Comfort over too much kit.

More Ramblings

This is something that goes around in my head all the time. As I get older, I’m torn between comfort and taking too much kit.

I’ve come to appreciate the importance of comfort during my fishing trips. Having ample space to move about within my bivvy, a comfortable chair to sit on, and avoiding spending the entire day hunched up on my bedchair has become a priority. While there are quality bedchair chairs available, the key is in how you arrange your setup. I personally prefer having my bedchair aligned lengthwise inside my bivvy, which not only provides more room but also allows me to position my bivvy at an angle. This setup enables me to keep an eye on my rods and enjoy a clear view of the lake simultaneously.

It’s worth noting that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to setting up your bivvy. While modern fishing equipment might suggest otherwise, I’ve been employing this method for years, even with bivvies like the Aqua Compact and JRC Bivvy. Now, I’ve upgraded to the Titan T2, which is undeniably a substantial piece of kit. Along with the inner capsule and an overwrap for those chilly winter sessions, it’s an absolute game-changer in terms of comfort and versatility.

As you’ll notice from the photographs, I have an undeniable penchant for comfort when I’m out on my fishing trips. Being an avid camper, I’ve found that camping chairs provide a level of comfort that traditional carp fishing chairs don’t quite match, especially during those long hours by the water’s edge. Standing at a modest 5 feet 6” with short legs, I’ve often found fishing chairs to be less than comfortable for extended periods – at least for my frame.

You’ll also spot my trusty Weber portable gas BBQ inside my bivvy. This nifty addition has proven invaluable, especially on those chilly winter days and rainy sessions. A word of caution here: when using any gas equipment inside your bivvy, it’s paramount to ensure proper ventilation. I personally carry a carbon monoxide alarm as a safety precaution.

I’ve chosen not to use a dedicated bivvy table, opting instead for my Aqua Stax, which fits perfectly into my Fox Explorer Deluxe Barrow bag. This not only serves as a table but also offers additional protection for my gear.

A Bedchair’s Position: A Matter of Perspective

My choice of bedchair positioning varies depending on where I’d like to direct my gaze. Sometimes, I prefer to have it on the left; other times, it’s on the right. What might seem a bit peculiar to some, is that occasionally, I don’t feel the need to focus on my swim but rather on another area of the lake. This allows me to keep an eye on developments in different parts of the lake, which can provide valuable insights for future reference – a topic that deserves its own blog post!

The Culinary Side of Carp Fishing

When it comes to cooking during my fishing excursions, I have quite an array of kit at my disposal. However, I do have a soft spot for a proper percolated coffee. These days, I’ve made an effort to eat healthier, and that’s why I carry a 30-liter Aquos cool box stocked with salads and the occasional packet of biscuits and chocolate bars.

The Price of Comfort: Too Much Kit?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the sheer amount of gear. My penchant for comfort comes at the cost of making a few extra trips to and from the swim. Fortunately, I have the luxury of an electric barrow to ease the burden. However, not all lakes permit multiple trips, making this a real challenge at times. It’s a choice one must make – whether to embrace the convenience and extra gear or opt for a more minimalist approach.

For me, I’ve streamlined my tackle to the essentials, allowing me to enjoy the simplicity of a one-trip setup when I feel like it, such as using my Aqua Fast and Light or similar setups. Ultimately, it’s about finding the balance between comfort and convenience, and that balance may evolve with each fishing trip.

And my Fox Explorer Deluxe barrow handles it all.

When I’m gearing up for a fishing session, I typically opt for bringing my bivvy along instead of a bucket to put in the swim. I consider myself fortunate in my membership with this syndicate, there’s seldom a need for a bucket in the swim due to a unique dynamic – the first angler to arrive at the lake usually gets their choice of swim. While this system generally works smoothly, it can get a bit tricky when you’re unaware of someone else scouting or driving around the lake in the opposite direction. The direction you choose to drive around the lake doesn’t follow a strict rule, but sometimes, in your haste to return to the same swim, you might take the shortest route.

Despite these potential hiccups, our syndicate members maintain a harmonious atmosphere. We all get along well and are considerate anglers, fostering an environment of cooperation and flexibility. Thankfully, we have plenty of swim options that consistently produce carp, and everyone is willing to accommodate each other’s preferences to ensure an enjoyable fishing experience for all.

I digress for a moment. My approach involves dividing my fishing gear into three barrow loads. The first load comprises the essentials for my fishing trip, such as my rods, bait, and fishing tackle. The second trip is dedicated to the core fishing gear, including my bedchair, sleeping bag, and other essentials. Lastly, the third trip is all about the creature comforts, like my portable gas BBQ, a spacious 30-liter Fox cool box, additional bait supplies, my reliable Anker power pack, and my new found favorite fishing and camping chair. These comfort items can be left either at home or in the car, depending on my mood and willingness to commit to a longer setup process.

When it comes to heading back home, it’s all about packing everything away and sorting it out later. This stage can be a bit of a hassle, especially when you’ve had a full day of fishing, but it’s a necessary part of the process. I’ve found a workaround for this, thanks in part to my understanding wife and kids, as well as having the space to manage it. I prepare my fishing gear the day before and don’t fully stow it away upon returning home. This way, I can streamline the setup process, saving time and effort on the day of the trip.

Till next time

Richard