I've been using PVA bags of late (Nash, solid type), and am getting a problem with the residue left by the PVA tape used to tie the end. This leaves a nasty blob just above the lead. I have been toying with the idea of using staples to seal the bag, but have the following concerns:
- Once the bag has melted, the staples will be left on the lake bed. Over a period of time, the lake could be littered with small pieces of metal.
- When a carp comes along and sucks in all the pellets etc, it could also take in the discarded staples. This, I am sure will not do its insides any good at all.

What are all you PVA users doing to get around this problem?

Tight lines

Steve Wadsworth

I use the same method that is explained in the diagrams included witht eh Kryston bags.

If you are not chucking a long distance then fill the back about 70% then moisten each side and fold over creating a triangular type finish to the top, then moisten the top of the 'Triangle' then fold down like an envelope. Then simply hook it on through the folded over piece.

I can't exlplain it really as it is easier to show.

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Darren Wilson

What I do is. Stick everything in the bag weights an all and just lick the top of the bag and close it as like to those little zip lock bags everything comes in these days.

C

Wadste, have a look at my article on PVA bags in the articles section - that might help you.
Also you might consider moving over to Mark Jones bags which are a lot, lot cheaper (£13.50 per 100) and easier to work with than Nashy's.
Staples are no good for anything over mid range I've found.
Have a look at Kevin Babij's article too, for stocking-type presentations.

I can't see the staples causing a problem in the lake itself, surely they would rust away in a very short space of time, and I think it would take a HUGE amount of staples to seriously affect the water chemistry.

Regarding the carp swallowing staples - they don't seem to have much problem ejecting baits with a bloody big size 6 attached to them (at least not MY hooks,anyway)!!

I've just been licking and sticking, and haven't experienced any problems, although I'm not fishing at any range.

Paul, seems like a good price for the bags - does Mark Jones advertise or sell through shops???

Regards,

Trench

Mark sells his bags, as Invisible leads, through tackle shops but only in the south I believe,as they don't weigh much he'll probably post some to you.
His leads, he's got some new ones out too, are bloody good aswell.
I'll see if he minds his phone number being put on the forum and if not I'll post it here.

Personally i don`t worry too much about the residue PVA and using the stockings on a bulk roll i`ll get one at either end.
Just trim off the excess PVA from the knot or tie so it`s at a minimum and will still hold the bag together.
In colder water i would more worried about a residue coating the baits,(puncture the bags with a boilee spike).
I`am remembering here the awful early Gardner bags and string that would come back virtually undissolved on a November morning!
Tie up a bag and drop it in the margins and examine the remains carefully.The stockings win hands down for early/late season use.

Mark Jones number is 01703 867098 (taken from an older thread). These are in my view the best bag per price available, at £13.50 per 100 plus post. PVA residue is not a problem with these. They are my preferred bag.
Mark also does some permanent coloured leads, again at an excellent price ie. the coating doesn't come off, but I have never used these.
Mark, you promised to send me some!!!

you'll need to replace the 01703 with 02380 or it won't work.

With regards to PVA residue - I seem to remember articles by Jim Gibbinson where he stated that he feels the residue is actually an attractor, he went as far as saying that he regularly taped his hookbaits even when there was no "technical" advantage in doing so....

Or was he just on a wind up?

Simon