Q

Should I increase the strength of my lines as the weather warms up? Would 7lb be too thick for carp on a commercial fishery, for example? HARRY LOCKE, KIDDERMINSTER

AThe lighter line you use, the more bites you will get. But go too light and the chances of getting smashed up increase. Finding a balance is the key and so much depends on the size of fish in the lake and how many snags or hazards there are. For instance, a swim with lots of reeds and lily pads that’s home to double-figure carp will need stronger gear than a lake with no obvious features and 2lb fish. For a typical commercial fishery swim where the carp are around 5lb apiece, pick a mainline of 6lb and a hooklength of 5lb and you won’t go far wrong. But be prepared to step up substantially for big fish or snaggy situations using 7lb-8lb lines.

Match lines to the type of snags in the swim and the size of fish you’re likely to catch