Whilst some anglers drive to the lake and bring everything with them (and more!), if you are flying in, or travelling as a group in a smaller car, then you may have to limit yourself to the more important items of tackle. I’ve therefore set out below a list of some things that you will have to bring as well as those items of end tackle which I think are consistently important.
Sleeping Bag
Reels
Alarms
Bobbins
Pod/Banksticks (pods are provided but we often find people prefer their own).
Head Torch/Torch
Spare Batteries
Bivvy Table – Not essential to some but I would certainly recommend having one with you. There are several now which incorporate a tackle box/bag which is ideal for flying with.
Other things that may be useful although not necessarily essential are:
Distance sticks - for checking distances and casting accurately.
Boilie crusher and/or cutter
Catapult + spare elastic
Some people bring and use spombs. It’s a personal preference but I would avoid these. They are not really necessary at our lake and do cause disturbance. There are several throwing sticks at the lake.
And with regard to end tackle, working towards the hook I would include the following:
Flying Back Leads – To pin everything down that little bit more (always remember to include a bead between the flying back lead and tubing to ensure that it flies smoothly).
Back Leads – I always seem to loose a few of these so bring plenty.
Tubing – Some form of sinking tubing (my recommendation would be Korda Dark Matter in Silt)
Anti-tangle Sleeves - Such as Korda Dark Matter or similar.
Links and Clips for Attaching Rigs/Leads - Depends upon your favourite set up but I would always have Kwik Links, Swivels (make sure they are the correct sizes), Lead Clips and Hybrid Lead Clips. Whilst I nearly always fish a semi-fixed setup, I would also have the bits and pieces for a running rig e.g., Korda do a running rig kit.
Silicon Sleeves – Various uses but I find them particularly useful for covering up the kwik link or swivel and therefore reducing any risk of tangles when casting.
Leads – Again a personal choice but my preference for our lake is a Pear of Flat Pear Swivel in 1.5 or 2oz. If fishing a running rig, I’ll change to an in line Flat Pear in the same size. As rigs must be safe, you will need a good supply of leads. Whilst we don’t insist upon dropping the lead on the take, I find that our ‘French original’ fish often have such vicious pick-up/runs that the lead will often come off on the take.
Braided Hook Link Material – Whatever your personal choice is (my favourites are ESP Anchor Braid in silt colour and Korda Dark Matter Braid).
Strippa Tool – If using a coated braid hook link material.
Putty or Sinkers – For pinning rigs to the lake bed or for making rigs more aggressive on the pick-up. Various types available such as Korda Dark Matter Putty, tungsten sinkers by various manufacturers etc.
Barbless Hooks – Personal choice but my favourite for fishing 20mm boilies is the Korda Kurv Shank B in 4, closely followed by the Korda Wide Gape B in 6 and Korda Krank B in 4. If using smaller baits then simply go down a size.
Shrink Tubing – I mainly use this to cover the hook eye and to create a bigger and more aggressive angle to the hook. The ready made ‘kickers’ are a good alternative.
Silicon Tubing – For holding the hair at the correct angle off the hook. Particularly important when fishing bottom baits.
Other Rig Bits – Depends upon personal preferences but could include bait screws, micro-swivels, micro-beads, kickers, spinner swivels etc.
PVA – I would always have a selection including funnel web, tape, string and bags. Also brings spares.
Dissolvable Foam Nuggets - Useful for covering the hook and reducing the risk of tangles on the cast.
Scissors
Pliers/Forceps
Baiting Needle(s)
Bait Stops
Bait Drill and corks – If balancing baits.
Plastic Baits – If using, I would recommend maize and corn. Also the Enterprise Tackle plastic pellets are a very close match to our lake pellets (Enterprise Tackle sell a whole range of plastic baits which are well worth checking out, particularly if you want to try something different).
Other Hookbaits – Personal preference but don’t forget any of your special favourites.
Glugs, Bait Soaks, Sprays, Goo – Personal preference again. I often just use a bait straight from the bag. Sometimes I also use simple bait soaks with hemp oil being a particular favourite and one which caught my biggest fish from the lake.
That's about it I think. There would be a few more things if you decided to have a targeted effort for the Catfish. I'll put some more information on recommendations for catfish separately.
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