In reply to Post #4
Can't help you with those sorry, things have changed regarding the settings apparently.

Haven't used it with Nash Claws, but used the Ronnie a lot in 2020/2021 with Mugga style hooks to maximise the hooking potential.
The result? Lots of fish, zero mouth damage.

I know that one syndicate near me bans it because of the possibility of metalware getting caught in the mesh of the net, therefore potentially causing damage. As long as the hook eye and quick release swivel are encased in shrink tube, there's nothing that can get caught up.

The old bent hook rig used with pop ups had vaguely similar mechanics and did unfortunately cause a lot of mouth damage. Todays rigs, not so much.

In reply to Post #25
Tried them? I've tied hundreds of them lol. Just cut a good pinch of deer hair, catch it in the middle halfway down the shank, pull the thread as hard as you dare until the deer hair 'balls up' so to speak. Whip finish then trim to rough biscuity shape.

They're OK, they work OK but do get rejected quite a bit, but eventually they sink when they get waterlogged due to the trimming.
Had way more fish on cork. Which obviously never sinks, and never comes off as long as you slice it with a blade and work the bait band into the cuts.

Even plain cork balls straight out of the packet work wonders except on very pressured waters.

What version Delks do you have?

Thanks for the replies everyone.

The GS4000 looks decent, can anyone elaborate on the clutch - does it require loads of turns to get from a baitrunner esque setting to a playing fish setting?
I tend to run my spools quite tight as I'm always on the rods, but I hate having to add turn after turn to get up to a fighting setting.
Same question for the Emcasts actually.

Won't be able to view in the flesh unfortunately, will be buying blind, so every comment helps!

Unfortunately, anything Okuma is off the list, having had one go crunch on me. Seized solid.
I used to strip Shimano baitrunners down and service as a hobby. I took one look inside that Okuma and binned it on the spot. I forget what model, it was somewhere between 2005 and 2011 or so.
I have no doubt todays Okumas are fine, but, once bitten and all that..

In reply to Post #14
What you said makes no sense.
On the one hand you're telling the guy to make his hooklength float with mucilin, and on the other you're telling him to degrease it so it sinks.

OP. 7 strands of 2lb line will give you an undetectable hook link. Do not twist them together when tying it up. Take the time to get them all the same length and you have....multistrand. showing my age here in that I remember when multistrand was a thing.

Chunk of Cork banded to the hook. Loop the band over the hook shank and pull it through itself, secure with a spot of spuerglue. Cut a slit in the cork with a knife so the band sits in the cork, never have to rebait again.
Hundreds, thousands even of carp have fallen to this just to me alone, both with a controller and fly fishing.

There's a time and place for lumping it in. I've done it on occasion and had damn near every carp in the lake in front of me.
What you don't do is exactly what you describe.
Unfortunately, consideration toward others is a thing of the past these days.

I've seen people use bait boats to drop a rig in the margins, then walk down and throw freebies on top. I mean, WTF? Sometimes it's a case of 'have kit, must use it.'

My match fishing has taught me that most carp anglers bait their swims wrongly - when applied to carp fishing the results were staggering - but there's a difference between feeding a swim and filling it in, so to speak.

You probably did the right thing when you packed up, I experienced similar when I fished Longleat. My one and only visit.

I've always used OG Delks, never a problem in all weathers.

Therefore, I bought some more when I decided it was time to get back into carp fishing. Also rescued two Tx2000 transmitter units and an Rx2000 reciever from retirement in someones tackle collection.
Alarms 25+ years old, transmitters and reciever 19 years old. Working perfectly.

Based on past experience with the OG Delks, I have no doubt they'll continue to work no matter what. Unlike the newer ones, of which I've heard too many stories about rain.

And the Ds look gash

Happened to place an order with these guys the other day, never used them before.
Next day.

Hey all, as per title, what would you recommend?
Mostly going to be fishing under 80 yards so I don't need bucket spools.
I do however, need a front drag. I despise rear drags with a passion.

Due to the onset of severe Reynauds Disease, I'll only be fishing on an infrequent basis from say, April/May to Oct/Nov, so not looking to spend a fortune. Also don't want bargain bucket tat either.

I've been looking at the Diawa Emcast 25a, would they be a nice match for 10' rods? Never seen one in the flesh.
How about the Fox offerings? What are they like these days?

Any thoughts welcome, budget is max £120 per reel, but secondhand is fine with me for a set that works with the rods.