The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Having suggested a Leeds with friction (silent) check,I've now changed my mind.The SOUND and SPEED of the check when Mr Carp is pulling your string is an excellent indicator.Grayling is right on the money.

I always hold my rod when stalking - never in a rest - so the ratchet does not need to be on. Although it may be on a windy day to stop tangles.

My fish are played by the palm of my left hand and the thumb of my right hand, both putting pressure on the spool!

My ratchet, lighty adjusted on a G&Y ARS, is always on when stalking carp.
Confession time! On a stiflingly hot summers afternoon I will occasionally lie down outstretched with my legs crossed, rod lying in the vee of my feet and reel resting in the open palm of my right hand, 'resting my eyes' under a suitably tipped hat with a crust presented directly under the rod tip. Carp will either prick themselves and provide a great alarm clock of panic or steal the bread and leave me dreaming I highly recommend it gentlemen

Ian.R.McDonald wrote: ↑Thu Mar 24, 2022 10:59 am I would suggest that the scream of the rachet at speed is most crucial. The sound of the first run out of the margins is why I do it!

I can't bear it tbh, I keep it off!

Just how my first double was caught Liphook! Great sport.

I am happy stalking for carp with my JW Young Rapidex.
Had them over 15 kg using the Rapidex.

That's a big carp to catch while stalking!

Hope I don't get into trouble but to me on this wonderful forum where we all talk about old gear and the old days etc, could we not talk about fish weights in lbs and oz's and not kgs.?

Possibly our Dutch friends don't remember imperial weights.
'Whatever his weight in pounds, shillings and ounces,
He always seems bigger because of his bounces.' (Winnie the Pooh, about Tigger)

Aye aye! Wots a Kg any way? 2lb and a bit of something! We now have the opportunity to use lb/oz! A 9kg pike does not sound as good as a 20lber or 0.9kg - a 2lb roach!