In reply to Post #26
I do agree, how many waters have been ruined because of this, and how many fish, let alone carp have been killed for no reason? Plus, another worrying thought for me is small rivers and indeed the bigger ones such as the Wye and Seven, and how they might be affected? As the otters spread around the country they will eventually get into so many different waters from any small stream to syndicates. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that do you think waters like the river Wye may be affected badly by otters in the not too distant future? I would hate to see the barbel in there succumb to otters as I do love doing a bit in the autumn and summer months, they really are beautiful fish. Plus, if they do, how would anyone go about fencing such a huge water system?? Thats a sickening thought...

In reply to Post #1
Might make a small difference but if the max lead weight is 3oz then I would imagine wouldn't make enough of a change that your looking for to get an extra 20-25 yards. Of course this is just my opinion but others might say different and have better advice than me. The extra ft in length could help get you further, and the heavier test curve may also help, but coming back to the max 3oz lead then that could be drawback for you compared to if you used a heavier lead. You might possibly be able to make an extra few yards with a slightly cheaper setup but others might have better advice on this so I'll leave it to them.

Terry Hearn, Adam Penning, and also another vote for Carl and Alex, you will learn a lot from them

Most people will use a curved shank hook of some kind, as it creates a sort of 'claw' shaped rig that helps with hooking mechanics, but if you look on the likes of youtube or instagram you may see people such as darell peck using a wide gape hook and set up slightly different, which works for him. So its a matter of confidence and trying out for yourself, both types will work.

And also, shouldn't this thread be in the rigs section?

In reply to Post #8
Sorry I wasn't that specific. Terry was testing with a thin 10lb line on the vid, I do know now that a bigger spool makes a difference but as you mentioned with a thicker line, such as if you were not allowed to use leaders or very light lines (in carp fishing terms)

Terry Edmonds tested both of them together, on the time of watching the video I thought he said he got a further distance with the bigger reel, but I was mistaken he actually said he casted about the same, so if distance is a thought then don't worry. I haven't used either but I would imagine that the 5500 would fit better.

over half a thousand posts over a bivvy, what are we like

In reply to Post #28
I have used once or twice, has caught me a few fish. I've seen them eating it in the margins, seemed to love the stuff

Zigs may work well, most of the time carp are off the bottom anyway and probably more so in such a deep water. They do feed on the bottom but asa said zigs can find where the fish are sat in the water. Don't completely ignore the margins either. If you can find a shallow margin that can be a big feature because of the depth difference, as that water will warm up quicker, and depending on the fish they may visit that area more often compared to other parts.

In reply to Post #6
They should be good for what your doing mate