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Spooky surface controller (9 posts / 1,872 views)
Alan_Elliott Alan_Elliott
Posts: 493
Post #1 7 Jun 2026 13:36
0
Hi all. I found a "Spooky controller" at the back of my tackle cupboard a couple of weeks back and thought I'd try it out. Surprisingly, it's proved really good so far and had really good results with it as they don't seem to pay the controller any notice unlike the upright float type and clear floats, just resembles a stick I guess. Trouble is, a pike grabbed it Friday night when I was winding in and it's pretty well knackered now. I've looked on line and can't find a replacement anywhere. Don't even know who made it as must have bought it donkeys years ago. Anybody know where I can find one if they're even made anymore? If not, I suppose I'll have to try and make one. Cheers.
essesxandy essesxandy
Posts: 3,197
Post #2 7 Jun 2026 15:01
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In reply to Post #1
I'm pretty sure that Gardener used to make some plastic controllers that laid flat on the surface. I think they came in a pack with three different sizes.
kells kells
Posts: 6,017
Post #3 7 Jun 2026 16:25
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In reply to Post #1
" Spooky controller " was so frightening about it???
Alan_Elliott Alan_Elliott
Posts: 493
Post #4 7 Jun 2026 18:53
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In reply to Post #2
Thanks mate, I'll have a look.
Ged
Posts: 477
Post #5 7 Jun 2026 19:14
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In reply to Post #4
Gardner flatliners, I think
Karlos Karlos
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 14,187
Post #6 7 Jun 2026 21:56
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In reply to Post #5
" Spooky controller " was so frightening about it?
As with most carp gear, probably the price

Gardner flatliners, I think
Yeah, don't use a Fox Flatliner, they don't cast great


These are the Gardner flatliners, I have one or two in an old box somewhere, mine all all stained a bit brown with surface film/scum from the muddy puddles I used to fish in East Sussex
LINKY POO™ https://ebay.io/m/1ZLTqF

Found a mention of the Spooky one
LINKY POO™ https://www.allcocksoutdoorstore.co.uk/item/30Plus/Carp-System-Spooky-Surface-Controller-In-line-Float-Medium-Long-Range/45SL

My other searches haven't revealed any photos unfortunately, I am curious what they look like

Many moons ago, I did used to use a short stick and half hitch the hooklink on one end, then the other. I used to do a lot of floater fishing and as you'll probably have noticed yourself, the carp take any freebies which have floated up against nature (twigs/leafs/pads) which much more confidence.
I must do some floater fishing myself this year
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #7 10 Jun 2026 21:43
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In reply to Post #1
Gardner still sell the Flatliners I think? Great product - I use 'em helicopter style . . .

Favoured controller however is still the MCF Egg . . .only have a couple of the larger (heavy) ones left . . wish someone would re-release them . . .
Alan_Elliott Alan_Elliott
Posts: 493
Post #8 13 Jun 2026 11:57
0
In reply to Post #6
That's brilliant, cheers mate. The spooky is the exact one I have which is now slowly taking on water thanks to that pike. It really works well though at distance it can be a bit tricky to see sometimes. Only 2 in stock so grabbed them both in case that toothy git gets a liking for them..
edski119 edski119
Posts: 82
Post #9 14 Jun 2026 09:31
0
Hi, another decent floater method is using the wax from a packet of baby bells as a controller and moulding it around the hook link swivel. Although, i’ve been using it straight through this year and it’ll slip occasionally but saves having to have many knots.

I can’t lay claim to finding this out myself, it was a tip I got from here or the anglers forum years ago. Similar concept to what Kryston bought out years ago in their product, drift wood it was called. Worth ago if you’re not fishing that far out, and if you like cheese.
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