In reply to Post #1
Another 👍for DT's Juicy Peach.

I've had my shimano barrow a year now. It's been brilliant so far. It was a bargain at £99.

I bought the Shimano barrow last year for £99.

Having used it a few times, I have to say I'm well happy with it. I've been waiting to do a proper review in the reviews section when I've given it at least a years use, but here are my impressions so far:

It's easy to push around, even when loaded high. I would think you might have trouble down a tight path due to the width, but I haven't encountered this on a fishery yet. There are plenty securing points for bungee etc and this are attached securely to the frame. I have had no issues with the barrow wanting to tip over on its side. It's very stable. There is some play with the wheels on their axle, even though the nut is on tight. This hasn't caused any problems so far. I'm wondering if a washer or two would eliminate this?

This is my first barrow, so I can't compare it to other models, but For the price, I think this is a bargain. How will it fair up to long term use, I'm not sure. Time will tell. I will give a more in depth review And report any issues that crop later as already mentioned.

In reply to Post #1
The esp trig hammers are seriously sharp for a hook straight out of the packet.

Ok thanks for asking! Yes will check out guru leads and eBay

I wonder where he gets his light leads from. Most lead manufacturers seem to only sell coated leads over 1.5oz a few do 1oz as their lightest. Perhaps he's using uncoated leads? I have a few uncoated leads in my coarse tackle box.

In reply to Post #37
If you want some nice barrel shapes, try dropping down 2 nozzle sizes. So for a 14mil table use a 10mil nozzle, 16mil table, 12mil nozzle. Oops just noted ip100 has already mentioned this. Sorry!

In reply to Post #1
All my betalin bottles (Blackcurrant, original and almond) had this deposit in them. A quick vigorous shake and most of it re-dissolves. I'm assuming this is the added betaine crystalising as it comes out of solution.

However, the essential baits Thaumatin-b contains added betaine and so far it's remained clear. They are both identical essentially, but I suspect that the hinders variety contains more betaine which is why it's coming out in solution.

In reply to Post #1
I use single edge razor blades/window scraper blades with a small plastic holder. I have tried normal double sided razor blades but these flex too much and you have to be careful not to cut yourself on the other side.

A bit fiddly to cut a small tag end so I tend to leave a long tag which makes it much easier.

You can pick them up cheap on eBay and replacement blades are cheap too.

In reply to Post #1
Personally, I like flavours in high attract baits (pop ups/wafters/hard hookbaits). In fact I soak hook baits in neat flavour combinations but these are reserved for single Hookbait fishing which has been most of the time this year pre lockdown as I only do day sessions. I'm looking forward optimistically that this will change!

It's easy to get a bit boggled with the amount of flavours out there, but there quite a lot of information on this forum about what are the best flavours/combinations that people use. I've found the search tool very handy in digging up flavour ideas. Just bear in mind that It can be quite an expensive addition to bait making to assemble all the required components of a magic flavour blend, and then you have to go out and see if it works for you. For example, a flavour blend recommend on here called “Ting tong” might set you back £30-£40 quid and you are only using 1.6mil of the three flavours plus a few drops of N-Butyric Acid.

So I would suggest just sticking to one or two with a good track record, rather then spend a fortune on a load of flavours which end up gathering dust.

You mentioned pop ups, and I don't think you could get a more classic pop up then Pineapple and N-Butyric. I know it's been around for a long time but it has a good track record, and yes it's a flavour blend, so how about John Bakers Plum? It's got a good track record, always gets a mention in best flavour posts, smells divine (yes, I know a carp smell in a different way to us humans, but it's people friendly), is very strong which means you don't use a lot so it's very economical. It also works well with other flavours which you can acquire at a later date.


Hope that helps.