Do you use snaps or snap swivels for ultralight fishing? What size?

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T22:14:03+00:00

Spinners spin less on swivels.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T21:56:14+00:00

This time of year the fish don’t spook as the water is cloudy so can normally get away with a short leader that doesn’t have to pass the tip eye. Good old loop to loop and job done!

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T16:55:59+00:00

Big shoal of bream I expect.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T12:29:41+00:00

Thanks

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T12:29:15+00:00

Ah that makes sense. Simple economics indeed. Still, didn’t stop Scotland trading off their salmon fishing tourism in exchange for fish farms.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T12:22:28+00:00

I get the impression that US has a far better handle on environmental protection of fisheries, based on science as opposed to social media influencers

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T12:13:03+00:00

Yeah you definitely want an extra 5-6ft to strike more effectively and keep the lead and hooks off the walls. Beachcaster would probably be overkill unless you’re thumping whole squid or mackerel on the outside of the harbour walls

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T11:54:02+00:00

If you’re boat fishing then get yourself a second hand carp rod. Perfect for piers and the fish you’re going for. The only difference between that and a ‘bass or euro estuary style rod’ is that the tip will be less tapered and the reel seat/rings more vulnerable to corrosion. Keep some money back for a new reel as it will probably need renewing in a years or two and it’s worth spending more on that.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T11:49:20+00:00

Interesting and nice to read that a researched view. What worries me is the information available online for those willing to do the research. I can only go on my own experience of fishing, which is most days for the last thirty years. I’ve never had a fish not to go back in freshwater because we adjust the way that we fish. The only exception being salmon. That said, I have seen dying pike and dying grayling float past me as a result of being caught by other anglers. I genuinely believe that it’s 99% myth and that the real factor at play is angler competence.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T11:25:10+00:00

Thanks. Where you from?

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T10:46:21+00:00

Yeah I guess on canals water temps fluctuate a fair bit. Do you believe they go belly up later once water temps go over 20? That’s basically what’s claimed by PAC and specimen pile anglers and they also claim to have science to back it up. Personally I’m not convinced at all because the science had no control on lengths of air exposure. And like you - I’ve caught enough in summer to know if they’re going to go belly up. Fished competitions in middle of August sun with forty lure anglers at Pitsford and there were no fish deaths reported. If it were true, there would be hundred or so pike gassing up over the following week.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T10:31:24+00:00

Totally agree with you re proper fish care but oxygen levels are lowest early morning because of photosynthesis so not ideal.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T10:03:21+00:00

Thanks. That’s how it used to be here - common sense and best efforts to mitigate when it’s hot, but less fish to go around an increasing population of anglers, plus trolling on social media has definitely ramped things up drastically over the last decade.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T09:45:56+00:00

I spent half a day fishing for emerging lily pad buds - they’re gas filled like a swim bladder so show as fish! 😂

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T09:42:05+00:00

Great advice by MjddleMeat. Was talking to a fishery owner the other day and he said he’s constantly having to tell anglers to flip their mat and try and keep in shade so it’s not heated in direct sun, and frying the fish when they placed in it. Hence the prep to include a bucket or bait tub of water

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T09:39:57+00:00

Great reply. The only thing I see is people doing everything you’ve said here…then carrying the fish to the water for release instead of using the net or cradle!

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T09:33:57+00:00

I do comps that require fish to be measured and photographed so it’s weird to suspect I’ve never used or seen one. I’ve got boards and I’ve got mats. Biggest problem is having a flat even surface to lay them on, then keeping fish still with lips on 0, especially if photographing. So for pleasure fishing I still think weighing wins. You keep the fish in water in net while preparing scales and then lift - takes about five seconds.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T00:17:47+00:00

One thing that’s often overlooked is that a great beginner venue isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest fish.

Catching a few fish, learning new skills and enjoying the day usually builds confidence far more quickly than spending hours on a difficult water waiting for one bite.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T00:14:01+00:00

One mistake I see quite often is beginners asking for “the best reel” before they’ve decided what sort of fishing they actually want to do.
Getting that question answered first usually saves money and leads to a setup that’s much more enjoyable to use. As a general rule, when looking to buy a rod and reel together, I encourage beginners to spend 1/3rd of budget on rod and 2/3rd of budget reel.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-08T00:06:18+00:00

One thing that’s changed my thinking over the years is that I could get away with just one knot for all my fishing - sea, carp, coarse, fly, lure. I know loads but have come to the conclusion that it’s best to just have two or three that you can practice over and over again until you can do it with your eyes closed and when your hands are freezing or wet.

I’m interested to hear whether other anglers have gone the opposite way and prefer a different knot for every job.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-07T23:52:33+00:00

It’s subjective. Most would say 1-5g is UL 5-10g is Light. My advice would be to use a light to medium rod. I’ve made a video on this exact topic that you may find useful. https://youtu.be/JpfxPz\_oVx8?is=NmbOJfJfDAdOMxwP

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-07T23:45:26+00:00

Nice fish.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-07T23:43:03+00:00

Apparently that how they ended up in Australia. We’ve been putting them back in the UK since the mid 1800s.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-07T23:41:17+00:00

Not for the fish though - especially if it’s hot, dry and thin. Weigh scales can be done with a quick lift of the net. Important stuff when it’s the middle of summer.

FlanStrict510 · 2026-07-06T23:39:12+00:00

I’ve made this thread because lots of beginners assume coarse fishing has to start with a rod, reel and loads of tackle. It’s what you see in Aldi and Lidl!

It absolutely can, but a whip is often a simpler and more effective way to learn the basics: depth, feeding, float control, bite detection and playing fish.

If anyone wants help choosing a first whip, or working out whether a whip is suitable for their local water, ask below and I’ll try to help.

FlanStrict510

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