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All, Cut and paste, ""Italy, France and Portugal fished only for bleak which put England in a dilemma. Catching 150 plus of tiny 2 to 3 gram fish in one hour was always going to be difficult for team England and a different line of attack was needed."" Disgusting, repulsive, loathsome, sickening, nauseous, repulsive, revolting, repugnant, abhorrent, detestable (that's all I could think of), that such a competition exists as to allow 2 gram fish to be the "target". Perhaps someone can explain the "sporting aspect" of this competition to me? I'd think, no, I KNOW, some tribal guys in SA who catch fish for the aquarium indurstry that could blow away all of Europe. Of course they wouldn't have any wearning appearl on. Wonder if the competition requires you dress nicely? Phone

All, What's this all about? I thought this was our domain. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/09/12...ests/index.html? Phone

lutra, Some years ago I was trying to get my pea brain around this "tc" concept in rod building. Talked to one of the Harrison boys on your side of the pond and appearently "tc" is not as well defined and "clear cut" as it would seem to be. "Peasant" tests using the steps out of the "book" certainly do not agree with a published "tc" on the rod (1 in 12). Rarely did I find a rod with a "tc" that was it's "marketed tc". Only tested a dozen or so and admittedly my methods were crude using a vice and dead weights. Phone Edit: The most common reason related was that progressive rods have become "substantially equal" to a certain test curve. UK anglers understand that(??). BTW this "off the cuff" comment was not from Harrison who I greatly admire as a manufacturer of rods.

All, Someone give me a "beginners" lesson on HOW TO catch a Gudgeon. Never in all my "put togethers" have I intentionally tried to catch a minnow that small on a rod and reel. Is the equipment equally small? I.e. size 32 hooks with 2oz fish line or something? We have maybe a couple hundred sub-species in the minnow family and many of them are that small - - - - but geezzzus? Many are on the Federally endangered species list. I'm not sure if you could even get away with using gear that "targeted" fish that size(?). What do you suppose their C&R survival rate is - pretty good? Phone

Nt, Well, I've followed this and I must say to each his own. However, In your quest have you contacted the glass manufacturers directly. The glass factories are really fascinating and most are extremely small. They have toy marbel molds down to at least as small as a "BB" (you guys know what a "BB" is?). You can get machine "blown" ones very small too. I just thought they were for lampmakers. The are used to working with "artists and craft" people on a one on one basis. Describe what these "glass beads" are, or look like. Hollow, solid, clear, exactly round? Lots and lots of cottage industry glass makers in Southern NY, SW Ohio, and West Virginia. It may be the connection you are looking for. Heck, I don't know what you call them "glass factories"? I have no idea how to "hook you up" Phone

JV44, I especially like the "throat" in the roar of the engine. Phone

All, Nope !! But, standard kit is a 12/0 (or larger) weighted treble hook. Since I mostly sight fish the line, and, since I am frequently prone to short naps (maybe an hour or so) I've had a number of rods to large to mention pulled right off my lap. Don't often loose one however. Freelining, using a rod with a floating handle, and fishing no further than maybe 30 yards out usually saves the day using my handy dandy recovery setup. But NO WAY do I go in any more. My most expensive angling combination (rod, reel, line, hook) is probably 30 bucks. Since I no longer fish two different watersheds with the same equipment I often give the rod and reel away to a local kid anyway. He can go in and get it. Phone

All, The one that sticks in my "craw" is a McDonalds case. McDonalds was required to recall all coffee cups and add the warning "caution - contents may be hot" when they lost a $5,000,000 lawsuit because a customer spilled a cup on themselves and McDonalds didn't tell them the coffee was hot. DUH? The culpable party in the judgement (IMO) was the JURY (because McDonalds could afford it). The customer was embarrased and inconvienced. McDonalds should have had the foresite to tell the consumer. That's horse puckey!!!!! Phone

All, Fun thread. My wife came from the Ukraine (1995). The first time she sat behind a steering wheel she simply "took off". She learned by getting traffic citations and insignificant accidents. I met her in 2000 and sent her to driving school straight away. She's still terrible, but admits it. Andrew, It is a "requirement" in America that if you wish to be called a "fisherman" you MUST lie. Anglers - well maybe? Personally, I am prolific(sp). Renrag, I agree the sample is way to small to have any importance. Except of course, if you live in a "left side" country. Wonder who are the world's worst drivers? Phone

ayjay, Ken D, My daughter, in her quest for yet a bigger and better cell phone says someone (shall I ask her?) has a 12mp zoom camera (28 - 80) in the phone device. My question, are cell phone cameras approaching "camera" quality for 99% of all pictures. Is the technology close enough to the "top" to consider a device yet? Ken D, Over here, an IPhone4 is about $400. You sure you want "JUST" a camera? Phone

Chesters1, Ok, now the real story. It has to do with most being people being “right handed”. Early on, say 1700, we began using large wagons pulled by several pairs of horses. The “driver” sat on the left rear horse so he could keep his right arm free to lash the team. Since the driver was sitting on the left, naturally he wanted everybody to pass on the left so he could look down and make sure each other kept clear of the others wheels. Right side of the road. In England, a small beautiful island, it never became necessary to use large wagons pulled by multiple teams of horses. The “driver” didn’t have to sit on a horse, he had a seat mounted on the wagon. What’s more he usually sat on the right side of the seat so the whip in his right hand wouldn’t hang up in his load behind him. For the same reason England continued to drive on the left side of the road and we began a custom of using the right side. Because of "right handedness". I heard this fishing one time. Bankside banter but it HAS to be true because it was told to me by a reliable fisherman. Phone

John, My appologies again. Then, there's a third choice. Some poster have the attention span of a 2 yr old. You're quite welcome to comment although I am quite proud of my heritage (on my mothers side). On many sites there are two groups. The "ohh my god, it's a pike (insert species). On the other hand there's the "it's a fu--ing fish" crowd (I'm president). Both take a considerably different approach to having fun. But, the goal is to have fun. I'll try not to have fun at your expense. If you've read some of my posts - you know I'll have to be "corrected" from time to time. However, I do have the advantage of catching literally MILLIONS of fish. You can be assured I know fish and anglers. And, I lie. My thinking is usually right up your alley if you REALLY want "out of the box". Know what I mean?? Nothing more fun that challanging a stoic Brit's reasoning. I've not met one yet that can answer - WHY? Phone

madmax, I nice bowl of Turk tobacco will help you also. Of course, nothing like gin to make a guy smarter. With a second gin I can ponder the meaning of life. Unfortunately, I can't type the answer. Phone

madmax, Well it's no fun if you can't understand the question(?) ""River or still water? Is "every" successful angler's technique generally the same? Lastly, are you talking about all cyprinids?. "" Let me try again. Are you going to fish in a canal (based on your other "canal fishing" thread) for cyprinids or some sort of predator species? I don't believe the UK has very many techniques or methods for angling individual species. (If you fish for "X" you do "y") How many options do you have, personally? Are you able to flyfish, trot, stationary fish? Your question was, "how do you feeder fish". I thought it was a bit smart-arce of me to say, "with a feeder". Phone

chesters1, What was Newt's reasoning? I don't want to step on another Yank's toes. You know, one of us will lie and the second will swear to it. Phone Edit: I will say with automobiles we had it both ways for awhile. Then, with the steering wheel replacing the tiller technology required it be on one side or the other. By 1915, the Model T had become so popular that the rest of the automakers followed Ford's lead. (source Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Admin.) I hate factual facts. There is a much better reason of course. See chapter two after I am sure I'm not disputing Newt. Phone

After "surveying" our old haunts last week only to find them still under water for the most part we went for about 4 - 5 hrs Saturday. Short report. The river is a mess and may be years in recovery. We blanked. Had a wonderful time. Weather was perfect. Am I the only one who "blanks" on AN? Phone

Dales, Blue cat, probably 15 - 20 lbs. Twas before weighting became important. The issue was, is it big enough for supper? Our Blue catfish and Channel catfish have several rows of small teeth that actually feel like sandpaper. Not sharp teeth at all. The key is to learn not to jerk your hand out when you feel one. Phone Once, along the "injury" line of thinking I almost drown noodling. My cousin and I were fishing a deep hole. We decided he could stand on my shoulders whilst I held my breath. He wouldn't let me come up when I needed to because he "almost had a nice one".

Ken, HA HA Phone

wata, Very English, but alas, I understand your explaination (not sure if that's good or bad). You're saying the differences are dominated by tradition and hair spliting excellence in touch and preferrences? (With the newest, latest, greatest carp rods being obnoxious bull whips) One thing, - - - and I don't mean to be rude here either - - - in generally accepted angling rod parlayance a "fast action" is a very stiff tip - - - a "slow" action is a very limber tip. There are traditionalist rod "crackerjacks" in the US who even change rods for temperature varations. I'm afraid I'm not one of them. In fact, you'll be chgrined to know I use Zebco 33 reels and Ugly Stik rods of various lengths. I am however, an expert on both "blanking and catching fish". What I do admire most about English anglers is their dedication to "proper". I kinda like that part, especially as I grow older. Not sure whether it's worth becoming a tart over though. Phone

BUDGIE, That's answer enough. Don't need to spoil the Gudgeon thread for me on this one. That is how carp became ubuqutious in NA - minnows. Phone

f&c, Of course we don't know the total biomass in the canal. In general, my philosophy on new waters is "less is best". You can ramp up as the session progresses but it's hard to 'take back' what you've already put in. FYI, I've never fished a canal in England. Again, in general, 4mm trout pellets (with average oil and protein content) take about 15 minutes to reach there maximum attratant range in distance at 72F. (not sure if this canal has current worth discussing?). I think it is good advice world wide to be patient and confident in the beginning. Phone

All, Never tried - but can you imagine the havoc I could cause driving in England? I am totally conditioned to driving on the "correct" side of the road with the steering wheel being on the "correct" side. I've never even tried for fear of "reacting" incorrectly in a situation. I just KNOW I would. I even stepped off the curb out in front of a taxi in London because I "looked the wrong way" as a pedestrian. I'd guess you better never trust a Yank to even a greater degree than women whilst driving. Problem is, how do you spot us coming? Phone

All, Dales, story reminds me. I usually associate injury with accident. The backs of my hands are still mostly scars. Self inflicted so to speak. "Noodling" or "hand fishing" for catfish is intentional punishment. When you put your hand in the mouth of a fish with teeth you can't expect to have any hide left on the backs of your hands if your fishing trip is successful. Whilst it never happened to me, there are a million stories of other creatures being in the catfish nest as the top of the hole often has air available. You know, like a beaver or snake. I remember 3 fingered Jake always swore that's what happened to him. Does that count or is it just a case of the stupids? Phone

lutra, Well, said, at least I understand your comments are genuine. Was the word "Avon" the registered trademark of some particular manufacturer at one time or another that has now escaped to the public domain? I really really don't know. Does Avon depict a rod or perhaps the style of rod used in a region of the country. (You know, like this is the style used by early anglers on the River Avon or something equally catchy). Phone

Wata, Ha ha, I like your style. You'll notice I did answer his question. And, I did it without the pompous muumbo-jumbo of a "full parabolic progressive action". Your mis-spent overbearing pride does not refute the impossibility of your choice of words. Angling is full of meaningless "marketing". The English are the biggest suckers of all for "catchiness". You'll find the answer to the question in my last 5 words. (That is assuming he's talking about catching fish). Perhaps we would have to step outside angling to agree on equally savvy English terms of superioUr importance such as "Military Intelligence" or "Civil Engineer". We could add, "same difference", "pretty ugly" or maybe "Avon feeder". Phone