VSTOL Lures

Lots more lures added: Kastmaster spoons, Rapala plugs, Fisherman series floating frogs, snap beans etc More to come!

Night time just after heavy rain is good, all the worms come out of the waterlogged ground. I've also heard you can get them to come out by stamping on the ground, something to do with vibration? Hope this helps

See my above comment

If you can get some in good condition and for a decent price, the current UK military issue gor-tex is very good. Its kept me dry in everywere from Poland to the deck of HMS Invincible ;o) Army surplus is probably your best bet

I agree with everything thats been said above. When I catch a fish thats perfect in every way, fine condition, great colours, and one thats fought like a wildcat (no matter what its size) then I class that as a "specimen". If you just spent an hour stalking a 3lb chub but you finally get your fish...is that not a specimen? It is to me ;o)

To be honest Newt, there are far too many "traditionalists" in the UK. I've lost count of the number of times I've turned up at a water with my lure kit, and some snotty match fisherman looks at me like I've got two heads. I see the questions forming in his mind "were's his put over pole? why hasn't he got a trolley with a seatbox the size of Guildford? were's his Carp bivvy? etc etc" In all seriousness though, I think part of what is great about angling as a sport is the multitude of tackle and new ideas that can be used. Just because something isn't in a book or "accepted" it doesn't stop you from trying it (provided its legal and safe!). I've been using soft plastic for a few years now, I've used everything from Crappie tubes to plastic shads and everything in between. I've caught mostly Pike and Perch, but I've also had Chub and large Roach on the small plastic insect type lures. I'm always open to learning new fishing ideas, and although I wouldn't dream of ever using a Centrepin, I see no reason why someone couldn't successfully fish with soft plastic using one - soft plastics are just like any other form of bait!!!! As for the comments about using any form of rod, why the hell not? My first fishing rod was a solid glass 7 foot spinning rod (heavy) and I used that for years for everything from spinning for mackerel to ledgering for Tench, and it never let me down. Fishing is fishing, I enjoy just being at the waters edge (unless its bucketing it down like it is at the moment!)

I think you'll find members of the military aren't allowed to stand for public office Nick. No offence.

I've used Shakespeare reels for a long time, I've never had a problem with them - good all rounders. I've heard Leeda and Daiwa are supposed to be good too.

If theres a Decathlon anywere near you they often stock continental type seat boxes at cheap prices. I agree with the above though that the Shakespeare box takes some beating for a newbie. It was my first box (with Octoplus legs!!) and if I had the room I'd still have it now.

Don't forget as well we aren't really a democracy. In the recent council elections, my ward was offered two choice, Labour or Conservative I drew a picture of a male sexual organ on the paper. I'd have draw a big poo but I'm not much of an artist.

Phil I'm surrounded by those bloody things all day, I've no wish to see one when I'm fishing ;o)!

Ah I see, apologies

I must agree with you there Cory - the media doesn't tell a shred of truth. Classic (military related) stories/quotes "The L85A2 (SA80) is a type of Anti Armour Weapon used by British forces" The Sun "The GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun) fires up to 10 rounds a minute" BBC News You have to remember that it is IMPOSSIBLE to write unbiased news. So even with "figures" quoted in the Star, you don't know how they reached the total - one things is for sure, they didn't stand at Dover and count for a whole month!!! Remember this is the paper with the headline "Freddy Starr ate my hamster!"

Absolutely not. We don't have the material, manpower, leadership or political will. We still have the best soldiers, sailors and airmen in the world, but thats where it ends. The demise of the sea Harrier has left our fleet with no point air interceptor. The Harrier GR9 is not 100% combat effective (despite what you read), the Eurofighter is at least another 5 years away from being anything other than an airshow centerpiece. Sorry, very off topic

Anyone setting up a community tank should try the community creator on www.thinkfish.co.uk its a very useful tool for beginners (although by no means definitive).