Questions and Answers
This section is for general questions and answers that do not fit into any of the catergories on the left hand side per se.
How to play a fish
First thing to do when you hook a fish is not to panic and rush as you will more likely lose the fish. Generally, the harder you pull a fish in, the harder it will try and pull back (especially Carp). When your float goes under I prefer to lift into the bite than striking into it.
Once the fish is hooked I like to keep the pole as low as possible to the water to minimise the pressure on the fish. If you try and lift the fish out the water, generally the fish will fight twice as hard. It is best to keep the pole low and make sure that you are shipping back smoothly and slowly.
Hopefully, you will get to the point of where you need to break down (normally your top kit), but keep the tip low and if the fish still has fight in it, let it tire out in front of you as the elastic will be working to tire the fish out. When the fish starts to come up to the surface, it is now that the fish is probably ready for netting. With your net in one hand and the pole in the other, slowly move the pole to the vertical position, which will disorientate the fish as it comes to the surface.
If this does not work then lower the pole back to the horizontal postion and repeat the process. Take your time in landing fish as its better to land it rather than rushing it and probably losing the fish.
Why fish overdepth
Main reason to fish overdepth is to give species that graze (i.e. bream) a chance to take your bait without feeling any resistance from your shot or float. It also helps presentation, especially in windy conditions as some species will not take the bait unless it is completely still. If your float is moving about on the surface due to wind then the chances are the bait is moving of the bottom below. A moving bait is fine for species such as Perch, but for the likes of Bream and Tench, they prefer a still bait.
What is 2 + 2
This means how many sections you are using. So 2 + 2 means say your top 2 kit and sections 4 and 5.