In reply to Post #1
There are some great bargains out there on the 2nd hand market. I would advise to view before you buy, check all the zips pegging points etc.

They are also fairly easy to reproof. A tub of fabsil, a brush, and a nice sunny day are all you need.

They come in like a sack of spuds and then go mental on the bank, and need cuddling in the edge for a long time to ensure they dont swim off and go belly up. Not my cup of tea at all but there are some who love catching them so each to their own.

The 1st one I caught was about 30 years ago. Didn't know the water had them in and was 8 and a half pound. I though it was a chub until I got the pics back from the lab.....

In reply to Post #1
Ive got polaroid ones. Still going strong after 5 or 6 years and I'm not gentle with my gear. Think they were about 25 quid online although I would doubt they are that cheap now.

In reply to Post #7
I bought mine years and years ago they were from ebay

In reply to Post #5
I put brass props in mine. Well worth a few extra quid.

I'm a bit of a slut when it comes to reels
If it's a bargain I'll usually buy it....

3 x emblem s 5500
1 x emblem s 5000
6 x shimano 6500b
4 x shimano carbomatic 3000
2 x shimano carbomatic 4000
3 x silstar gxb60
3 x aerlex xs 7000
1 x aerlex 2000
2 x shimano lx3000
5 x mitchell 300 various ages
1 x mitchell 440a
1 x allcock match ariel
1 x shimano aero gt3000
a couple of big star back reels for boat fishing
1 x condex fly reel
1 x allcocks aeriellite
1 x hardy marquis
1 x hardy princess
1 x hardy altex
1 x daiwa 125m
1 x daiwa 123m
2 x abu 506
2 x mitchell captain multipliers
3 or 4 ambidex
1 x Le omnia
mitchell 206 x 2 or 3


plus about a dozen or so cheapo match reels like ron thomson etc

Ive probably forgot some too

Don't pin all your hopes and dreams on PA, it's a fabulous club but that is exactly what it is, a club that caters to all. The waters with the big fish are insanely busy although there a couple where you can book a spot on the lake so at least you know you will have a peg when you arrive.


Syndicate wise well, they are out there. If you do get in PA you will probably meet people who are in them and if you come across as a nice genuine bloke who knows you might get an invite. But they aren't the kind where you can visit a webpage or a facebook page and apply via a message. One you can apply to like that is Blakemere near Whitchurch which is a lovely lake. There are also the RH syndicates too a bit further south.

Day ticket wise there are the places already mentioned. Also consider winterly near crewe and monument if you like that kind of place. Sale water park is another cheap ticket which does have some good 20's.

One more thing, when you join the club you can join the facebook page. People will often ask on there how busy a water is before they set off, it's a great system and works well.

PA is a fantastic club there really is nothing quite like it in the UK. You just have to bear in mind that it is a club, a lot of carpers seem to expect the club to have geared up towards carpers - they don't really do that. I've always found the bailiffs to be spot on in my 7 years in the club. If you do join I will be 99% certain you'll start to consider river fishing. They have so many great stretches of river you're spoilt for choice.

Regarding how busy it is..... The popular waters such as redes and the thorneys will always be busy. Even mid week you'll sometimes struggle to get on. Sand and dove are similar to a slightly lesser extent. Every time ive visited the back lake at Marley tiles it's had either nobody on or just a handful.

For £130 a year it's a bargain just remember it's a club, not a carp orientated limited season ticket venue.

In reply to Post #26
Lots of places are like that. Can only use their pellets etc.