Quest Baits Blog

By Samantha Collins-Ratcliffe;

It has been known for some time now that lead weights are detrimental to the environment, effecting our waters, fish and bird life. We don’t know for sure what the future consequences of this will be.

Lead is a toxic metal that, in sufficient quantities, has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of animals. Found in most weights, this metal is poisoning wildlife. In addition to its impact on water, lost leads and the use of drop off rigs can create a burden on the environment.

In Denmark, companies are now prohibited from inporting and marketing any product containing lead for commercial fishing equipment, this went in to effect in 2002. How long is it before it hits the UK?

So what is out there?

continue reading…

by Shaun Harrison

After eight months of writing my ‘Bait Quest’ series in Carpworld, I want to talk about the various topics and thoughts which came to mind whilst reading the latest issue of Carpworld. What a brilliant mixed bag it has become.

With sales well on the increase, the recent facelift the magazine has undergone (complete with ‘Tim Paisley’s International Carper’ for free) has definitely been a move in the right direction, and I would like to raise a glass to all at Angling Publications involved in the production of the magazine. There’s an awful lot of competition out there, but the first of the carp fishing monthlies can still hold its head up, and it shines through as Britain’s biggest carp angling magazine. continue reading…

by Shaun Harrison

I must say that James Harrison’s ‘A Different Angle’ article in last month’s Carpworld was one of the most original, contumacious pieces of no-nonsense carp-related pieces of literature I have ever read! A sweeping statement perhaps, but nonetheless, very true. I find when I read carp fishing-related articles there are often one or two points which start to fire around in my head. The old grey matter starts to wobble and bits from some long-forgotten memory suddenly come back through to the present. I used to be so envious of Jim Gibbinson with his Carpworld column ‘Let Us Talk’. continue reading…

Hi there,

Here is the second part of the casting video I shot with Shaun Harrison and Mark Hutchinson in February of this year. This part goes through the casting technique recommended by Mark to get extra distance. (It’s in two clips because Youtube limits the clips to 10 minutes). So here is part 2 & 3:

“Want to cast 160 yards? Join British Record casting champion Mark Hutchinson on the bank as he teaches a normal 100 yard caster how to hit the 160 mark he thought he’d never reach. No secrets – Everything revealed from tackle to technique.”

Long Distance Casting – Part 2: The Casting

Long Distance Casting – Part 3: The Casting (continued)

by Samantha Collins-Ratcliffe

Summer or winter, weedbeds are well worth a serious look at as being a good holding area for carp. I’ve found that clear spots in the weed are often a good area to put your hookbait – especially on a short session. I’ve fished a lot of very weedy waters, both here and on the continent, and most of the time I find takes occur during the hours of daylight from these clear spots. continue reading…

Want to cast 160 yards? Join British Record casting champion Mark Hutchinson on the bank as he teaches a normal 100 yard caster how to hit the 160 mark he thought he’d never reach. No secrets – Everything revealed from tackle to technique.

Long Distance Casting – Part 1: The Tackle