lyn

I'm happy to do the barbel fish-in, can either go for the Royalty or Throop in Christchurch. The Royalty does have loos and a cafe and pubs close at hand. I have to admit I'm hooked on kayak fishing at the moment but was out on Wed eve having a look at the stretch of the Thames. Only been out a few times. Thanks to JV I now have three kayaks!! don't ask. Anyway me being me entered a competition in Swanage on my 3rd time out fishing, had to anchor up which I'd never done before! I was pleased to find that out of the 109 competitors there were 3 women!! Anyway back to the fish in, I miss meeting up with you all and it would be lovely to see some of you again and some for the first time. Another place we could go if you want to make a weekend of it is Manor Farm at Evesham, Lakes and a stretch of the Warks Avon, Liam had a 2lb 4oz roach out of the river when we went a few years ago and Budgie told me there are zander in the river. A really nice mixed venue something for everyone.

Hope that wasn't in the UK.

Thought this might be of interest to you, one of the guys from the kayaking forum selling this, Purchased as new but never used I have a Hardy Conquest 4.5" centre-pin reel (in black) for sale. A perfect addition for any kayak angler to enjoy trotting on the rivers for Dace, Roach, Chub, Mullet etc., or float / ledger ratchet lake fishing. Synonymous with quality, these reels retail at £299, I am asking for £149 + postage (if required). I am Bournemouth based and welcome any inspection. Photo's seem to large to upload but I can email if requested. Let me know if you are interested and I will send contact details.

Fantastic news Steve, well done to you and the team also the guys that caught them!

It's great being a gardener as I just collect them as I'm doing peoples gardens then pop them in the wormery!

Well done, I can remember how excited I was when I had my 6.6 out of the Kennet.

I have 2 and 3oz that came with my rod. Good as you have the choice to suit conditions or fish you are targeting. lyn

My Fox rucksack comes with a waterproof cover. You could as has been suggested try something like fabsil or a barbour wax. Not sure how you can make the quiver stiffer, my old one was quite floppy but I have a neoprene one now which is a lot stiffer. lyn

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy new year. Lyn

A belated Merry Christmas to you all. Been away at my sons for Christmas, letting someone else do all the work! Hope you all had a good one.

The Thames?

Andy_1984, I did suggest a memorial fish in for him down here, not much interest but some of us would like to come up next spring if you want to organise one on Lomand or somewhere. lyn

When I walked the Blackwater river walk a few years ago I was looking for fishing places rather than walk. Swallowfield have a club, there was details on a board near the church but you may find them on line. As has already been said the RAE shut down years ago but that's not to say the club did. Will be interesting to know if it still exists. Good luck with your search. lyn

Emma if they hadn't caught the pike on a second bait she would have been trailing that lot round and most certainly have got snagged up and died. Good footage but I was holding my breath hoping that was going to be a happy ending!!

Thank you both. I will try and find that forum. I'm going to spend the winter getting it fitted out but hope to get out and have a go for some winter cod if possible. I have the kayak but there is so much I need to buy for it but having fun looking! Found an ebay shop that also has a shop in Truro that has offered me a discount on a multiple purchase. The rate I'm going it's getting near a 4 figure sum! All your fault JV44!! lol