aspects of this setup are plain to see. Please help.
March 2008
When tying a Hair, what factors determine the length of the Hair? I am concerned that I could be getting it all wrong and it could be costing me fish.
February2008
I am currently a member of a small syndicate complex in Dorset. As time has gone on, more and more people have joined, resulting in the carp becoming extremely wary. Do you have any tips I could use to gain an edge over the other anglers when fishing for these pressurised carp?
January 2008
My local water has now gone totally clear. The other day I saw a pigeon fly low over the water where the sun was shining, and as it crossed this area a good dozen carp spooked. I know the depth of water there is 12ft. I am thinking of using a Zig Rig, but I have no experience of tying up one of these. Could you suggest any tips that you think might help. I am sure on these sunny days the carp are near the surface.
