VENUE INSIDER

Orpington Tackle & Bait boss and Eden Brook regular Peter Bolt says: Tackle: “When a 6oz carp could come one chuck and a 20lb fish the next it is vital that you have balanced tackle. A soft-topped 10ft rod and a reel loaded with 6lb line is the starting point, with an 0.18mm hooklength to a fairly strong size 16 hook. My favourite float is a Nick Gilbert Pellet Waggler.” Baits: “Pellets work well on both lakes. Fish of all sizes will take 6mm or 8mm versions but step up to 11m or even 15mm if you want to be selective.” Tactics: “At this time of year you can catch all day on the pellet waggler, but a few chucks on the Method feeder towards an island could help find an elusive big mirror or common. A short pole or whip and maggots is a great alternative for newcomers, who will catch a small carp every drop-in.”