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Working on the bank... (49 posts / 7,887 views)
HarrisonCarp HarrisonCarp
Posts: 387
Post #1 23 Oct 2024 14:50
0
Apologise if this has been discussed before, I couldn't find anything using the search function.

I work fully remotely with my laptop and I'm looking to do some days working by the bank so I can fish.

I've tried hotspotting / tethering from my phone but this doesn't give me enough stability throughout the day.

Any suggestions for a better, more stable internet that will handle Google Meets video calls?

The other improvement I'd like to make is to power but I seem to have found enough threads on here for me to read on this.

Thanks in advance! 👍🎣
kells kells
Posts: 6,017
Post #2 23 Oct 2024 15:02
6
In reply to Post #1
If the banks weren't busy enough at the weekends. The week days are getting just as bad with remote workers working bankside. Work from home no power or Internet issues there. You will only have nothing but problems bankside...
Wayne Wayne
Posts: 18,776
Post #3 23 Oct 2024 16:13
0
The_Andyman The_Andyman
Posts: 11,332
Post #4 23 Oct 2024 18:39
1
In reply to Post #1
Starlink as suggested is very very good, if a little expensive for occasional trips. The new roam / backpacker would be easier to carry and power but has limits to consider.

Have you ever tried a Mifi dongle? I have a 4G+ which is plenty good enough for teams calls etc. I've seen around 60mbps on mine and have worked from it quite a few times.
HarrisonCarp HarrisonCarp
Posts: 387
Post #5 23 Oct 2024 19:48
0
In reply to Post #4
I have looked into Mifi but not deep enough.

Which unit are you using? And on what network?
The_Andyman The_Andyman
Posts: 11,332
Post #6 23 Oct 2024 20:25
2
In reply to Post #5
I got mine from three when it was on offer, but as a device it's fairly good specs and i get stable connection as long as in a fairly decent signal area

https://consumer.huawei.com/en/routers/4g-mobile-wifi-3-e5783/

I've used sim cards from three and lebara so far and no issues. It really will depend on where you are exactly as to who has the best signal and speeds. I've mostly used mine in France so just get pre paid sims from amazon, lebara £10 for 20GB or three have options as do O2 now. For the uk, these 3 options cover almost all options and have cheaper sims so if you try a Mifi it's worth seeing which network supposedly offers best coverage where you'll fish from and then just buy a one off pre loaded sim to try it out.
Perfectcast Perfectcast
Posts: 117
Post #7 23 Oct 2024 21:22
1
In reply to Post #1
This is my life for 2 nights a week . I'm lucky but it also feels like a curse as well a lot of the time

I have a ZTE 5G mifi device with a THREE sim, its £7.99 a month unlimited data

THREE data is generally good but obviously location dependent. The UK has such awful coverage these days and until Ofcom grow a pair and enforce local roaming in the UK it will stay the same.

As you said I'm sure you've seen all the powerpack posts but this is what I use.

https://www.outlawpro.co.uk/carp-fishing-tackle/51265-outlaw-pro-pro-pac-power-pack.html

Get a decent upright seat and maybe the avid session table or small camping table to laptop from as working from a bedchair is not good on the back

Enjoy the freedom and the cursed interuptions that come with it
Neil.
jhhilton1983 jhhilton1983
Posts: 1,945
Post #8 23 Oct 2024 22:09
1
In reply to Post #1
Id say if the area you are fishing is not able to hold a connection with a hotspot from a modern phone then you are better looking at starlink... the 5G wifi dongles area great but will not give you a massive amount more connectivity compared to a hotspot on a phone, especially in a close location live a bivvy.

I have a friend who owns a farm and he has always struggles to get decent Broadband to his house, finally sacked off the usually providers and moved to starlink and his connection speed is unreal and has never had it drop on him
HarrisonCarp HarrisonCarp
Posts: 387
Post #9 24 Oct 2024 07:59
0
Thanks for all the replies, super helpful!

Time to test my favorite fishing spots for signal 👍
The_Andyman The_Andyman
Posts: 11,332
Post #10 24 Oct 2024 12:21
1
In reply to Post #9
It's worth setting your phone to 4g in them spots too to see if you get better connection than 5g. Good luck
HarrisonCarp HarrisonCarp
Posts: 387
Post #11 24 Oct 2024 14:54
0
In reply to Post #10
Good idea, will do 👍

Thanks again.
tomsher01 tomsher01
Posts: 998
Post #12 24 Oct 2024 17:50
1
I've thought about it for like random Friday afternoons when I wanna get in a peg early , but being honest think it will affect your ability to do either work or fishing well
mark1009
Posts: 4,738
Post #13 24 Oct 2024 17:51
1
In reply to Post #12
Yes, but if it gets you the peg you want.
tomsher01 tomsher01
Posts: 998
Post #14 24 Oct 2024 17:56
0
In reply to Post #13
As an employer it would really go over too well for extended periods I doubt, but yeh good point
AideyKaye
Posts: 1,010
Post #15 25 Oct 2024 16:38
1
In reply to Post #10
I also binned off 5G and stuck with 4G. Connection issues dissapeared within seconds. Works flawlessly now. Unless you are live streaming or gaming, you don't need 5G when angling.
tazi tazi
Posts: 4,859
Post #16 29 Jan 2026 20:21
0
In reply to Post #3
To the top.

Anyone any thoughts as to this Starlink?.

I note full fibre isn't available in rural areas but was wondering what this was like as I'd like to keep my options open should I have the opportune opportunity to live rurally?.

Thanks in advance.
The_Andyman The_Andyman
Posts: 11,332
Post #17 29 Jan 2026 20:41
0
In reply to Post #16
I've setup starlink at friends place in france and it works really well with clear line of sight to the sky. He gets an average of 150mbs, as long as you're not in a high use area fhen it should be good.

Unfortunately UK is far more expensive than france and no you cant pay in one country and use elsewhere (other than more expensive and limited roaming options), they are geo tracked
0nslow 0nslow
Posts: 1,616
Post #18 29 Jan 2026 20:59
0
In reply to Post #16
I've just bought it and having it installed next week once we've moved to a very rural location. I work full time from home so I've gone for Residential Max.

Through my work I've had it installed on a house in the middle of a copse, a log cabin next to one of the lakes in Blashford, on the back of a land rover and on a massive yacht - all have been faultless and worked very well.

The option I've gone for includes a second satellite intended for use when out and about - camping, travelling, etc and I was tempted then I could really work from the lake, until I noticed it would need it's own subscription.

Depending on how much of a hurry you are in, I can provide some early feedback on my own use in a couple of weeks.


tazi tazi
Posts: 4,859
Post #19 29 Jan 2026 21:18
1
In reply to Post #17
Nice one thank you mate much appreciated.
tazi tazi
Posts: 4,859
Post #20 29 Jan 2026 21:20
0
In reply to Post #18
Cheers mate appreciate that and sounds really good.

I'm in no rush and if you could provide your thoughts then that would be greatly appreciated please.

I'll send you a PM.

Thank you mate.

Edit - unsure if I've sent it mate?.
framey framey
Posts: 5,319
Post #21 29 Jan 2026 21:20
1
Wouldn't want to give the arrogant ***** musk any money so would never use starlink.
Must be something else out there
tazi tazi
Posts: 4,859
Post #22 29 Jan 2026 21:29
1
In reply to Post #21
I get that mate I really do but unfortunately needs must I suppose. Still, I like to think I do plenty of good and that the lord will take me in when the time comes….
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,046
Post #23 29 Jan 2026 23:38
0
In reply to Post #16
There's quite a few folk round here in more rural areas that use and like it, it's also on offer in the U.K at the mo and on 30 day trial. I looked into it (again) as I've just come up for renewal on BT, but the speeds on the standard package v cost kept me on fibre.
tazi tazi
Posts: 4,859
Post #24 30 Jan 2026 03:22
1
In reply to Post #23


Hoping to purchase a property but unfortunately it'll be out of the 30 day trial range. They may still offer the deal should the buy go through. I believe also that at the moment it's free installation unless that's always been the case?.

Cheers for the info mate as certainly well intrigued.
Jonnas
Posts: 45
Post #25 30 Jan 2026 10:22
1
I tend to hotspot to my phone if I can but if not I just use a portable 4/5G Wifi unit. I've had several different ones over the years, they're all pretty good. They tend to be a step up from a phone and give you a better/more stable signal. I think they just have a bigger/more powerful antenna in them than your phone which seems to be more than enough in most cases.

For me, the biggest issue in working from the bank is that is just not very enjoyable. I get the 'being on the bank is better than being at home' but I find that you just can't give the fishing the effort that it needs and you're constantly paranoid about getting a take in the middle of an important call. I even had a double take in the middle of one once and a bloke arrived trying to help me out while I was speaking to a client with my headphones in! I try and avoid it these days if I can...
RKB
Posts: 1,731
Post #26 30 Jan 2026 11:20
0
In reply to Post #25
100% agree. I've stopped working at the lake unless there's an emergency. It's sh*t.
akaBennySamways
Posts: 63
Post #27 30 Jan 2026 16:36
0
Just randomly, and sorry to hijack the thread, but what sort of jobs are people actually doing from the bank? I'm curious and it might give me some options?
0nslow 0nslow
Posts: 1,616
Post #28 30 Jan 2026 16:53
0
In reply to Post #27
IT consultancy - scoping calls, solution designing and report writing from the bank for me.

Not that I've worked from the bank for ages though, getting a run whilst half way through a pitch didn't go down to well with the boss 😂😂

tazi tazi
Posts: 4,859
Post #29 30 Jan 2026 23:25
0
In reply to Post #28
LeighamFox
Posts: 145
Post #30 31 Jan 2026 09:31
0
So when your in a teams meeting or calls and your rods in or out of the water?

Personally if I was paying you and you walked out of a meeting because of a run I'd not be hanging around. If you didn't hit the run you'd still be finished.

If your working you ain't fishing and visa versa. Just like those that retire to the bivvy at kick off time. Bugs the ***** out of me.
Beyonce
Posts: 1,711
Post #31 31 Jan 2026 10:22
0
I tried working from the bank. Hated it. You're not fishing if you have to look at a screen or spend all day on the phone. Fishing is a great escape from work for me, I don't need to catch carp that desperately.
Mr-Bean-Laden Mr-Bean-Laden
Posts: 2,243
Post #32 1 Feb 2026 17:17
0
How do you stop the ducks from giving themselves away while on a call. I've got some decent directional headphones/ mic but I've been asked twice about the duck noises.
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 922
Post #33 1 Feb 2026 17:22
0
In reply to Post #32
This has happened to me many times. Project managers asking where do I live as they hear ducks. I just say live in the country
nickyp nickyp
Posts: 431
Post #34 3 Feb 2026 10:14
1
In reply to Post #30
All depends what someones job is doesn't it? I've taken my laptop to the bank plenty of times and managed to get loads of work done, without the distraction of colleagues. Having a quiet environment to work instead of a busy and noisy office.

I'd never log onto a meeting or anything similar when i'm on the bank, but I've previously worked on spreadsheets, power-point presentations, emails whilst fishing.

If your job role doesn't allow you to work on the bank then tough luck. Its no different to people in tradesman roles getting an early finish to get to the lake. Swings and roundabouts, plus people caring too much what others are doing.
framey framey
Posts: 5,319
Post #35 3 Feb 2026 17:30
1
In reply to Post #34
Think it depends on the boss
If a boss is happy to pay you whilst fishing then cool
If not then probably shouldn't do it

The 50/50 owner of the business I work at is an angler I'm gonna ask him what he thinks lol
DarthMullet
Posts: 321
Post #36 4 Feb 2026 13:00
0
In reply to Post #34
Working from home within a business where not everyone can do it simply creates a two tiered workforce...

Reduced travel costs are a pay rise by stealth.
Any old excuse will do.
Ability to receive deliveries, get life admin done, work on the bank, childcare, the list goes on.
"Sorry, I can't do that today, I'm working from home." = I can't be arsed.

I could go on...
wac
Posts: 624
Post #37 4 Feb 2026 14:14
0
In reply to Post #35
If you can do it, good luck. Other people are just jealous.
nickyp nickyp
Posts: 431
Post #38 4 Feb 2026 14:38
1
In reply to Post #37
People often focus too much on how others choose to work instead of concentrating on their own circumstances. I've worked from the bank many times because my role allows for that flexibility, though I recognise that not everyone has the same option.

Personally, I'd much rather be set up in my bivvy with my laptop and work phone than spend rush hour travelling 25 miles to an office, surrounded by people who have no real influence on my work simply because it's considered the "traditional" way of doing things.

Work has evolved significantly thanks to technology. For many roles, being physically present in an office is no longer a necessity.
nickyp nickyp
Posts: 431
Post #39 4 Feb 2026 14:44
2
In reply to Post #36
Sorry @darthmullet but you're talking absolute rubbish

Two"‘tiered workforce - Different roles have different requirements. Some jobs must be on"‘site; others don't. That's not inequality "” it's job design.

Reduced travel costs are a pay rise by stealth - Saving money on commuting isn't a pay rise. It's just avoiding an unnecessary personal expense, the same way living closer to work already does.

Any old excuse will do - Productivity is measured by output, not location. Poor performance is a management issue, not a work"‘from"‘home issue.

People use WFH for life admin and childcare - Remote workers still meet deadlines and targets. A five"‘minute delivery doesn't compare to hours lost commuting.

Sorry, I can't do that today, I'm working from home = I can't be arsed - If someone refuses a task, it's about priorities or communication "” not where they're sitting.

It seems you're frustrated by the fact that some roles allow remote work and others don't, but that doesn't make the points you've raised accurate. Flexibility depends on the nature of the job, not on favouritism or "perks." If working from home is something you want, the practical solution is to look for a role that offers it rather than criticising those whose work simply allows for it.
RKB
Posts: 1,731
Post #40 4 Feb 2026 15:09
1
Work (and kids) are some of the major headaches of life. Why the f*** you'd want to have any of that on the bank with you is anyones guess.

If you want a work life balance, keep them separate - for me, looking at a legal contract from the bivvy sucks all of the life and soul out of the angling.
wac
Posts: 624
Post #41 4 Feb 2026 15:12
0
In reply to Post #39
Great post.
Superterrorizer Superterrorizer
Posts: 1,843
Post #42 4 Feb 2026 16:07
0
Being an engine driver makes this quite an easy choice for me since no trains are allowed on the waters I fish. Once I thought it was a great plan to go and sleep behind my rods after a night shift instead of wasting my time in my own bed, Huge mistake. Didn't enjoy it one bit and I was absolutely knackered afterwards.
framey framey
Posts: 5,319
Post #43 4 Feb 2026 17:54
0
In reply to Post #42
Easy to get a strike going though if you fancy a day out 😂

Wonder what the age ranges are of those who are happy to fish and work on the bank.
I think the work ethic (although I think that is the wrong word to use ) has changed.
And yes technology has definitely made it easier to work from anywhere if needed.
And most certainly depends on the job.
It also would be funny to see say a postie or bin man say I'm working from home today
Mind you would be nice to see a bin man work like the old fellas.
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,046
Post #44 4 Feb 2026 18:47
1
In reply to Post #43
It also would be funny to see say a postie or bin man say I'm working from home today
Don't posties often 'work' in other peoples homes
Fivenil Fivenil
Posts: 2,037
Post #45 5 Feb 2026 08:57
2
In reply to Post #36
I have been a full time home worker since Covid. I work for quite a large international company and they have managed to shut down several offices in the UK which has meant a saving of millions to the company.

Pre covid, i would get up at 6 every morning so i could be in the office for 8. The route into work was horrible and i was usually growling by the time i got there. I would work my 7 hours and then leave for home dead on 4.

Nowadays, up at 7.30, walk into my lounge, fire up laptops, monitors etc and im on-line for the day. I work in IT so 95% of my work is easily accomplished from home. It also means that i am on-line from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. or later, so my company get extra hours out of me for free. Not to mention the savings it has made to me as well, fuel costs and wear and tear on my car means a few more quid in my pocket each month.

Also means that if i have quiet times, I can do a few things around the place that means i free up time for the weekends. This is the balance that a lot of companies push for so that we are all happy and content. Works absolutely fine for me and has shown in my productivity over the last few years and the glowing feedbacks that i receive from my clients.

Yesterday i had a site visit for a new client. 4 hour round trip. Travel is included in our working day hours so i was only on-site for 5 hours to cover the journey time.

Working from the bank? Not for me. I did it years ago when i was on-call for a few clients but i dont do that anymore. Fishing is my release from life so i keep it well away from work. All i have with me is my tablet so i can watch films when im in my bag at night.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #46 5 Feb 2026 11:03
2
In reply to Post #40
I've been running my own small biz for almost a decade and the 'freedom' to work from pretty much anywhere with decent connectivity is a bonus . . .whilst fishing specifically, background tasks that require no client interface create zero probs - same as briefing / communicating with internal teams as I'm paying them anyway so its irrelevant as to where I'm actually located / what I may or may not be doing . . .

For me the issues arise when you need to communicate with clients, which I do pretty much on a daily basis. Quick calls are fine - Teams/Zoom calls are not . . .whilst I can blur out backgrounds / reduce sound 'noise' to a degree the sound of a screeching pack of argumentative Canada geese landing 10ft away and the constant paranoia of an alarm blurting out whilst I'm flowing in full professional bs mode is difficult to manage.

Although I did fess up once with a very loyal client (I was mid call - the rod went off so I put the call on hold, bullied the fish in and then captured it live in the net on my phone - they were actually really interested and couldn't believe the size of a low 20!) my conclusion is now pretty much as RKB's / Fivenil . . .fishing should be left for concentrating on fishing . .
0nslow 0nslow
Posts: 1,616
Post #47 5 Feb 2026 14:59
2
In reply to Post #18
Coming back on the original bump...

Starlink was installed this morning, the installer was a decent fella and got the job done in a couple of hours, signal is about a quarter of what it should be but I've had a couple of video calls and other than very minor lag it's very good. Ramps up over the next 48 hours to full tilt so should be no lag then.

I paid for a different type of bracket which means it's on it's own pole pointing in the right direction not on the end of the house or chimney stack so make sense.

Starlink have offered me a second mini router suitable to take on my travels. Turns out my boss is considering one too. I said that I best not otherwise I'd always be working whilst fishing and he said that's what it's all about flexible working and finding the right balance. So I'm tempted to get one

framey framey
Posts: 5,319
Post #48 5 Feb 2026 17:31
0
In reply to Post #47
Good boss
tazi tazi
Posts: 4,859
Post #49 8 Feb 2026 19:25
0
In reply to Post #47
Awesome mate thanks for the information.

Hope that all continues to go well with it and hopefully should I manage to buy a property out in the sticks then I'll update to once it's installed.

Once again thank you and thanks to you all.
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