Korda - The Thinking Tackle Podcast

Korda Developments Ltd

Rich Stewart presents The Thinking Tackle Podcast. The original Thinking Tackle was one of Korda's most successful and popular projects ever, and now you can listen to it on the go. We will be speaking to a variety of popular guests, discussing advice and tips and sharing our most entertaining fishing stories and adventures.
For more information and content from Rich Stewart visit,
https://www.cypography.co.uk/.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

20 episodes
Updated July 27
Explicit

Episodes20

Newest first

July 27 · 46 min
UNCUT Podcast #046: We've Been Busy…
After a few weeks apart, the full Korda UNCUT Podcast team is back together (Tom Dove, Neil Spooner, Damian Clarke and Adam Reed) with plenty to catch up on.With multiple Dovey & Spooner VS YouTube films in the bag, new venues fished, overseas trips and river campaigns, there's no shortage of stories from the last few weeks.The lads also chat about summer fishing, float fishing for carp, Spooners trip to Holland, upcoming trips to France and Gigantica, plus a few plans that may (or may not) involve Dovey running a marathon...🎧 In this episode: Behind the scenes of the latest Dovey & Spooner VS matches Spooner's 50 winners and a special achievement award Adams' latest river campaign and filming from the boat Damos return to float fishing for carp Spooner's trip to De Ronde Bleek & adapting to tough conditions Berners Hall, Embryo venues and some incredible day-ticket carp Plans for Gigantica, France and the autumn fishing ahead It's another classic Uncut episode packed with proper carp fishing, plenty of laughs, and a look at what the lads have been up to both on and off the bank.📬 Want to join the Spooner’s 50 Club in 2026 (Last Chance).Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.ukFor more information, visit:http://www.kordatackle.co.ukhttps://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial ⁠http://instagram.com/kordaofficial⁠
July 20 · 2 hr 23 min
Ricci Connolly | Korda Thinking Tackle Podcast #118
Episode 118 of the Korda Thinking Tackle Podcast features Ricci Connoly, a highly respected carp angler whose success spans some of the UK's most sought-after venues as well as incredible waters across Europe. Alongside his angling achievements, Ricci is also the owner of the industry-leading Fishon Tackle Shop, a business that has gone from strength to strength over many years. In this episode, Ricci shares his journey through the tackle trade, the challenges of running a successful business, and how he balances work with his pursuit of some of carp fishing's most revered captures. It's an honest and insightful conversation packed with stories, experience, and valuable lessons from a lifetime dedicated to carp fishing.
July 13 · 44 min
UNCUT Podcast #045: Carl Smiths WINS a 50 Cup?
Carl Smith joins Tom Dove, Neils Spooner and Adam Reed fresh off another incredible spring, with not one but two UK 50s already under his belt. From stalking a stunning Cornish linear on floating bread to finally banking a long-awaited reservoir common, there's plenty of big carp chat to get into. The conversation also dives into Carl's recent Japan film, chasing carp beneath Mount Fuji, the appeal of mystery fish, and why the unknown still drives so many anglers. 🎧 In this episode: Carl's 50lb Cornish linear caught freelining bread The story behind his long-awaited reservoir common Why stalking still delivers some of the most exciting carp fishing The latest Spooner's 50 winner... Carl himself Fishing beneath Mount Fuji and the making of Carl's Japan film The attraction of mystery carp and forgotten waters Adam's latest Thames session and why rivers still hold so much intrigue Otters, unknown fish, and where the UK's biggest uncaught carp might be From surface fishing and spring campaigns to Japan and the River Thames, it's another proper angling conversation with one of the best big carp anglers and filmmakers in the game. 📬 Want to join the Spooner’s 50 Club in 2026 (Last Chance). Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information, visit: http://www.kordatackle.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial ⁠http://instagram.com/kordaofficial⁠
June 29 · 45 min
UNCUT Podcast #044: Spooner's Done It!
In this episode of Thinking Tackle Uncut, Neil Spooner tells the full story behind landing the 67lb UK common that stunned everyone. From a last-minute invite to Waterside from the guys at Cypography, a simple Solid Bag approach, and not even realising what he'd hooked until it was in the net, it's a capture he'll never forget. Alongside the celebrations, the lads catch up on recent sessions, Germany trips, river fishing, and why simple tactics still catch the biggest carp. 🎧 In this episode: The full story behind Spooner's 67lb UK common Why a solid bag and a yellow Pom & Pear wafter did the damage Tom's trip to Germany with Christopher Paschmanns and Marc Voosen Adam's opening river session and an agonising hook pull on the first night. The latest Spooner's 50s competition winners One of the biggest moments in Uncut history, with plenty of laughs, proper carp fishing chat, and a story Spooner won't be living down any time soon. 📬 Want to join the Spooner’s 50 Club in 2026 (Last Chance). Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk http://www.kordatackle.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial ⁠http://instagram.com/kordaofficial⁠
June 15 · 43 min
UNCUT Podcast #043: An Inch Makes HUGE Difference (UPDATED)
Dovey, Spooner, Damo and Adam are all back together in this episode of Thinking Tackle Podcast Uncut. The lads take a look back on a session that produced 18 carp, close encounters with the country’s BIGGEST fully scaled mirror carp (aka their target fish), and a fascinating discussion around rigs, presentations, and how something as small as an inch of hooklink length can completely change the outcome of a session. A week at The Manor, plenty of bites, and a few moments where it genuinely felt like the lake’s giant, fully scaled mirror was only one mistake away from getting caught. From fishing clay spots amongst heavy weed to spotting the big fish over the baited area, there were plenty of moments where confidence was sky high - but the result everyone wanted remained just out of reach. 🎧 In this episode: The Manor trip and fishing for one of the UK’s biggest fully scaled mirrors A once-in-a-lifetime moment seeing the target fish show directly over the spot. 18 carp landed and a week of near misses Fishing clay spots, weed beds and adapting to changing conditions Chod rig length, hookbait presentation + why an inch can make all the difference. Spinner rigs vs chod rigs and when each comes into its own The return of the Pango pop-up Spooner’s latest session at Wrasbury The latest Spooner’s 50s, plus a 66lb Old Mill carp A proper carp fishing episode covering rigs, presentations, big fish thinking, and those fine margins that often decide whether you catch them or not. 📬 Want to join the Spooner’s 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information, visit: http://www.kordatackle.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial ⁠http://instagram.com/kordaofficial⁠
June 1 · 51 min
UNCUT Podcast #042: Can Pecky still do it?
Big Carp catching machine, Darrell Peck joins Neil Spooner and Adam Reed on the UNCUT Podcast, fresh from an intense Spring campaign on one of the country's toughest venues - and the conversation quickly turns to whether he can still compete at the sharp end of modern UK carp fishing. After spending years focused on European adventures, Pecky opens up about returning to the pressure, competition and commitment required to target some of the hardest carp in the country. From 35 nights out of 37 at Long Reach to close-range encounters with the Lord of the Manor, there's plenty to get stuck into. 🎧 In this episode: Pecky’s 35-night Long Reach campaign and why he committed so heavily Fishing a 30-carp lake where opportunities are few and far between Range fishing at 180+ yards and making the most of tiny windows The reality of competing against some of the best anglers in UK carp fishing Catching Starburst at over 50lb and other Long Reach captures Why solid bags are still massively underused Spooner’s latest syndicate success and a new target fish A quick trip to Bulgaria, plenty of bites, and an unexpected new fishing dog Pecky speaks honestly about getting older, staying competitive, and whether he still has what it takes to keep up with the new generation of anglers. A proper insight into modern big carp fishing, campaign angling, and the mindset needed when the odds are stacked against you.📬 Want to join the Spooner’s 50 Club in 2026?Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk
May 25 · 2 hr 35 min
Gavin Neal | Korda Thinking Tackle Podcast #117
Episode 117 of the Korda Thinking Tackle Podcast sees us joined by Gavin Neal — a carp angler who’s caught fish from some of the country’s most iconic venues, including Wellington Country Park, Wasing and plenty more. With years of experience behind him and an incredible hit list of carp, Gavin shares stories, lessons and plenty of honest angling insight along the way.We also get into the thinking behind Handcraft Baits, the company Gavin owns and runs, where the focus is on using less bait while ensuring it’s the very best quality possible. From big-fish tactics to bait theory and unforgettable captures, this is an episode serious carp anglers won’t want to miss!
May 18 · 40 min
UNCUT Podcast #041: It’s Now or Never
The full team are back, and they are all enjoying that 'Gone Fishing' Spring buzz - Dovey, Spooner, Damo and Reed are back together for this one - and plenty is going on.Spooner’s finally getting bites on the new lake, the lads get into small-water pressure and fishing one rod properly, and there’s a wider conversation around just how many big carp there are now… and whether that’s changing carp fishing for good.There’s also chat around sponsorships, younger anglers trying to break into the industry, and what actually separates the ones who make it from the ones who just want the badge.🎧 In this episode:- Small lakes, angling pressure, and why location still beats everything- Fishing one rod vs three rods on pressured waters- Recasting, bite-time windows, and maximising short feeding spells- The rise in UK 50lb carp and whether big fish are becoming too accessible- Young anglers, sponsorships, and what actually gets you noticed- The reality of working in fishing vs what people see online- The latest Waterside common capture and British record talk- New films, mountain fishing chaos, and the latest Korda productionsThere’s plenty of proper fishing discussion in this one - from tight little lakes and single-rod thinking to how carp fishing keeps changing year after year.📬 Want to join the Spooner’s 50 Club in 2026?Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk
May 4 · 45 min
UNCUT Podcast #040: Deal or No Deal?
The FULL Uncut team are back with Damian Clarke joining Tom Dove, Neil Spooner and Adam Reed for a chat that goes off in a slightly different direction. With Damo back in the room, the lads catch up on a busy few weeks from Spooner completing the London Marathon to a spring that’s producing more big carp than ever. But it quickly turns into something else… as a challenge gets thrown out that could see Tom doing something he definitely didn’t sign up for. There’s also plenty of proper carp fishing chat in there - big fish trends, recent sessions, and the reality of how good (or bad) things have been on the bank. 🎧 In this episode: Spooner’s London Marathon — the build-up, the reality, and what it was actually like A spring full of 50lb carp and why they’re becoming more common Spooner’s recent sessions - multiple 40s and consistent bites Social fishing vs Target fishing and how results can swing quickly The wing walk challenge - and whether Tom will actually do it A marathon bet linked to catching a UK 50… is it a DEAL? 📬 Want to join the Spooner’s 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information, visit: http://www.kordatackle.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial http://instagram.com/kordaofficial
April 20 · 31 min
UNCUT Podcast #039: Can He Catch Without One?
In this episode of Thinking Tackle Uncut, the lads get into a debate around bait boats. Anglers Tom Dove, Neil Spooner and Adam Reed talk about who’s using them, who admits to it, and whether they’re getting a bit too much credit (or not enough). This turns into a wider conversation about angling decisions, honesty, and doing things your own way. There’s also plenty going on away from that, including more 60lb carp, Spooner’s ongoing 50lb challenge, and a new Lac Luna trip where a proper challenge gets set. KONTENDER kordatackle.com/kontender Email Entries: kontender@korda.co.uk 🎧 In this episode: The bait boat debate - using them, admitting it, and giving credit where it’s due More UK 60lb carp and just how common they’re becoming Spooner’s ongoing 50lb challenge & how long it will take Lac Luna filming trip - Can Reedy catch a 40, 50 & 60lb Fishing for one bite vs going somewhere with numbers Hookbait choice - bright baits vs match the hatch Embryo venues, stocking, & what modern-day fisheries are becoming 📬 Want to join the Spooner’s 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information, visit: http://www.kordatackle.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial http://instagram.com/kordaofficial
April 6 · 42 min
UNCUT Podcast #038: It Only Took 10 Days | Oscar Thornton
The Korda UNCUT Podcast returns and with Damian missing, the lads are joined by Big Carp fishing pro Oscar Thornton (Mindset) - fresh off the back of a session that was meant to take weeks… but was wrapped up in just 10 days. Fishing a low-stock lake with a handful of target carp, Oscar committed early: pick an area, bait it properly, and sit on it. While others were fishing light and moving on showing fish, he went the other way - find out exactly what he did to get the quick win. It’s a proper look at backing your own approach and letting it play out. 🎧 In this episode: Oscar Thornton’s 10-day campaign and catching target carp quickly Fishing a low-stock venue and committing to one area Heavy baiting in spring vs following showing fish Long-range fishing at 140+ yards and staying accurate Hinged stiff rigs over seed, hemp and crumb Undertow, debris, and keeping rigs fishing properly Sitting it out vs moving - and trusting the process Dovey ending a long blank and why one bite changes everything 📬 Want to join the Spooner’s 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information: http://www.kordatackle.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial http://instagram.com/kordaofficial
March 30 · 2 hr 30 min
#116 - Ash Palethorpe
In this episode of the Korda Thinking Tackle Podcast, we're joined by Ash Palethorpe. Ash has built an incredible carp fishing album over the years, featuring a huge collection of massive carp from some of the country's most renowned venues. In this episode, he dives into some of his most memorable captures, sharing the stories, tactics, and moments behind the fish that stand out the most. One story in particular comes from a very obscure and unexpected location — proving that big carp can turn up where you least expect them! Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
March 24 · 42 min
UNCUT Podcast #037: Doveys longest blank…EVER
In this episode of Thinking Tackle Uncut Podcast, Tom Dove talks through with Neil Spooner, Damian Clarke and Adam Reed about one of his toughest runs in recent memory - weeks of effort, plenty of time on the bank, and very little back for it. The kind of spell every angler hits, but not everyone admits to. From there, it turns into a proper conversation about sticking things out, understanding bite times, and why one bite can completely reset everything. Along the way, the lads get into how modern fishing pressure, changing seasons, and bait are influencing how lakes fish now compared to years ago. 🎧 In this episode: Dovey's longest blank and fishing through it Why one bite changes everything Bite time windows and feeding spells in colder conditions Spooner's race weekend and pushing outside fishing Latest Spooner's 50s, including a 57lb+ common at 15 years old Another UK 60lb carp, and how many are really out there Why carp are getting bigger - bait, pressure, environment Is Autumn still what it used to be? Spring fishing, low baiting, and quick bites 📬 Want to join the Spooner's 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information, visit: http://www.kordatackle.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial http://instagram.com/kordaofficial
March 9 · 49 min
UNCUT Podcast #036: The PERFECT bait to catch more | Matt Godfrey
This week's Thinking Tackle Uncut takes a slightly different turn as Guru's Matt Godfrey joins Tom, Spooner and Adam in the studio. One of the most respected anglers in the match fishing world, Matt brings a completely different perspective - and the conversation quickly turns to something that both disciplines obsess over: bait. From casters and maggots to meat, boilies and feeding strategies, the lads explore The PERFECT bait to catch more so they can transform results. In match fishing, when fish want a specific bait and you feed only that, the results can be world championship-winning - and the same thinking often applies in carp fishing too. Alongside the bait chat there's also plenty of Uncut discussion around big carp captures, record fish, and the ongoing debate around stocking artificially grown giants into lakes. 🎧 In this episode: Guru's Matt Godfrey and the crossover between match fishing and carp fishing Why choosing the right bait at the right time can completely change your catch rate Casters, maggots, meat and how match anglers dial into feeding fish Spooner's 50s, including a 56lb mirror, and Lower Maynard's Big Common at 50lb+ The first "60" mug after George Bennos lands a 68lb carp RH Fisheries stocking 70lb+ carp and the debate around manufactured giants. Do newly stocked big carp feed easier before they wise up? The controversial overshotted rig in match fishing and why it was banned. It's a proper crossover episode - match fishing precision meets big carp thinking, with plenty of honest opinions along the way. 📬 Want to join the Spooner's 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information, visit: http://www.kordatackle.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial http://instagram.com/kordaofficial
February 23 · 46 min
UNCUT Podcast #035: We Talk RETRO Carp Fishing Rigs
Tom Dove, Neil Spooner, Damian Clarke and Adam Reed discuss how some carp fishing rigs don't stop working - they just fall out of favour. In this episode of Thinking Tackle Uncut, the full team revisits some of their favourite RETRO carp rigs that once went out on every rod: Tom's old Muzza Rig, Spooner's trusted Naked Chod Rig, and the shift toward the now-dominant Spinner rig. From corked-bottom baits and aggressive hook positioning to stiff hooklinks, quick-change setups, and modern hook sharpness, the lads break down why certain carp fishing rigs caught loads — and why they're rarely tied today. 🎧 In this episode: Spooner's recent winter session and baiting approach Superstitions, confidence and recasting when it doesn't feel right The Muzza Rig — mechanics, underwater thinking and big carp results The Naked Chod Rig and fishing over low weed Spinner Rig efficiency vs older bottom bait presentations Hook sharpness, tangles, and fishing for important carp 📬 Want to join the Spooner's 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information: http://www.kordatackle.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial http://instagram.com/kordaofficial
February 9 · 58 min
UNCUT Podcast #034: Danny Fairbrass Surprised Us All
In this week's show carp fishings Gaffer Danny Fairbrass is in the Uncut Podcast studio. With Damo missing, Tom Dove, Neil Spooner, and Adam Reed pull Danny in and it quickly turns into one of those episodes where proper carp fishing thinking takes over. No agenda, no polish, just an honest conversation about recent fishing, winter decision-making, and why doing less often catches more. Plus, Danny also talks openly about going on social media for the first time (It only took 26 years) and why it's never been a priority until now. The lads cannot believe it and have a few questions. 📲 Search Danny.Fairbrass on Instagram and FB to follow him. The chat moves from Spooner's 50 and winter captures into a detailed look at Danny's recent trip to Etang des Gaulois in France. Shallow water, soft silt, big fish - and plenty of reasons why most anglers would have overcomplicated it. Danny explains how he approached baiting, rigs, and timing, and why rumours about a lake "not fishing" usually say more about anglers than the venue. 🎧 In this episode: Recent Spooner's 50 fish and why some just stand out Winter carp fishing and letting the venue do the work Danny Fairbrass on Étang des Gaulois — shallow water, soft bottoms, right approach Boilie fishing in winter and knowing when to leave it alone Making fishing films and what anglers should (and shouldn't) take from them Rumours, booking agents, and backing your own judgement Spot fishing properly on pressured lakes Consistency, discipline, and still having to think 📬 Want to join the Spooner's 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information, http://www.kordatackle.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial http://instagram.com/kordaofficial #Korda #ThinkingTacklePodcast #UncutPodcast #CarpFishing#DannyFairbrass #NeilSpooner #TomDove #AdamReed#Spooners50 #WinterCarpFishing #CarpFishingFrance #ThinkingTackle
February 2 · 31 min
#115 - Tom Maker | How To Fish With Worms (And Avoid This Mistake!)
Episode 115 of Korda's Thinking Tackle Podcast welcomes Tom Maker back into the studio to break down how to fish with worms properly, from small tweaks to mindset shifts that make a big difference. Tom shares real-world tips, common mistakes anglers make, and why this classic bait is still so deadly when used the right way. We also give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at exactly how Tom pushes this tactic to its full potential, including a special in-studio rig-tying session!
January 26 · 48 min
UNCUT Podcast #033: Martin Locke - British Record Carp?
Carp fishing legend Martin Locke joins Tom Dove, Damian Clarke and Adam Reed for a BIG CARP Uncut Podcast. From starting Solar Tackle in the 1980s to landing some of the biggest carp ever caught, Martin's story is one of passion, innovation, and proper old-school graft. He also reflects on his recent campaign that produced a possible British Record carp — proving that decades on, he's still doing it at the very highest level. Damo and Tom go deep with Martin on everything from the early days of carp fishing and making his first buzz bars in a machine shop, to the moment he founded one of the most iconic brands in angling. Expect honesty, nostalgia, and plenty of laughs — this one captures exactly where carp fishing came from, and how much it's evolved. 🎣 In This Episode: How Solar Tackle was born in a garage The story behind "Sally", the legendary logo fish The early years of carp fishing and homemade tackle Martin's biggest-ever winter captures, including a 68lb+ carp His lasting influence on tackle design and the modern carp scene, Martin Locke is one of the sport's great storytellers — and this is proper Uncut gold. 📬 Want to join Spooner's 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information, visit: http://www.kordatackle.co.uk http://instagram.com/kordaofficial https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial
January 12 · 35 min
UNCUT Podcast #032: The Lads Set Their 2026 Targets 🎯
We're back! 🎉 After a well-earned Christmas break, Carp Fishing pros Damian Clarke, Tom Dove, Neil Spooner and Adam Reed return for the first Thinking Tackle UNCUT Podcast of 2026 - and this time they are setting Goals for 2026. From Damo's unusual Christmas present (yes, really!) to Spooner's marathon training and Reedy's post-festive river blues, the lads kick off the year the only way they know how - with banter, honesty, and plenty of carp talk. 🎣 In this episode: The lads' New Year goals and fishing plans Damo's shovel gift disaster 😂 Spooner's marathon mission and training secrets Tom's Christmas chaos and Winter fishing tips Adam talks prep and his plans for the river Proper laughs, proper honesty and pure UNCUT energy It's a brand-new year of carp fishing, and the lads are fired up for what's ahead. 📬 Want to join the Spooner's 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk For more information, visit: http://www.kordatackle.com https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial http://instagram.com/kordaofficial
Dec 22, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
UNCUT Podcast #031: Christmas Special ft. Carl Smith, Darrell Peck & More
It's Christmas… and Tom Dove, Damian Clarke, Adam Reed and Neil Spooner are down the pub! 🍻 For the final UNCUT Podcast of 2025, the lads are joined by a load of special guests at The Dog & Pickle for a proper festive get-together - complete with pints, presents, and plenty of stories that probably shouldn't have made it on camera! 🎅 Special Guests: Darrell Peck, Carl Smith, Pete Regan, Scott Sweetman, and (Essex) Jay Willis From splitting the G to side-splitting laughs, this one's pure UNCUT energy - honest carp chat, classic banter, and a good dose of Christmas chaos. 🎣 In this special episode: Damo's underwater filming confession 👀 Tom's biggest fish of 2024 revealed Spooner actually drinks Guinness… and likes it! The lads' Favourite Catches of 2025 A festive wrap-up, the only way UNCUT knows how. Grab a pint, settle in, and enjoy the Crimbo Special - a perfect end to another incredible year of carp fishing 🎄 For more information , visit: http://www.korda.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial http://instagram.com/kordaofficial https://twitter.com/kordaofficial #Korda #ThinkingTacklePodcast #UncutPodcast #CarpFishing #BigCarp #CarpLife #CarpFishingPodcast #DamianClarke #TomDove #NeilSpooner #ChristmasSpecial #CarpFishingStories #Spooners50 #UnderwaterFishing #FishingBanter #DarrellPeck #CarlSmith