I've never watched it as I dont have Sky here and it would bore me rigid anyway, but it does seem to be influencing some of the younger more inexperienced anglers to the detriment of their catches....

Whilst I have the utmost respect for Danny Fairbrass as a professional angler I do think he needs to reflect a tad on how some of his suggestions could be interpreted...

Two in particular are in vogue....one the excessive addition of salt in groundbait, which is actually a fish repellent, and the Korda recommended playing of fish with the rod low down and to the side rather than high up, resulting in fish finding snags or being dragged into weed....

Some of the rigs people are bringing here are laughable and you need a PhD to tie them up....

Really catching carp isn't that difficult guys, and simple principles suffice...is stuff being made up just to fill up programme footage and sell unecessary tackle?

who gives a sh!t paul ?? no one let them go out and buy what they want as they will do no matter what anyone says !! i would pay more attention to make-in more bookings at ye lakes honest paul no gives a censored what danny does but it is funny when they get riped to bits and they take it all for real lol

I've got respect for Fairbrass and they way Korda promote themselves. I don't even mind the show.

But I tell you what, he puts more time and effort composing his spod mix than most of the TV chefs do for a 5 course meal.

It's a load of mixed shite which the carp will eat. It isn't a science.

Dont mind the programme myself,nice to see fishing on tv..nice to see texted book fishing from other parts of the country...All good stuff that works for well stocked venues with food hunrgy fish..Where simplicity catches you anything,Its when its translated by the watchers/newcommers who start-up fishing in/at hard NW venues that the effects falls apart for them.But...
More emphasis on safety for fish and rig safety can`t be bad for the past-time..!

Don't get me started on Danny Dearlead and that atrocious programme!

Alright Paul, all good with you I hope...

I've not heard anyone say that salt is a repellent before so was wondering what makes you say that. I've heard loads of stuff such people saying that carp need it and others saying that it can actually harm em, I put salt and sugar in my particles for years but don't add salt anymore because I'm not sure what's what with it anymore, if in doubt an all that....not heard the repellent bit anyway so it would be good to know what you think?

I have watched Thinking Tackle once or twice to pass a bit of time, it's ok and they do show a few little dodges that anglers could maybe use?

Cheers...

Hi Robin, yes I am fine thanks. From what I hear we would not recognise the Withy Pool we once enjoyed fishing....

On the issue of salt in carp baits I think there is a definite optimum level for inclusion, beyond that it can be a repellent, just like many other ingredients can be...people often forget that many base ingredients also contain salt......

Research in aquaculture suggests that carp should not have more than 1.5% salt as part of their diet; beyond this they can develop physical problems. Pouring salt or rock salt into PVA bags etc is not only unecessary as it is of no benefit it is also irresponsible......

Yea that makes sense, I see where you're coming from because Danny does seem to encourage people to hammer the stuff into their particles...I suppose the couple of teaspoons I was adding can't too bad but I guess if you add that to what others might be adding could end up a bit iffy, I think I'll carry on leaving it out.

Withy Pool, did you have to remind me It kills me to think how that place hasn't fallen into the hands of a proper angler, the history behind that place..!! I still dream about the place and regret not making more of my time there but it still gives me some of my best memories

The house at Withy has been knocked down and a real mansion built in its place.... A fortune has been spent on swimming pool and the grounds....

I cant say too much, but some of the carp are still there. KMs is 38lb, the Dark One 36lb, and two of the fish I stocked - Humpy and Jamies Fish - are mid 30s now. Lots of big cats, far too many in fact.....

A few cats serve a good purpose with the crays an all that but it's two small to have loads of me in there, fishing still goes on there then?