Goong to try out pop ups for first time not sure what pop ups il be using but is it better to use them in pva mesh or pva bags or is it the same

You don't have to use any free bait around them at all if you don't feel the need. A single pop up at this time of the year is a great method. A pop up is mega versatile you can fish it over bait, singles, solid bags, stick mixes, pva bags, over silt or weed. Critically balanced or over weighted. If your just starting out don't confuse yourself with all these rigs use one that's simple and versatile in my case it's a multi rig. Very simple to tie and you can change the hook after a fish quickly. You don't need mega bouyant pop ups for this rig either so ones in the tackle shop are fine. You can't use this rig with any sort of pva bag because of the mechanics of the rig but don't let that put you off.

Put all your effort into finding the fish and getting a rig amongst them and you won't go wrong no matter what rig you pick. You have to suit your bait application to the fish on the day mate if your on fish this time of year I would stick with singles or use very little bait.

In reply to Post #2
Ok great i was thinking of just using a simple hair rig on a inline led set up. With a small bag of pellets but dont know which pop up to go for maybe dna s7?

Depends on the bottom if it's silty I would stay clear of a inline setup. Just use a leadclip and you can lengthen or shorten the rig depending on the bottom. If you want to fish with a pva bag then don't use a multi rig. I have never used dna but you could close your eyes and grab any off the shelf and they wil all catch fish so I wouldn't worry about that.

In reply to Post #4
Yeah sbot on and yeah it is silty i was speaking to the bloke that owns the place ive been using bottom baits on a inline set up and its been ok but just fancy a change really just to learn and try to see how i get on

I would do away with the pva bags mate just a single on a multi rig put it where the fish are and the rest will be history. If it's silty I would go for a brighter pop up this time of year a mate swears by mainline IB and he catches enough.

In reply to Post #5
Just my tuppence worth...
If it's silty as you have mentioned i would go with a helicopter lead set up with the top bead set around 6 inches up the line from the lead (adjust the height of the bead if necessary).
This will allow you to still present the rig properly if the lead plugs in to the silt.
I would also experiment with a pop up on one rod and a wafter presentation on another rod.
You can create a critically balanced wafter by taking a pop up and shaving slithers off it with a knife or scissors until it allows the rig to fall slowly through the water and settle down gently with the hook sat flat on the lake bed and the bait sat just above it.
I wouldn't be surprised that if you get your presentation correct that the critically balanced bait outfishes the pop up.

And i would say just use single high attract boilies as hookbait this time of year and don't worry too much about pva bags and free offerings. They are not always necessary in Winter.

In reply to Post #6
Ok well il be using the ib on one rod and will let you know how i get on