Lake Rules
Don’t get caught out—always check the lake rules ahead of time. This can help you save on gear and avoid unnecessary hassles. If the lake only allows a certain type of hook, bring only that type. Don't risk ruining your trip by ignoring the rules and getting caught by the bailiff.
- Two rods means two rods, not three or four just because it’s dark.
- If there's a minimum rig tubing length requirement, follow it. The last thing you want is for the bailiff to ask you to reel in and check your rig, only to realize you need to redo everything because one rod doesn’t meet the rules.
Always expect the bailiff to check your setup and how it’s deployed. Annoying the bailiff can impact not only your trip but also your future visits, and it could even affect others if you're part of a syndicate.
Respect the Area
Bring bin bags and clean up after yourself. Other anglers will visit your spot after you, and they shouldn't have to deal with your mess. I use a fold-down garden recycling bag from Aldi that cost me £3—it’s perfect for tossing all my rubbish in and emptying it at the end of the trip. Plus, it keeps rodents and insects away from your area.
Listen to the Bailiff but Have a Plan
The bailiff usually has the best knowledge of the lake and can give advice on recent catches. However, that doesn’t mean they’re always right. Often, they might push local baits, claiming they always catch—sometimes, this is just to sell stock or encourage the carp to feed on a certain bait for their own reasons, like prepping the lake for a bigger group.
While they might recommend a good swim, especially when the lake is quiet, always take a moment to check the lake yourself and trust your instincts. I’m not saying bailiffs aren’t trustworthy, but it’s important to think for yourself and fish in a way that makes you comfortable.
Review and Share
One of the best parts of any fishing trip is sharing your experience with others. Your reviews play a huge role in the lake’s reputation, helping other anglers decide where to fish and giving them a clear picture of what to expect. Share your catches—or even your blanks—honestly.
If you hear rumors or negative feedback about a lake, bring it up in reviews to see if others agree. On the other hand, if you had a great experience—friendly bailiff, clean facilities, a well-maintained lake, and even if you blanked but still enjoyed yourself—make sure to share that too.
I’ll be creating a review section where anglers can share detailed experiences, which will be reviewed and posted for others to see.
Always read lake rules!
This isn’t everything I’ve bought, but it’s enough to make you reconsider your own purchases
- Bite Alarms - I seem to be cursed when it comes to buying alarms. I started with some Lixada alarms that only had one volume setting: WAKE THE LAKE. Needless to say, they were a bit too loud. So, I switched to Sonik VaderX alarms, which worked well at first, but eventually started unsyncing. In the end, I removed the speakers from the Lixada alarms, giving me a decent set of silent alarms. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that it’s time for something new.
- Line - 15lb line is a solid choice for most lakes. You can go with either monofilament or fluorocarbon, each with its own advantages, so it really comes down to personal preference. I primarily use 15lb Wychwood because I like the added color, but for trips to France, I switch to 20lb Daiwa Hyper Sensor for extra strength.
- Rig Tubing - Always bring spare tubing, as many lakes require 18-24 inches to protect the fish during a fight. Tungsten tubing is easier to thread but can be vulnerable to crayfish, so it’s wise to carry a few different types and be prepared to spend some time threading them. There are plenty of tips to make this process quicker, such as adding a few drops of hemp oil to the tubing (which also serves as an attractant) or stretching the line out to avoid kinks.
- Leads - I prefer using heavier weights, a habit I picked up from beach casting, where I like the feel of a solid, heavy cast. However, for short-margin drops, I tend to use lighter weights. This is mostly because I'm still working on my technique for close-range placements and could use more practice in this area.
- Rigs - Let’s be honest, rigs come down to personal preference. I’m a big fan of the standard hair rig because it reliably gets the job done. Plus, I enjoy sitting in my swim, adjusting the lengths to suit different bait sizes. I always have a couple of zig rigs on hand, just in case I want to switch things up when the bigger fish are cruising near the surface. While I’ve considered trying a helicopter setup or something different, I haven’t found a compelling reason to change my approach. All my rigs are handmade, and though I have nothing against store-bought rigs, tying my own gives me something to do during the downtime between casts and catches.
- Swivels - It’s essential to have a good selection on hand, with size 8 being the standard choice. This size works well for zig rigs and fits snugly into lead clips, making it versatile for various setups.
- Hooks - Always check the lake rules beforehand and carry at least three of each type (micro-barbed and barbless). This way, you can set up three rods as soon as you reach your swim, giving you more time to plan your strategy. As for hook designs, I keep a range of sizes from 4 to 10 in various styles. It’s probably more than necessary, but I can’t resist picking up a few extras whenever I’m near a tackle shop.
- Shrink Tubing - I keep a good variety on hand, even though I don’t use it on every rig. There’s something satisfying about boiling the kettle and adding shrink tubing—it makes the rig-making process a bit more enjoyable.
- Kickers - If you want to achieve a nice angle on the hook without the need for shrinking, kickers are the way to go. I use them when making rigs at home, which eliminates the need for any shrinking.
- Anti-Tangle Sleeves - These sleeves serve multiple purposes. Not only do they help prevent tangles, but they also assist in presenting the rigs nicely, keeping them positioned away from the lead on the bottom.
- Catapult - I don’t think there’s much need for explanation here.
- Spod & Marker Float - A large spod and a bright marker are essential tools. You can often find a good deal on these, or if you have a separate rod, they usually come as a set.
I do have a bit of a problem—I own far more tackle than I actually need, and I often find myself buying unnecessary items on eBay. As a result, I have multiple boxes of tackle that I really need to reduce.