After lugging my barrow to the swim for an overnighter yesterday I thought this getting silly now!
There a re a few areas I can clearly cut back on but one I was thinking of was maybe ditching the rod holdall and just using single skins instead... does anyone else do this and find it any easier / less bulky?
Cheers
There a re a few areas I can clearly cut back on but one I was thinking of was maybe ditching the rod holdall and just using single skins instead... does anyone else do this and find it any easier / less bulky?
Cheers
Honestly i find single skins a bit of a kerfuffle. One rod bag that you have to open one zip to get all your rods out is simpler and faster.
Quivers as well, what a palaver they are. Having to have tonnes of straps and things to hold them together and you still catch the eyes on everything in a 20ft radius.
Cant beat a full rod bag, have you considered scaling down to smaller rods though?
Quivers as well, what a palaver they are. Having to have tonnes of straps and things to hold them together and you still catch the eyes on everything in a 20ft radius.
Cant beat a full rod bag, have you considered scaling down to smaller rods though?
In reply to Post #2
Exactly this, as unfashionable as a rodbag/holdall is these days, its my choice. I can't see the point of a quiver, once you are putting all the rods in separate skins, what a faff.
Exactly this, as unfashionable as a rodbag/holdall is these days, its my choice. I can't see the point of a quiver, once you are putting all the rods in separate skins, what a faff.
In reply to Post #1
Definitely easier imo, I have my banksticks etc in my carry all it's just 3 sleeves and a net sleeve, find it better on the barrow than a rod bag
Definitely easier imo, I have my banksticks etc in my carry all it's just 3 sleeves and a net sleeve, find it better on the barrow than a rod bag
2 rods, a net and a cut down trakker tempest all carried in a JRC euro zip mat.
Bed chair with sleeping bag inside.
Small carryall.
No other bags, no cooking gear.
Bed chair with sleeping bag inside.
Small carryall.
No other bags, no cooking gear.
In reply to Post #2
Agree,when my two plus one dies,I will be looking for a trad 12ft three rod, rod bag..I only want a pocket to put landing net,nothing else,if I can't find one will try and get one made..
Hopefully trad rod bags are still available, I've not looked
Agree,when my two plus one dies,I will be looking for a trad 12ft three rod, rod bag..I only want a pocket to put landing net,nothing else,if I can't find one will try and get one made..
Hopefully trad rod bags are still available, I've not looked
In reply to Post #1
However you decide to cut down your kit, it has to be comfortable on you to carry from car to swim.
Rucksack, Rod holdall, sling, or euro mat over shoulder and your chair of choice.
Been using yellow scaffold elastics, I found on site, recently to hold my rods and landing net/pole.
Free and effective!
Try not to get caught up in the vogue of bags for everything, IMHO just adds bulk and faffing about.
However you decide to cut down your kit, it has to be comfortable on you to carry from car to swim.
Rucksack, Rod holdall, sling, or euro mat over shoulder and your chair of choice.
Been using yellow scaffold elastics, I found on site, recently to hold my rods and landing net/pole.
Free and effective!
Try not to get caught up in the vogue of bags for everything, IMHO just adds bulk and faffing about.
In reply to Post #1
The thinking anglers sleeves and quiver sound like what you are after mate. Ive had loads of rod systems over time, mainly tri sleeves, and the thinking anglers with elasticated bottoms are spot on so far. Its a really light system. Takes a net and has a pocket that you can use for throwing stick etc. Iuse mine with 3 rods on one side and a spod/marker rod on the other. But will carry up to 6 rods if you are that way inclined. Alternatively, although padded, you can use shoes laces to tie the sleeves and net and handle together, although the quiver ways very little so not really a worthy weight saving
The thinking anglers sleeves and quiver sound like what you are after mate. Ive had loads of rod systems over time, mainly tri sleeves, and the thinking anglers with elasticated bottoms are spot on so far. Its a really light system. Takes a net and has a pocket that you can use for throwing stick etc. Iuse mine with 3 rods on one side and a spod/marker rod on the other. But will carry up to 6 rods if you are that way inclined. Alternatively, although padded, you can use shoes laces to tie the sleeves and net and handle together, although the quiver ways very little so not really a worthy weight saving
In reply to Post #1
No rod bag no sleves, corum quiver 4 me
No rod bag no sleves, corum quiver 4 me
In reply to Post #1
It's my cookware gear I've cut down. Used to take enough stuff for a week in France. Now it's just a ridgemonkey toaster stove , plate and a pairing knife .... quite liberating to what I used to take and the weight of it. Must of dropped at least 4kg
It's my cookware gear I've cut down. Used to take enough stuff for a week in France. Now it's just a ridgemonkey toaster stove , plate and a pairing knife .... quite liberating to what I used to take and the weight of it. Must of dropped at least 4kg
In reply to Post #8
Another vote for the thinking anglers
Another vote for the thinking anglers
I find moving swims easier when I leave the coffee maker and BBQ at home.
In reply to Post #12
Your joking Do people take coffee makers fishing ? I couldn't be bothered faffing around with bbqs either
Your joking Do people take coffee makers fishing ? I couldn't be bothered faffing around with bbqs either
I have the thinking anglers, fantastic bit of kit.
It holds
5 rods
Brolly
2 x Nets
Distance sticks
Storm poles
Throwing stick
And is smaller than my previous trakker 3 rod compact sleeve
It holds
5 rods
Brolly
2 x Nets
Distance sticks
Storm poles
Throwing stick
And is smaller than my previous trakker 3 rod compact sleeve
In reply to Post #11
TA quiver, collapsible net handle and net, 10ft rods w/ small reels, bank sticks, stormpoles, throwing sticking and retainer sling. Very light and compact package.
I've always seen my rods and reels as tools so I only use tip tops, I'm not bothered about potentially scratching them up by not using full sleeves.
TA quiver, collapsible net handle and net, 10ft rods w/ small reels, bank sticks, stormpoles, throwing sticking and retainer sling. Very light and compact package.
I've always seen my rods and reels as tools so I only use tip tops, I'm not bothered about potentially scratching them up by not using full sleeves.
In reply to Post #1
Take only what you need, and be absolutely ruthless with what you “might” need. Once you start fishing like this, it's quite liberating... Less crap, less clutter, less to think about; use rigs and baits that you know work for you, concentrate on watercraft and location, quick, easy, simple. All of my angling is now single nights, and ironically, it's improved me as an angler.
Take only what you need, and be absolutely ruthless with what you “might” need. Once you start fishing like this, it's quite liberating... Less crap, less clutter, less to think about; use rigs and baits that you know work for you, concentrate on watercraft and location, quick, easy, simple. All of my angling is now single nights, and ironically, it's improved me as an angler.
In reply to Post #15
The TA sleeves are as quick to use as tip tops, and help prevent the line getting snagged on anything. Had it a few time loading the car, the bail arm opening and line ending up everywhere.
The TA sleeves are as quick to use as tip tops, and help prevent the line getting snagged on anything. Had it a few time loading the car, the bail arm opening and line ending up everywhere.
In reply to Post #13
Mainly on my holiday waters around Skegness.
Mainly on my holiday waters around Skegness.
In reply to Post #1
I prefer a rod hold-all, I used to use 3 separate skins, but after turning up to the lake minus a net or weigh sling a few times, I use the rod hold-all now so I remember to take everything 😂😂
I prefer a rod hold-all, I used to use 3 separate skins, but after turning up to the lake minus a net or weigh sling a few times, I use the rod hold-all now so I remember to take everything 😂😂
In reply to Post #8
I did look at those... but I have 10ft rods!
I did look at those... but I have 10ft rods!
I have the Korda Compac 5 rod holdall. Really nice and compact (as the misspelt name suggests).
I carry
4 made up rods
2 landing net poles and landing nets
Distance sticks
2 storm rods
Floating weigh sling
Oh and 3 leads in the little pocket!
Easy to carry, handles in all the right places.
I carry
4 made up rods
2 landing net poles and landing nets
Distance sticks
2 storm rods
Floating weigh sling
Oh and 3 leads in the little pocket!
Easy to carry, handles in all the right places.
In reply to Post #21
Once upon a time I used to go fishing on a motorbike
A tube cable tied to the frame with my rods in and a rucksack
Used the crash helmet when it rained
But this was when we unhooked on the grass
These days I use a barrow, scope rods , fox easy plus and two nets
A stove, a mat
The secret is to not use bags for everything , just throw it in the barrow
Once upon a time I used to go fishing on a motorbike
A tube cable tied to the frame with my rods in and a rucksack
Used the crash helmet when it rained
But this was when we unhooked on the grass
These days I use a barrow, scope rods , fox easy plus and two nets
A stove, a mat
The secret is to not use bags for everything , just throw it in the barrow
In reply to Post #1
Could always use NGT Tip & Butt protectors without anything else?
Could always use NGT Tip & Butt protectors without anything else?
In reply to Post #1
I use singles for this exact reason mate. It is for sure less bulky. I don't use anything for the net, just wrap the mesh around the handle to hold it all together.
Tip tops and reel case is even less bulk but I kept coming close to damaging the rods during loading/unloading so went back to singles.
One thing it doesn't really save you is time. All the options take precious minutes to pack away. This will seem negligible to most but anyone that does work overnighters will know that those minutes can count when it's time to run during bite time
I use singles for this exact reason mate. It is for sure less bulky. I don't use anything for the net, just wrap the mesh around the handle to hold it all together.
Tip tops and reel case is even less bulk but I kept coming close to damaging the rods during loading/unloading so went back to singles.
One thing it doesn't really save you is time. All the options take precious minutes to pack away. This will seem negligible to most but anyone that does work overnighters will know that those minutes can count when it's time to run during bite time
In reply to Post #1
TA quiver 3 rods and a net
TA backpack
bivvy if its going to rain
bed with bag folded in it
thats me for a 24/48 with the addition of a small bag for my scran.
TA quiver 3 rods and a net
TA backpack
bivvy if its going to rain
bed with bag folded in it
thats me for a 24/48 with the addition of a small bag for my scran.
In reply to Post #1
I've just swapped from single skins to a 3 rod bag. 3 rods, landing net, bank sticks, throwing stick, sling, Brolly now all fit in as one item. quicker and easier to get in/out of the car, or on/off the barrow. It might be a little heavier but it's negligible.
I've just swapped from single skins to a 3 rod bag. 3 rods, landing net, bank sticks, throwing stick, sling, Brolly now all fit in as one item. quicker and easier to get in/out of the car, or on/off the barrow. It might be a little heavier but it's negligible.
For me there is only so much kit you can go without before it starts effecting fish safety and the way you perform.
The only thing I can realistically cut back on for short session is the shelter size, food/cooking equipment that's it really.
Everything else is needed if I fish for 1hour or 100.
Rod bag, barrow bag, alarms/sticks bag, chair, bait buckets, sling/mats are all essential.
The only thing I can realistically cut back on for short session is the shelter size, food/cooking equipment that's it really.
Everything else is needed if I fish for 1hour or 100.
Rod bag, barrow bag, alarms/sticks bag, chair, bait buckets, sling/mats are all essential.
In reply to Post #20
Probably saved the weight of 6 foot of carbon and a few rod rings there
On a more serious note I guess you will save more weight looking at your shelter and bedchair, also ditching the things that really are NOT needed
Probably saved the weight of 6 foot of carbon and a few rod rings there
On a more serious note I guess you will save more weight looking at your shelter and bedchair, also ditching the things that really are NOT needed
In reply to Post #21
I've the trakker compact excellent bit of kit and it really is compact...
I've the trakker compact excellent bit of kit and it really is compact...
In reply to Post #29
I went through a stage of carrying everything , to be more mobile
Ending up knackered 😂
Ive now returned to the barrow , that's what it's designed for
Try to make things multi functional , the top of my fox barrow bag is a table
My cover for my unhooking mat is placed beneath the reels when it rains
I went through a stage of carrying everything , to be more mobile
Ending up knackered 😂
Ive now returned to the barrow , that's what it's designed for
Try to make things multi functional , the top of my fox barrow bag is a table
My cover for my unhooking mat is placed beneath the reels when it rains
In reply to Post #30
I to have done this
thinking how good it would be to go light rucksack quiver chair my back won't take it just got a new barra last week much easier and you can take as much as you like and as said it becomes a base to work from
I to have done this
thinking how good it would be to go light rucksack quiver chair my back won't take it just got a new barra last week much easier and you can take as much as you like and as said it becomes a base to work from
In reply to Post #1
. . .the best advice is - take everything you need, but leave half of it in the motor. . .
Do this a few times and apply it to ALL items you ACTUALLY need and you'll get to the stage where you're only taking the right amount of leads for a session etc . . .just don't be tempted to offset this with more alcohol etc.
Alternatively ignore this, get a big boy power porter and a transit and take everything, every time . .!
. . .the best advice is - take everything you need, but leave half of it in the motor. . .
Do this a few times and apply it to ALL items you ACTUALLY need and you'll get to the stage where you're only taking the right amount of leads for a session etc . . .just don't be tempted to offset this with more alcohol etc.
Alternatively ignore this, get a big boy power porter and a transit and take everything, every time . .!
When river fishing you have to be pretty ruthless as you can have stiles , long walks , so after a few sweaty walks you soon become adept as taking only what you actually need. NI patrol pack , TA quiver, mat strapped to rucksack , no bivvy tables , cobbs and the rest of the gear the carp tackle industry brainwash you into thinking its essential when really you dont .
In reply to Post #1
I think everyone thinks just because you travel light you have to sling everything on your back
I still use a Porter lite barrow as my back is old lol but I still scale down to what's needed.
Set it up right and you can lift it and push it and it weighs nothing
I think everyone thinks just because you travel light you have to sling everything on your back
I still use a Porter lite barrow as my back is old lol but I still scale down to what's needed.
Set it up right and you can lift it and push it and it weighs nothing
In reply to Post #34
Exactly,
I do both, can carry or barrow for a day or night session,but prefer to use a barrow,if gates or styles are evident, I try not to use my porterlite,I have to say my porterlite is one of my all time fave bits of kit..
In the barrow bag I put,water, Helinox chair,unhooking mat,..on my back is rucksack,and rods ,brolly on barrow..
As must as I love photography, stopped taking dslr,just use my phone if needed,and a cheapo phone holder.. ..
Exactly,
I do both, can carry or barrow for a day or night session,but prefer to use a barrow,if gates or styles are evident, I try not to use my porterlite,I have to say my porterlite is one of my all time fave bits of kit..
In the barrow bag I put,water, Helinox chair,unhooking mat,..on my back is rucksack,and rods ,brolly on barrow..
As must as I love photography, stopped taking dslr,just use my phone if needed,and a cheapo phone holder.. ..
In reply to Post #1
The only thing is with cutting back on gear...don't become a nuisance.
A mate of mine started off taking less and less gear which was fine...however it then started to be a case of....can I cadge some teabags...milk...sugar...coffee...leads...scissors...etc etc etc.
We don't go fishing together anymore.
The only thing is with cutting back on gear...don't become a nuisance.
A mate of mine started off taking less and less gear which was fine...however it then started to be a case of....can I cadge some teabags...milk...sugar...coffee...leads...scissors...etc etc etc.
We don't go fishing together anymore.
Things I did away with years ago.
Tea making gear.
Metal pegs
Big camera
Tripod
2 kg nev stainless
Big scales
Tea making gear.
Metal pegs
Big camera
Tripod
2 kg nev stainless
Big scales
In reply to Post #1
I've a bag for my bags and a spare, spare for most things... I've a van and a barrow so take it all .. I've stopped doing short sessions I go two or 3 days like a mini holiday then might not fish for 10 /14 days then all out and off I go again.. so taking it all isn't an issue.... however after reading this thread over the next few days I'm going to take out a few of the duplicates I've never used and see if I can condition myself to take a little less ... what to leave out 1st is my main dilemma ..
I've a bag for my bags and a spare, spare for most things... I've a van and a barrow so take it all .. I've stopped doing short sessions I go two or 3 days like a mini holiday then might not fish for 10 /14 days then all out and off I go again.. so taking it all isn't an issue.... however after reading this thread over the next few days I'm going to take out a few of the duplicates I've never used and see if I can condition myself to take a little less ... what to leave out 1st is my main dilemma ..
In reply to Post #1
I see a lot of people with mountains of end tackle on the bank - two large aqua bits bags for example.
There is no way anyone needs 21 packets of hooks and 12 spools of hook link materials for a days fishing.
Try and trim that if you take a lot.
Personally all mine fits in a small JAG sharpening pouch, leads as well.
Its funny but I eventually end up carrying more rubbish eventually and always end up culling the crap I don't use.
I see a lot of people with mountains of end tackle on the bank - two large aqua bits bags for example.
There is no way anyone needs 21 packets of hooks and 12 spools of hook link materials for a days fishing.
Try and trim that if you take a lot.
Personally all mine fits in a small JAG sharpening pouch, leads as well.
Its funny but I eventually end up carrying more rubbish eventually and always end up culling the crap I don't use.
In reply to Post #39
Your telling me I had a mate who took a big barra bag for a day session with loads of small bags in it small pouches
with one with around 50 leads in and loads of spools and bits and pieces I would say you could trim this gear down a lot he said I can't see how
the barra bag he could hardly lift so heavy
Your telling me I had a mate who took a big barra bag for a day session with loads of small bags in it small pouches
with one with around 50 leads in and loads of spools and bits and pieces I would say you could trim this gear down a lot he said I can't see how
the barra bag he could hardly lift so heavy
Last few years I have had to go back to using a barrow on a few of my tickets, it was probably 20 odd years since I had to barrow to any swims so my age and fitness had unfortunately taken a toll, I generally fish two nights at a time three if I'm lucky so first time out took all my normal setup, I can remember thinking sod this for a game of soldiers typically I had been trapped by the take all bar the kitchen sink syndrome over recent years which is fine when your pulling up to swims not when your 50 years old smoked most your life carrying a tyre around the midriff that wasn't there all them years ago.
After a few trips initial trips and refining the kit each time I'm happy with what I take and can quite happily push the barrow any distance without stopping for a smoke to set my lungs straight.
The main one for me was the loading and balancing of all the gear even with the weight over the wheel as best I could I just couldn't get it right it either felt front heavy making the handles all light which took a lot of effort to push then hit a small hole or undulation in the fields or path and then trying to wrestle the lot from toppling over or it was just far too heavy at the rear I couldn't find a happy medium, I found with different carryalls bags etc the different weights and shapes didn't balance very well so I ditched the holdall for all my terminal bits, ditched the holdall for food and the other holdall for cooking/brew kit and another one for spare clothing coats waterproofs etc....
I bought four 17ltr square buckets and two of the Trakker insert three compartment divided trays.
One has all my terminal tackle mostly in the tray divider this took a fair weight out of the load sorting this out to what I actually needed, I had to get savage and just take what I use then the bulkier items in the bottom of bucket, head torch, fox scales, PVA tubes, catty, small power charger etc...
One bucket for main food items it's surprising how much will fit in one of these then a small Aqua session coolbag for perishables.
One bucket for cooking kit/brew kit again you can fit a fair bit in one of these, I have 500g can of gas the ridgemonkey with removable handles, stove, two small Vango pans, tea, coffee, sugar, two cups, cutlery, hand sanitizer, tea cloth.
Then one bucket for bait with tray at top for a few tubs of hook baits, it sits and balances nicely on top of the chair giving a nice level base for the, mat, rod holdall and bivvy on top.
I have the under bag and front bag on the porter so waders 5 litres of water and Aqua session coolbag with perishables in the underbag, front bag has a lightweight waterproof jacket and Fox lightweight padded coat, spare set of clothes kept in the van just encase.
It still seems like a long list of gear to take probably is for a lot of others but at 50 years old I like a certain level of comfort, I'm constantly looking at or maintaining what I pack to see if I can trim a bit I reckon from the first trip back with a barrow to where I'm at now I have stripped at least 20 or 30 kilos maybe more out it makes a big difference.
Boot organizer in the van with a full stock of spares is also a godsend.
After a few trips initial trips and refining the kit each time I'm happy with what I take and can quite happily push the barrow any distance without stopping for a smoke to set my lungs straight.
The main one for me was the loading and balancing of all the gear even with the weight over the wheel as best I could I just couldn't get it right it either felt front heavy making the handles all light which took a lot of effort to push then hit a small hole or undulation in the fields or path and then trying to wrestle the lot from toppling over or it was just far too heavy at the rear I couldn't find a happy medium, I found with different carryalls bags etc the different weights and shapes didn't balance very well so I ditched the holdall for all my terminal bits, ditched the holdall for food and the other holdall for cooking/brew kit and another one for spare clothing coats waterproofs etc....
I bought four 17ltr square buckets and two of the Trakker insert three compartment divided trays.
One has all my terminal tackle mostly in the tray divider this took a fair weight out of the load sorting this out to what I actually needed, I had to get savage and just take what I use then the bulkier items in the bottom of bucket, head torch, fox scales, PVA tubes, catty, small power charger etc...
One bucket for main food items it's surprising how much will fit in one of these then a small Aqua session coolbag for perishables.
One bucket for cooking kit/brew kit again you can fit a fair bit in one of these, I have 500g can of gas the ridgemonkey with removable handles, stove, two small Vango pans, tea, coffee, sugar, two cups, cutlery, hand sanitizer, tea cloth.
Then one bucket for bait with tray at top for a few tubs of hook baits, it sits and balances nicely on top of the chair giving a nice level base for the, mat, rod holdall and bivvy on top.
I have the under bag and front bag on the porter so waders 5 litres of water and Aqua session coolbag with perishables in the underbag, front bag has a lightweight waterproof jacket and Fox lightweight padded coat, spare set of clothes kept in the van just encase.
It still seems like a long list of gear to take probably is for a lot of others but at 50 years old I like a certain level of comfort, I'm constantly looking at or maintaining what I pack to see if I can trim a bit I reckon from the first trip back with a barrow to where I'm at now I have stripped at least 20 or 30 kilos maybe more out it makes a big difference.
Boot organizer in the van with a full stock of spares is also a godsend.
In reply to Post #41
. . .I too like the 17l square buckets . . .although I've cut down from 3x to 2x. The cuvette tray in one of them carry's all my terminal tackle for a 48-72 session - spare leads and terminal are in a large pouch in the car boot. Use the smallest Trakker compact carryall for everything else . . .mainly tech items. Still reckon I could 'dissect and remove' further . . .used to carry 4x marker floats and a spomb of every size 'just incase' . . .
. . .I too like the 17l square buckets . . .although I've cut down from 3x to 2x. The cuvette tray in one of them carry's all my terminal tackle for a 48-72 session - spare leads and terminal are in a large pouch in the car boot. Use the smallest Trakker compact carryall for everything else . . .mainly tech items. Still reckon I could 'dissect and remove' further . . .used to carry 4x marker floats and a spomb of every size 'just incase' . . .
In reply to Post #42
used to carry 4x marker floats 'just incase' . . .
Same as that, it's very liberating taking all the just incase items out.
used to carry 4x marker floats 'just incase' . . .
Same as that, it's very liberating taking all the just incase items out.
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