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 New Posts  Cutting down your kit
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Mozzi
Posts: 1900
Mozzi
   Old Thread  #89 15 May 2022 at 7.08pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #88
Nooooow I understand the message haha!

I was lucky enough to have a friend who built / repaired rods and he had one, piece of artwork but certainly brutal, when you consider the guides have ball bearing in them nowadays lol!

one day I'd love to do tuna lure fishing on lighter tackle, sounds brilliant
DarthMullet
Posts: 299
   Old Thread  #88 15 May 2022 at 5.09pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #81
Cheers. Easily the hardest fighting fish I’ve ever caught, or am likely to catch. Two 300m runs against 50-75lb of drag...

Not many pics as such, as it’s all catch and release, done in such a way not to exhaust the fish and leave it strong and healthy. (Unlike me, I was absolutely goosed afterwards.) Plenty of videos though.

Wouldn’t mind a go for tarpon, Nicaragua looks a tidy destination for them.

Anyhow, sober now, so back to the carping...
NickGordon
Posts: 3121
NickGordon
   Old Thread  #87 15 May 2022 at 3.48pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
Take what you need!
I have been through the stage of taking the bare minimum for an overnight session and getting it into rucksack, tackle box, bedchair and rod holdall.
You might still need bait bucket and water.

My stove, food, scales etc went in the rucksack. Light bivvy in rod holdall along with rods, banksticks and buzz bars.

I minimised it as I was fishing Ardleigh Reservoir and might have a long walk.

You can take more if you have a barrow!
Darkieallard
Posts: 4851
   Old Thread  #86 15 May 2022 at 2.34pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #85
Too be fair I take my barrow for a short day session, at least I know I have everything on it for when I do nights and haven't got to worry about forgetting anything.
dickweed
Posts: 1204
dickweed
   Old Thread  #85 14 May 2022 at 9.28pm  0  Login    Register
Went for a 7 hour day session today.

Car park was busy, three blokes loading up barrows for a day session that had pulled up well before me.

Hoped out my car, no barrow and headed to the lake within seconds to get a better choice of swim.

Another reason for travelling light.

Still blanked though.
500kg
Posts: 157
   Old Thread  #84 14 May 2022 at 9.51am  0  Login    Register
Another benefit of trimming down your gear to the necessities is that if your tackle gets nicked you don't need to pay as much to replenish it. This might not be of much concern for the carp park swim dwellers who chuck their flat screen TV, 15 power packs, cheati... bait boat, "cooking gazebo", and gas BBQ into the nearest swim to the car (using an electric barrow for the 20 yard marathon obviously) and doing their greatest impression of a slug for 3 days, but I get pretty itchy feet after a period of inactivity and like to have a walk around quite a lot.
noj
Posts: 11459
Social photographer...
   Old Thread  #83 14 May 2022 at 6.12am  2  Login    Register
In reply to Post #80

Except people catching from the surf I can’t think of many angling disciplines globally where a rod over 10’ is common. As you say, big game rods are short and stout while 200lb tarpon are caught on what’s basically a 9ft Avon rod with fly guides whipped to it
Mozzi
Posts: 1900
Mozzi
   Old Thread  #82 14 May 2022 at 2.48am  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #80
I'd love to see pics of that bugger!

As you know tuna rods are a whole new level of beefy lol, could probably handle getting run over by a bloody tank
mark1009
Posts: 4553
   Old Thread  #81 14 May 2022 at 2.29am  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #80
I bet you didn't cast the lure 120 yards though. Well done on the catch . sounds epic.
DarthMullet
Posts: 299
   Old Thread  #80 14 May 2022 at 1.49am  0  Login    Register
I recently caught a 680lb giant bluefin tuna on an eight foot one piece rod. Does it count? Or not credible due to rod length being unmatched to size of venue (the Atlantic, which is a fair few acres.)
Richpp1989
Posts: 2074
Richpp1989
   Old Thread  #79 13 May 2022 at 9.15pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #76
Completely agree with this mate 👍
noj
Posts: 11459
Social photographer...
   Old Thread  #78 13 May 2022 at 12.53pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #74
The first carp rod was 10’ wasn’t it?
Again, it’s not so much what these 6 footers do once on the bank. It’s the getting there in the first place that’s much easier. When I was travelling I had multi piece fly and spinning rods but if I needed to catch some dinner or bait in a hurry or wasn’t really meant to be fishing I’d use a sawn off
Mitchawl
Posts: 184
Mitchawl
   Old Thread  #77 13 May 2022 at 10.35am  0  Login    Register
I take the proverbial kitchen sink when I go, but that's ok because I can barrow it round my syndicate or drop into a swim next to the car. I use my 12ft setup there because some spots are 120+.

Fishing a much, much smaller club lake at the minute which is days only - I've gone back to my 10ft dwarf & backpack setup. It's incredible how much I can scale down if I need to.

It's all an each to their own thing. I would rather, when the lake I'm fishing permits, take everything I could possibly need (normally with more backup stuff in the car).
Bivvybug
Posts: 2427
Bivvybug
   Old Thread  #76 13 May 2022 at 9.31am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #75
As you said 10fts are great it all depends what size water your on 6fts are great for a puddle or the canal 10fts for medium waters 12fts or 13fts for bigger waters I wouldn’t want to use 6 or 10s on a 90 acre lake so I think there’s no set size as I said all depends what waters you fish so really if you can afford it have different set ups
It’s really good using 6fts with the 30 inch net small bag mat and chair
Richpp1989
Posts: 2074
Richpp1989
   Old Thread  #75 13 May 2022 at 8.14am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #74
I love my 10ft rods in fact my 12fts cost twice as much but haven’t been out on the bank for over a year now, tbh though it’s more because On my syndicate the spook very easily so I like to not have my rod tips hanging over the water plus some of the swims are tight so I like the 10fts for more ease and having them back away from the water.
Im 6ft 3 and it might look a little weird being tall using smaller rods but I absolutely love them, not turning this into a debate about smaller rods though because people can use what ever they like
scozza
Posts: 17859
   Old Thread  #74 13 May 2022 at 6.09am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #73
Bit of fun Jon

People can use whatever they like. Standard carp rods used to be 11 foot then they grew a foot or two, looks like they have lost a couple now with the latest trends. A lot of it is in peoples heads for me, or manufactures making people think they need them ££££££££££££

I could be stealth with 6 foot rod or a 13 footer, see if you can see me, better get out and do some “recon”
noj
Posts: 11459
Social photographer...
   Old Thread  #73 12 May 2022 at 11.49pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #69
You’re missing the point mate. It doesn’t matter the brand or if you think real men use 12ft rods (which is actually ridiculous ). While you’ll have some using them because it’s somehow ‘trendy’ and they have their limitations, the rod format will catch you fish. Which is what it’s all about
scozza
Posts: 17859
   Old Thread  #72 12 May 2022 at 9.21pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #70
For my ultralight 2 rod set up all my tackle and bait goes into a small fox pouch. 1 x tub of hook baits, sharpening stone, spare rigs in zip and seal bags and one spare leader, 4 leads, scissors, lighter, small forceps and few bits. Job done

2 rod aluminium buzz bars and alarms in a small Gardner case, Ruben microlight scales, catapult, camera. Hat and glasses. In the main compartment of a fox medium carryall, chest waders bit of free bait, without the waders weight virtually nothing!

I also have another set up with more gear, vulpine rucksack, small medium fox box, Rubens etc

Mr-Bean-Laden
Posts: 2219
Mr-Bean-Laden
   Old Thread  #71 12 May 2022 at 9.11pm  0  Login    Register
I really try and cut down but still take a car full for a weekend session.

My Powerporter is a game changer and I will NEVER go back. I pulled my back last year barrowing gear around before I had it, getting too old at 57
Bivvybug
Posts: 2427
Bivvybug
   Old Thread  #70 12 May 2022 at 9.05pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #68
So say 4.5 to under 5 kilo that’s the way to fish grab and go there’s really no need for loads of gear
scozza
Posts: 17859
   Old Thread  #69 12 May 2022 at 8.46pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #67
I had some 10 foot HiS (my dads bigger than yours lol) as a small water set up. Sold them, I will stick with some 12 foot real mens rods

I have a Shimano 5 piece 7 or 9 foot travel spinning rod, nice tool. Also a fox 5 piece 12 foot floater special. I can see the benefit of these for travelling, saving an extra 2 foot when I fish a variety of waters, I cannot
dickweed
Posts: 1204
dickweed
   Old Thread  #68 12 May 2022 at 8.40pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #65
add on another 2 kilo or so.
noj
Posts: 11459
Social photographer...
   Old Thread  #67 12 May 2022 at 8.25pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #59
You may joke scozza. But 100% guaranteed you’ll catch fish in your lifetime you either wouldn’t have or would have been difficult to catch if you have a sawn off or two. Brilliant holiday rods for spinning and live baiting, pike whatever. Not necessarily Nash, sonik do one. They do an 8’ 2.5 that packs up to suitcase size too. That actually feels nicer than the normal scope rip off they sell
Spen89
Posts: 495
Spen89
   Old Thread  #66 12 May 2022 at 8.11pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #65
142.5kg if the Stella, white lightning and bait guesstimates are Bob on. Easy peasy
Bivvybug
Posts: 2427
Bivvybug
   Old Thread  #65 12 May 2022 at 7.43pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #64
What does it weigh with bait and food and no buckets
dickweed
Posts: 1204
dickweed
   Old Thread  #64 12 May 2022 at 7.38pm  0  Login    Register
20 kg of white lightning UNCUT.
Nick
Posts: 7129
Nick
   Old Thread  #63 12 May 2022 at 7.17pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #62
and 30kg of stella.....
BlankasorusRex
Posts: 5249
BlankasorusRex
   Old Thread  #62 12 May 2022 at 6.19pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #60
90kg of bait though.
snapper1
Posts: 3101
snapper1
   Old Thread  #61 12 May 2022 at 4.44pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #60
F that's good
dickweed
Posts: 1204
dickweed
   Old Thread  #60 12 May 2022 at 4.35pm  0  Login    Register
Weighed my carryall fully loaded for a day or night session.

Total weight before food drink and bait is 2.5 kg.

Pegs, scales everything I need all in there. No additional buckets.
scozza
Posts: 17859
   Old Thread  #59 10 May 2022 at 9.40pm  2  Login    Register
In reply to Post #54
Corsa, couple of sawn offs, bit of black ops and a touch of Dr Dre (which I dont mind the latter myself), deffo Carpy

I would stick to the Passat at your age, deffo lay off the sawn offs

Da, da, da, da, It's the mother****in black ops crew
BlankasorusRex
Posts: 5249
BlankasorusRex
   Old Thread  #58 10 May 2022 at 6.59pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #57
No but I’m prepared to attack it with a few rattle cans and put a No Fear sticker in the window if required.
snapper1
Posts: 3101
snapper1
   Old Thread  #57 10 May 2022 at 6.47pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #54
Is the corsa green
BlankasorusRex
Posts: 5249
BlankasorusRex
   Old Thread  #56 10 May 2022 at 6.26pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #55
Amateur. If you was really Carpy you’d eat off the angle grinder.
500kg
Posts: 157
   Old Thread  #55 10 May 2022 at 5.59pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #43
I cut my titanium spoon in half with an angle grinder to save 0.5 grams.
BlankasorusRex
Posts: 5249
BlankasorusRex
   Old Thread  #54 10 May 2022 at 5.49pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #52
I don’t own a corsa. But my sons partner does. I believe it’s going to up for sale soon. I wasn’t considering it. But if it’s going to make me Carpy. Do you think I should make an offer. I am a 50 year old short fat bloke so I’m not sure if that should affect my decision.

Appreciate any advice. As long as it’s not eat less you fat c@@t. I hear that enough from my Mrs.
snapper1
Posts: 3101
snapper1
   Old Thread  #53 10 May 2022 at 4.38pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #45
Haven't done a night 4 a year, still caught well, it amazes me the amount of waters I go to where there night feeders, time after time thay feed all around the clock, just gota work , carping can be easy, make it
scozza
Posts: 17859
   Old Thread  #52 10 May 2022 at 3.53pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #43
Spot on

And saving on the weight of around 6 foot of carbon for 3 rods makes all the difference, probably one of those trendy “carpy” things unless you are fishing exceptionally tight swims or out of the back of a Corsa with the beat box belting out
dickweed
Posts: 1204
dickweed
   Old Thread  #51 10 May 2022 at 3.45pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #50
The thing is, you add a bucket, then a stove, then you need a cook bag, then this and that, and before you know it you need to add a barrow.

Andydave
Posts: 840
   Old Thread  #50 10 May 2022 at 2.09pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #46
What exactly do you need to prepare?? But of grub isnt exactly a chore, if you have most things terminal tackle wise there isnt need to prepare anything. You might have an extra bag and a bucket, we talking negligible amount of time in the grand scheme of things in an overnight situation. If you get your rods out first, and wind them in last I cant see a difference
Bivvybug
Posts: 2427
Bivvybug
   Old Thread  #49 10 May 2022 at 1.36pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #46
Totally agree no need for all this gear but to go light you have to be ruthless cutting gear down if your ditching the barra then every ounce counts
Apps316
Posts: 2079
Apps316
   Old Thread  #48 10 May 2022 at 12.55pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #46
My thoughts exactly. I don't want it to be a chore every time I go and that time can be spent more productively. I'm going to have another go at scaling back a bit at a time and see how I get on.
wandle1
Posts: 7277
wandle1
   Old Thread  #47 10 May 2022 at 12.41pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #46
Exactly..and not lazy..
dickweed
Posts: 1204
dickweed
   Old Thread  #46 10 May 2022 at 12.12pm  1  Login    Register
Taking less gear means less time preparing for a trip, loading and unloading the car, loading up a barrow, setting up a barrow. Squeezing all the gear into the car.

So much easier or maybe I am just lazy.
DarthMullet
Posts: 299
   Old Thread  #45 10 May 2022 at 10.23am  1  Login    Register
I found that doing shorter trips with less kit improves one's angling skills... More time pressure to force a result, less options to observe and move, fish for a bite at a time, use rigs/baits that you know work and are confident in, then concentrate on watercraft and location, ironically spending more time on those aspects... Efficiency is all a part of it...
Belch
Posts: 4132
Belch
MODERATOR
   Old Thread  #44 10 May 2022 at 10.22am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
Get a power barrow - negate the cutting back and take what you do already! (plus more bait)
hyperloop
Posts: 2792
hyperloop
   Old Thread  #43 10 May 2022 at 10.14am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #42
I think we get a bit carried away with taking the minimum these days. Overnighters are about efficiency and making things easy for yourself imo… as others have said, if it’s on a barrow the weight makes little difference as long as you’re not taking 50 leads etc.. Fair enough for those that don’t use one, but I’d rather get up 30 seconds earlier than carry my gear around the lake. What if you need to move or the fish are as far from the car park as possible?

I definitely don’t understand this obsession with short rods. How does a 2 or 3 ft difference benefit anyone? If anything they take more time to assemble/disassemble and must prove limiting in some situations.

On the barrow I take a water bottle, cool bag, bucket, mat/sling, tempest brolly that I throw up without any pegs where possible, 3 rods in a quiver and a Spod/marker rod just incase. Again, I’d rather have it available for the sake of 2 seconds putting one extra rod on a barrow. Rucksack on my back with camera inside and we’re good to go.
snapper1
Posts: 3101
snapper1
   Old Thread  #42 10 May 2022 at 8.48am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #41
Yes
Doing_a_brew
Posts: 3022
Doing_a_brew
   Old Thread  #41 10 May 2022 at 8.34am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #25
Don’t be silly. You’re not a proper angler unless you can carry all your kit for a 3 week session, use the same teabag 8 times, sleep on an uncomfortable bed and only use 28 grams of bait per session. Why would you want more than that, you’re fishing a 1000 acre lake with 3 fish in for one run every 2 seasons aren’t you? If not, you should be - Proper fishing’ that is. How dare you fish heavily stocked lakes and use a few kilos of bait.

500kg
Posts: 157
   Old Thread  #40 10 May 2022 at 7.33am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #36
That's the thing though, my approach has never been to scale down my gear over time on a single lake. In fact, I usually added more stuff over time as the lake or fish dictated that I needed it. The key to me was always to develop a basic game plan based around as few components as possible that I could initially take to any lake. I did this because I thought if I removed a lot of decisions in my fishing then I would make less mistakes. Granted I might lose out on a few opportunities because I don't have certain gear but I'm prepared to live with that. I must say that I did deviate from this basic game plan but the important thing is that any deviations were made because observations of the lake or the fish dictated that I changed something, not because I just felt like trying something different for no good reason.
scozza
Posts: 17859
   Old Thread  #39 10 May 2022 at 6.21am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #33
Similar thoughts to me. If I am carrying then it’s absolute minimal gear. Barrowing, I take a few more of what I call luxury items, proper shelter, brew kit etc. Either case though, minimal gear, personally I hate having loads of crap with me, started out with minimal gear and that’s how I have always preferred it. Anybody going camping for for 3, 4, 5 days etc I can understand it, even so I wouldn’t have much more than the essentials myself.

Ultimately I think we all taylor our gear around the venue or sessions that we are fishing
Hardy1973
Posts: 351
Hardy1973
   Old Thread  #38 9 May 2022 at 11.10pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #37
I use small buckets too, as I like to add liquid and other bits to my boilies and using freezer bags doesn't cut it.
Apps316
Posts: 2079
Apps316
   Old Thread  #37 9 May 2022 at 10.52pm  0  Login    Register
The buckets people have assumed are big. They are not, they are actually a small 2.5L size I just don't want to mix all bait in the same bucket and like to have a few options. One thing I won't compromise on is the bait options, as I've been fishing long enough to tell you it's caught me fish when I wouldn't have at times I'm sure.
mark1009
Posts: 4553
   Old Thread  #36 9 May 2022 at 10.20pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #35
I suppose it's easier to take the bare essentials of you are fishing the same lake on a regular and frequent basis. You know what works and probably. know the spots. So no marker kit. You know what size lead needed. Which bait etc. Not everyone is in that position unfortunately.
500kg
Posts: 157
   Old Thread  #35 9 May 2022 at 9.41pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #33
It helps to simplify your fishing so that you can concentrate on the important stuff rather than what colour plastic sweetcorn to use . The weight saving is the secondary benefit rather than the primary benefit.
sundance
Posts: 6761
sundance
   Old Thread  #34 9 May 2022 at 9.28pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #33
Last 12 or so years I've only done 2 48 hour sessions.
Other than that it's about 20 hours.

Everything I do is to.minimise setup and packdown time.
Eg. My defiant pod is not light. But with everything already on there. Its setup in a flash.
Andydave
Posts: 840
   Old Thread  #33 9 May 2022 at 8.47pm  0  Login    Register
What are the advantages of scaling everything down when doing an overnighter?? Obviously if you haven't got or dont use a barrow then potentially I can understand, but for most people they either have a barrow or the car park is never that far away I just dont see the point. But as you say horses for courses
scozza
Posts: 17859
   Old Thread  #32 9 May 2022 at 8.37pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #15
That’s light. Better go back home and get some reels, I would also ditch the quick drag washers too, great weight saving

sundance
Posts: 6761
sundance
   Old Thread  #31 9 May 2022 at 8.27pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #29
I've had a powerporter for years. Though originally it was bought when I had to take 2 peoples kit and later 3.

Now I mostly go alone but I still only take what I will need.
You still have to lift it and its likes to tip.
Mozzi
Posts: 1900
Mozzi
   Old Thread  #30 9 May 2022 at 8.26pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #22
How long you’ve been fishing has nothing to do it. I fish circles round the old boys in my syndicates and get out to shame myself by a lad who’s only done it for 6 years.

I use a small bucket for dry stuff, one for fish care, one for whatever perishable bait I’m using.

Freezer bags of bait are asking for trouble on some of the waters I’ve fished. Two goats saw a guy robbed of not only a take away but a packet or two of boilies as well
Bivvybug
Posts: 2427
Bivvybug
   Old Thread  #29 9 May 2022 at 8.09pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #24
Scaling down to me and others on here is not using a barra if using a barra there’s really no need cutting back on leads and other bits the weight soon goes down when using a rucksack or carryall every oz counts as I said in earlier post a mate does it really well I’ve spoke to a lot of people who don’t want to use a barra anymore so there looking to cut down so there able to carry it
These companies are making gear for this purpose scopes xtractors quickdraw ta and others but if want to use a barra it’s your choice so no need to cut back
wandle1
Posts: 7277
wandle1
   Old Thread  #28 9 May 2022 at 6.20pm  0  Login    Register
A lot of people who take a lot of kit ,and it's up to them for sure,do so as it's a psychological helper,it could be construed as the more kit I take ,the better I am ,I'm now going to catch lots and lots of fish because I have the latest ,greatest the best kit ..and even if I don't catch anything ,I can be a sheeple,..yes,sat and surrounded by a years wages, worth of kit..

I can buy my way to success, get a sponsorship, get loads of likes on Instagram,...and give it up next year,or at least until the next cool ,mega hobby comes along ..

Carp angling is many ,many things to many people ,the one saying that comes to mind is ,in some cases not all

All the gear,no idea...lol...

You don't need loads of kit to catch a few fish..its a modern day phenomenon, people ,possibly I feel are so focused on other visual aspects,of how they are perceived by others ,that indeed it may be argued ,the whole philosophy of angling has been lost in process..

noj
Posts: 11459
Social photographer...
   Old Thread  #27 9 May 2022 at 6.12pm  0  Login    Register
Used to do 24 and 48 hours getting a train carrying the gear.… with enough good weed and dark chocolate digestives I could probably have stayed for a month
Never owned a barrow, may need one if I take the kids. Even then I’d be reluctant and bust a bollock a few times before caving in
dickweed
Posts: 1204
dickweed
   Old Thread  #26 9 May 2022 at 6.02pm  0  Login    Register
It’s an individual thing but for me taking next to nothing makes the process so much easier.

framey
Posts: 4907
framey
   Old Thread  #25 9 May 2022 at 5.58pm  2  Login    Register
In reply to Post #24
Fishing is whatever you want it to be
Minimal go for it
Everything including the sink .. go for it
Somewhere in between … go for it
Leonparadise89
Posts: 72
   Old Thread  #24 9 May 2022 at 5.36pm  0  Login    Register
I think a lot of people now days have gone abit overboard with this scaling down, only taking 3 leds with others in the car for back up, only taking a certain amount of water to make a specific amount of drinks. Obviously if your getting down the lake after work and leaving at 6-7 am fair enough but generally if it fits on the barrow and in the rucksack just take it with you, what difference is it taking a few more leds than having to wind in all 3 rods and walk back to the car if you need another, fishing for me is my hobby I find it fun, this whole treating it like a military operation ain’t for me. Iv got mates who take far more kit that I ever do but everything I need is generally on the barrow and in the rucksack, what’s the difference between 1 2 or even 3 buckets on the barrow?
kells
Posts: 5536
kells
   Old Thread  #23 9 May 2022 at 5.06pm  1  Login    Register
I think us Carp anglers as a general rule have lost sight of the purity of this gentle past time we call angling. If you asked most non anglers to paint a picture in there mind of what angling is. They'd more then likely picture a guy with rod in one hand net in the other in a poncho with a bag slung over one shoulder. In reality this is all you will ever need. As carp anglers we have become to bogged down with paraphernalia making us to comfortable and less efficient.

Over the years ( I only generally fish days ) my tackle has got less and more compact. Shorter rods. Smaller reels. Less bulky bite alarms, ally banksticks. Smaller rucksack containing me tackle box, alarms banksticks, bait, catapult, scales and sling, small towel, binos, light weight waterproofs for if it rains. Food for the day, drink or a flask. With a small compact unhooking matt strapped to the top. Me rods ( two ) are strapped together with a two piece landing net. Dont generally these days take a camera. Not really fussed with pictures. Might take a mat shot with me camera phone. Or for special ones i have a tripod for selftakes slipped in the bag of my Avid collapsible low chair my only real luxury. This can all easily be carried. And due to the fact there not a lot of it I'm ultra mobile. I've never fished as well since I cut down on kit. Do it Ladys and gents. Its liberating..
Bivvybug
Posts: 2427
Bivvybug
   Old Thread  #22 9 May 2022 at 1.48pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #18
Sorry mate do you really need 3 buckets I’ve been carping nearly 40 years never use one only time over the years when spodding and that’s only on big waters maybe 4 times a season but as I said I use freezer bags you won’t cut down unless you ditch the buckets or at least as said cut down on amount put boilies in freezer bag and put all bait in one and what is weighing your rucksack down so much
tazi
Posts: 4813
tazi
   Old Thread  #21 9 May 2022 at 1.22pm  0  Login    Register
Give armyandy a bell….
framey
Posts: 4907
framey
   Old Thread  #20 9 May 2022 at 1.12pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #18
Can still get that down to 1 bucket just freezer bag each of the items and cut idown on the amount just keep spare in the motor just in case ..
Frenzy
Posts: 11403
Frenzy
   Old Thread  #19 9 May 2022 at 12.47pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
That lot would do me for week

Apps316
Posts: 2079
Apps316
   Old Thread  #18 9 May 2022 at 12.29pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #10
The 3 buckets all had different bait in. Boilies in one, particle in other and one with groundbait and liquid in.
snapper1
Posts: 3101
snapper1
   Old Thread  #17 9 May 2022 at 12.15pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #16
Nash does bog roll, it's been tested 4 3years and all the field testers got the runs
Mozzi
Posts: 1900
Mozzi
   Old Thread  #16 9 May 2022 at 11.31am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #10
I'm sorry but I've learnt never to skimp on the butt wipage. cushelle ultra quilted for my bulleye cheers :D
navybloke
Posts: 92
navybloke
   Old Thread  #15 9 May 2022 at 10.45am  0  Login    Register
An interesting thread, this. As someone below said - if it all fits on the barrow, what's the problem? That said, it ties in nicely with my own push to be as efficient as possible. 'Efficient' doesn't always equal 'minimalist' - I'm lucky enough to have the option of multiple different waters close enough for quick overnighters, and they are very different. Some swims are nice grass, some are rock-hard stones, some are wooden stands. Some venues are under-the-rod-tip traps, some are far margin or open water. My gear, permanently in the boot of the car:

FOX Flatliner bedchair with Big Snooze plus cover - very comfy, and can sleep just under the cover on a warm night.
Avid brolly - nice and light, plus pretty robust.
Leeda Profil boat seat - does the job of a bedchair buddy, and weighs ounces.
Sonik 10ft 3.25lb x2 in sleeves. The pocket on each sleeve has one heli leader, one drop off solid bag leader and a couple of backleads. The mainline just has a big loop in the end.
Sonik 8ft 2.75 x2 in sleeves. My canal rods.
Sonik xtractor net - telescopes down nice and small.
Sonik folding mat - I know, Sonik groupie, but the mat does fold nice and small and the bag has folding sling, collapsible bucket, forceps, scales, carp care kit.
Sonik rucksack - alarms, bars, banksticks, the usual, plus food bag (standard bankside meal is a tin of tuna plus a packet of quick cook rice, with one from the selection of hot sauces. Tub of porridge for breakfast). Efficient doesn't mean eating badly on the bank.
Full brew kit - because efficient also doesn't mean that I'll compromise on the pleasure of having a proper coffee in the morning before pack-up.
One or two buckets - one bucket is my 'solid bag' bucket, one is my boilie bucket. Together, they give me shedloads of options.
Small tripod and phone bracket for self takes (I still feel pretty stupid saying 'shoot' to my phone in the middle of the night!)

All in all, not the lightest set up, but comfortable, efficient and - importantly - lets me fish a variety of swims with a variety of techniques. I wonder if the drive towards minimalism limits swim choice and response to the tactical situation before you even leave the house?
Westmidsmoaner
Posts: 172
Westmidsmoaner
   Old Thread  #14 9 May 2022 at 10.38am  0  Login    Register
I like oz holness approach to scaling down kit ..

Literally minimal
wandle1
Posts: 7277
wandle1
   Old Thread  #13 9 May 2022 at 10.23am  0  Login    Register
'The more you know , the less you carry'

A bag ,for a bag ,for a bag that's where I see people going awry with trying to be minimal .

Buckets,are the first thing to go ,I've just done a double nighter,my mate Will,is a chef ,he's a master at minimal,so turns up last night,7pm...does the night,coupla rattlers,mini bbq,...gone at 7am,to cook early breakfasts ,12 hr days then back down the lake..

His biggest edge is his van ,wheels the lot straight in..gone!!..
Bivvybug
Posts: 2427
Bivvybug
   Old Thread  #12 9 May 2022 at 8.56am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #11
Ya I remember in the 80s one swim we fished had to walk through gravel work and walk up big heap of gravel like a hill and have to be very careful going down very steep one day I fell and went tumbling down while rucksack on and holding all the gear
Wanted to add me and friend have competition who can go the lightest he is a
Master of it he has carryall weighs for night under 3 kilo I’ve tried an tried I can’t get under 5 kilo
Rods tempest net he carriers in mat
Bedchair bag inside that’s it and he catches a lot of fish
snapper1
Posts: 3101
snapper1
   Old Thread  #11 9 May 2022 at 8.44am  0  Login    Register
Remember the old days, rucksack bed chair and rod bag,

OK we got 2 the swim fooked half dead and in need of a jump start but we got there, , good old days, no thay were *****
Bivvybug
Posts: 2427
Bivvybug
   Old Thread  #10 9 May 2022 at 8.30am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #9
I don’t get this 3 buckets I only take a bucket if spodding
boiiles are in zip freezer bags with made up pva bags with pellets in another
Korda basic box 5 leads inside
Catapult
Towel
Hat
3 half size pots pop ups
Buzzers sticks ect
Wet wipes pk of paper hanky’s instead of toilet roll
Small head torch
Korda zip pouch for zig floats ect
Palm size radio
Flask for day
I think that’s it as I’ve said before I just can’t understand why people take so much gear this 40 leads and bags inside bags look Alfie Russel vids see how he goes
500kg
Posts: 157
   Old Thread  #9 9 May 2022 at 7.49am  0  Login    Register
If you truly want to cut down on gear then you need to simplify your approach to fishing, the gear takes care of itself if you do that. For a start off, do you really need three buckets and a rucksack worth of stuff for an overnighter?
Bivvybug
Posts: 2427
Bivvybug
   Old Thread  #8 9 May 2022 at 7.27am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
I change to Korda basic tackle box for good reason it takes a few leads and has a rig board it takes all my

terminal bits as well I put leaders in packets in it it’s much better than the tackle safe I had before take a look at one like me you probably be able to get everything in it I also bought the RM brew kit tea sugar


coffee all goes inside the mug also got a jetboil zip gas goes inside so just 2 things to make tea or warm up meal
for a day session I take a flask with boiling water and the Nescafé 3 in 1 sachets there’s lots of ways to cut down best go through the gear a make a box up to stay in car with everything in in then take out the bits you need for session
snapper1
Posts: 3101
snapper1
   Old Thread  #7 9 May 2022 at 7.10am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
Maybe on overnighter don't take marker and spod rod, I like the better barrow and lighter tent option
Mozzi
Posts: 1900
Mozzi
   Old Thread  #6 9 May 2022 at 4.14am  0  Login    Register
Glenn nails it for me, \i reduce my gear once I deduce what my best options are for the lake i'm fishing.

heh, little rhyme, deduce to reduce, by goose
scott88m14
Posts: 90
   Old Thread  #5 9 May 2022 at 0.05am  0  Login    Register
This isn't cutting down the kit but a massive improvement in my fishing has came from buying a better barrow.
I had the cygnet sniper barrow and it was ok for a small barrow but I used a fox explorer deluxe and the difference was crazy, after that session I had to buy one. Now I can load all of my gear on the barrow and due to the barrow having a front bar to put a holdall (s) or a bedchair over the front wheel it really reduces the weight you have to lift when using the barrow.

Now if I see fish in another swim I don't have to hesitate, I can just get on the move without too much procrastinating due to weight putting me off.
BlankasorusRex
Posts: 5249
BlankasorusRex
   Old Thread  #4 8 May 2022 at 10.22pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
Switch the tempest for a light weight brolly or low pro type shelter. You can always leave an overwrap in the car if the weather turns.
Remove a load of leads if you are carrying them and leave them in the car.
As previously mentioned ditch any stainless for Ali or Carbon. Clear out unwanted stuff for your particular water, for example if you are carrying stage stands but your current water has no sleepers, leave them at home. Same goes for things like extra long sticks for waters where you might need to have the rods out in the water if you dont need them for where you currently fish.
I only carry four bank sticks, and a camera stick.
I always carry my spod and marker in separate sleeves. If im doing and overnighter after work then theres no way im using a marker or a spod, so I leave them at home. Saves carrying them when i know im not gonna use them.
If you are the sort of person who makes up a rig box at home, then leave all the spools and crimping tools and sixty packets of hooks etc at home.
Unless you drink a crazy amount of tea on your own in one night, cut down on the water you carry. Only half filling your water container could save you 3 kilos straight off.

I find a rucksack on my back makes the push to the swim much easier than putting the rucksack on the barrow which ive seen a lot of guys doing.
Andydave
Posts: 840
   Old Thread  #3 8 May 2022 at 10.16pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
If it all fits on a barrow then what's the problem?? I mean you're not realistically going to be moving swim to swim in the middle of the night.
OatcakeFred
Posts: 1377
OatcakeFred
   Old Thread  #2 8 May 2022 at 10.05pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
It looks a lot when you list it out like that, but it's pretty much as trimmed down as you can be. I'm always looking at ways to trim back the weight. Recently bought some lightweight aluminium banksticks/buzz bars and ditched the stainless ones. Also ditched bait buckets, just ram everything in my carryall (unless using particles). You can also get lightweight bivvies (Fox Easy Shelter & Wychwood Tactical Compact for example). Some guys also use them camping beds instead of bedchairs, weigh about 3Kg but no storage space underneath.

Like I said, there are ways of making it lighter, but it's a pretty trimmed down setup.
Apps316
Posts: 2079
Apps316
   Old Thread  #1 8 May 2022 at 9.26pm  0  Login    Register
Back from a session today and enjoyed it but still found I've been taking far too much with me.

This is what a took for an overnighter

Tempest brolly
Avid bedchair (Benchmark lite)
ESP Quickdraw - jammed packed full and too heavy really - including buzz bars banksticks and alarms on the sides - not ideal as they move about a lot but I love the rucksack
Cult tackle holdall - 3 x 10ft rods + spod/marker (didn't use that but sometimes do) a few banksticks one for self takes
Sonik cradle - inside are scales weighing sling and calaspable bucket and carp care kit
Bedchair buddy - needed for my lower back pain
RM square bucket with hookbaits / some tackle / zig bits catapult etc
small thermos coolbag
JRC Barrow
Waders
2 x bait buckets

No cooking equipment or kettle was taken which is concerning!!

Does that seem a lot, anyone else managed to cut right back?
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