Carp Care UK Phase 2 Propolis 30ml Dropper bottle

Contents & Coverage

There's a lot in a small bottle. Alongside the propolis, the formula contains amino acids, vitamins A, C and E, plus potassium and magnesium, and it's made for mouth and body care, so it suits a hook hold in the lip just as well as a cut on the flank.

So why only 7.5? It's one stage of three, and it's meant to go onto an area that's already been disinfected with Phase 1. On its own it isn't the complete treatment, so you'll want Antisepticize alongside it, plus Wound Membrane for larger body wounds.

To be fair, every phase in the system works that way, and the Propolis is the one with the most going on in its formula. For the middle step, I'd call it a well-thought-out treatment with a clear job between the clean and the cover.

Ease of Use

The dropper top makes it easy to put a small amount exactly where it's needed, straight onto the area you've just sprayed with Phase 1. Seal it with lake water and it turns lighter in colour as it seals, which gives you a simple visual sign that the job's done.

The one thing to remember is the Phase 3 rule. If you're going to use Wound Membrane, don't seal the Propolis, because the powder goes on top and is sealed with lake water itself. Is that hard? Not really, but it's a decision you make on the mat, and that's why ease sits at 8.5.

Keep it away from the eyes, nasal passages and gills, keep the fish wet throughout and get it back in the water quickly. For me, it's a simple step once you've got the sequence straight.

Portability

A 30ml dropper bottle weighs next to nothing and fits in any pocket. It's the same size as the Phase 1 spray, so the two sit together neatly in a small pouch or a rucksack side pocket, and the Phase 3 powder adds only one more small bottle.

That matters because the routine only works if every phase is on the bank, and at this size there's no reason to leave any of them behind.

It's light enough for a short stalking session as well as a long stay, and the dropper is built into the bottle, so there's nothing extra to carry to apply it.

I think it's as easy to carry as any carp care treatment, and with the other two bottles it makes a compact set you can keep in the bag full-time, ready for whatever comes out of the water.

Is it good value for money?

Is it worth it? It's one of the cheaper single treatments, and for a 30ml bottle with this much in the formula I think the price is fair. Each phase is sold separately too, so you only replace the bottle that runs low rather than buying the whole set again.

The catch is the same as for the rest of the system. To use it properly you need Phase 1 as well, plus Phase 3 for bigger body wounds, so the full routine costs more than a single all-in-one bottle.

If one bottle is what you're after, the Korda Propolis Carp Care All In One puts propolis care into a single treatment.

Overall, I'd recommend Phase 2 Propolis to carp anglers already using Antisepticize, and to anyone who wants a natural propolis treatment as part of a proper clean, treat and protect routine.