I have been away fishing the last few days, otherwise I would have input already. If you are reading this Bob, I have bought both films. I have enjoyed them both very much and find both films are absolutely fascinating. As I usually fish the Trent, Lee Swords' section is particularly interesting but I expect to be unpacking the implications of both films for a long time to come. I look forward to seeing Mick Wood in the next film - someone else who has fished the trent and who always has interesting and considered views to put across.
I have fished long hooklengths for a few years now. I have faith in the technique, though I shorten them down to about 18 inches on occasion. As for deep hooking I never have either. I tried stepping down to size 12 Korum hooks. They worked a little too well in some respects. The first fish I caught on them was very firmly hooked in the scissors. It was really quite difficult to get the hook out. It seems to me that the barb is oversized for the hooks. The problem did not recur after I flattened all the barbs. Easy-Peasie after that. I usually flatten all my barbs. I just forgot I guess.
I tried out Korda soft coated braid too. To my amazement it snapped on a knot, when I had a barbel twitch. The knot was the Kryston loop knot, and the braid was not stripped. I changed to a palomar on stripped braid, direct to a swivel and it performed perfectly the next time. I noticed Danny Fairbrass recommending tying to a rig ring. I thought he was just trying to sell more Korda metalware!
I am curious to know what other Trent fishers do to get over the problem of getting the bait out and on the deck in a reasonable quantity.