In reply to Post #26
I used to think the same way as you . . . but then I also thought using an open fronted brolly in winter was a good idea, pods were for nods, anything other than bottom baits were cheating and using an unpowered barrow and a rucksack with nothing but pot noodles and digestives for fodder was carpy . . .
Bait boats are a tool; not the be all - they do not replace watercraft but can certainly cut time which in carp fishing is arguably the most valuable tool of all for todays non pro angler - totally your choice as to whether you use one but if a lake allows them then you'd be silly not to IMHO. . .
I used to think the same way as you . . . but then I also thought using an open fronted brolly in winter was a good idea, pods were for nods, anything other than bottom baits were cheating and using an unpowered barrow and a rucksack with nothing but pot noodles and digestives for fodder was carpy . . .
Bait boats are a tool; not the be all - they do not replace watercraft but can certainly cut time which in carp fishing is arguably the most valuable tool of all for todays non pro angler - totally your choice as to whether you use one but if a lake allows them then you'd be silly not to IMHO. . .
In reply to Post #31
I'll be straight with you Belch (feel bad calling somebody that
), I do use an open brolly year round, I have never used a rod pod and I push a small, unpowered barrow with a rucksack 
I do however use a stiff hinge occasionally and will top a snowman with a pop up, so maybe I'm on the turn! Certainly no pot noodles as I usually fish over nighters and eat on the way after work.
If people are happy using a boat to make it easier then of course that's their call, I dare say some people even prefer using the gadgets available these days as they like a gadget in general. I just avoid those waters.
If I'm actually going to be useful in this thread I can add that my mate used one of the smallest Actor boats next to me in France last month and he was over the moon for the money it cost him.
I'll be straight with you Belch (feel bad calling somebody that
), I do use an open brolly year round, I have never used a rod pod and I push a small, unpowered barrow with a rucksack I do however use a stiff hinge occasionally and will top a snowman with a pop up, so maybe I'm on the turn! Certainly no pot noodles as I usually fish over nighters and eat on the way after work.
If people are happy using a boat to make it easier then of course that's their call, I dare say some people even prefer using the gadgets available these days as they like a gadget in general. I just avoid those waters.
If I'm actually going to be useful in this thread I can add that my mate used one of the smallest Actor boats next to me in France last month and he was over the moon for the money it cost him.
In reply to Post #32
Belch is my nickname so don't feel bad - I got crucified at school for my surname so it was character building; these days I'd probably be in therapy . . .
Fact is waters that do allow bait boats and even the purists with time will struggle - its not about being able to present where you can't cast either; my current water even the splash of a miscast in an open water spot at 50yds can punish you for at least 12hrs before they return (let alone the wallop of a spomb) so a boat makes sense and gives you a fighting chance . . .
Belch is my nickname so don't feel bad - I got crucified at school for my surname so it was character building; these days I'd probably be in therapy . . .
Fact is waters that do allow bait boats and even the purists with time will struggle - its not about being able to present where you can't cast either; my current water even the splash of a miscast in an open water spot at 50yds can punish you for at least 12hrs before they return (let alone the wallop of a spomb) so a boat makes sense and gives you a fighting chance . . .
In reply to Post #33
But if bait boats were banned wouldn't fish get used to people casting?
But if bait boats were banned wouldn't fish get used to people casting?
In reply to Post #34
Possibly . . .!
Possibly . . .!