The underwater world always fascinates carp anglers, and in this exciting new series Rob Hughes dons a snorkel and has a look at bait presentations, tactics, how rigs behave and also see some stunning carp footage of the creatures that we love in their natural environment.

Bankside Tackle will be one of the first to get stocks of this brand new DVD, but if you can't wait until then please click here for a preview of what Carp: Above and below is all about. 

AWESOME UNDERWATER FOOTAGE 

Part 1 of Carp: Above and Below sees the team venture out to the awesome Abbey Lakes complex in northern France where the fish are pretty clued up and the water very clear. Join Rob Hughes and pals Jon “Shoes” Jones (aka The Trickster) and Lee Croson on a fantastic session where the lads catch some incredible fish giving their tactics for success. We investigate the deadly “parachute bag” method and see exactly why it is so successful with slo –mo underwater footage of what happens when your rig hits the bottom. In addition we look at a fantastic stringer presentation with a twist, and also how to get the best from your hook link set ups. It’s enlightening stuff and Rob manages to land a stunning 57lb Abbey mirror in the process showing his tactics are bang on. 

TIPS FROM THE BRITISH CHAMPS

The 2008 British Carp Angling Champions Jon Finch and Ian Poole join us to give an insight into some of the strategies and baits that netted them the top prize in UK Carp angling and bag a 40lb common and a 50lb mirror in the process. Finchy has been out to Abbey a few times before and applies his wide range of knowledge but it’s Pooley's first trip so we can see the approach from two different angles and how successful these boys can be. 

ADVANCED BAIT BOAT USE

There is no question that using a bait boat can increase your success, and Viper’s Keith Williams lets you in on some of the advanced ways you can use a boat. We look at the use of bait boats, how they drop their bait, what the presentation looks like and also some advanced tips and tricks to give you an edge. 

The beginning of the year always sees lots of new products launched and the latest gadgets from the ESP stable never disappoint. By popular demand the ESP Curve-Shanx are added to the increasing hook range. If you're a fan of Korda Kurv's or Kamasan Carp Maxx, then these new ESP hooks will certainly have a place in the tackle box. Super sharp, Teflon coated and a gradual curve, this hook will turn over and grab hold of rig cautious carp. Available in all the regular and intermediate sizes.

Next up are the ESP Ready Tied Leadcore Leader Helicopter Rigs. Now available in 1m and 1.5m lengths and in four colours: Weedy Green, Original Camo, Sandy Gravel and Choddy Silt all with colour coded beads and sleeves. These are the best ready tied leaders on the market; perfect splices everytime, reliable and safe and a testament to ESP high standards. These will also be available in the Bolt Clip version later in the year.

The Original Ghost Hooklink has been a popular seller for anglers wanting a stiff Fluorocarbon Hooklink, but can be limiting on its presentations. The New ESP Soft Ghost is limp and supple and ideal for a wide variety of more flexible rigs and presentations. Its other characteristic of being denser than water also helps the rig to lie tight to the bottom. ESP Soft Ghost is available in 10lb, 12lb, 15lb and 18lb breaking strains.