Bartman

No.2 looks suspiciously like what I would call a 'tucked half blood knot' over here. But what do I know, I've only just progressed from velcro strapped shoes ! ?

Lightly fry the cubes in oil mixed with spices of your choice ( Curry powder, Paprika, etc ), drain off on paper towel and leave to cool. If preparing in advance, pop in the freezer and remove to fridge the night before you go. The thawing process draws the flavours in even more and the frying has given it a tougher skin for a better hook/hair hold.

She looks a beauty Tiggs, you must have put in your order when you were 14 ?

"Glad you like the posts Bartman, we could do with a few others posting how they get on on their outings etc, no need to mention any names of waters....I don't." I thought I had your gorgeous little river sussed at one point Tiggs then another pic blew that theory out of the water, unless of course you chucked in a red herring !! It truly looks an idyllic stretch and for all those wonderous reports you deserve every minute you spend there.....Proper fishing !

I so enjoy your trips out Tiggs and the wonderful accompanying photos ( lovely Grass Carp ) even though you only seem to use your pins once and then discard them. This high esteem I held you in has wavered somewhat now that I have discovered that you leave the plastic on your corks..............Shameless !!!!

Have you tried one of the Slammo type disgorgers ? Very useful in such situtions. Long versions made by Stonfo, Milo and Guru ( the Continental version ) Hope this helps.

Comes under the 'John Roberts' Deep Throat disgorger ( easy there ! ) banner

Have a look at the JRC Cocoon, seems to have all you require at a lower end budget.

Or a 'Werthers Original'

I'm probably being a bit dim here ( not for the first time ) but could you not use a knotless knot and just cut the hair off ?

Mine was an 11ft, 1lb test jobby called 'The Hunter' back in the 70's which was an offer through the Angling Times. Surprisingly good action and recently had new rings and a handle fitted to make it into a cheeky Swingtip rod for Bream on the canal.

PM Zed

Zed, there are screw in quiver tips and swing tips available on e-bay. There was even a rod builder on another site who was making up bespoke swing tips, I can try to dig out his details if you wish ?

What about one of those 'Bolognese' style rods. Handy for travelling about and although more popular abroad I believe Daiwa do a 6m one in their Team Daiwa range.

And another

Original Poster-If you liked the Matchpro Ultralite which is a lovely rod but too light for your needs then why not go for the standard Matchpro float which is the stepped up version of the same rod with a line rating up to 7lb ( See Drennan site for details ).

I had a conversation on the bank with the owner ( David De Vere ) about 4 years or so back and brought up the subject of the disappearance of the lilly beds along the long bank. He explained that a lot had been drastically cut back to help deal with an outbreak of Crays on the main lake. It must have been fairly successful as I have never caught one there !!! I have fished the complex for over 30 years, although not as regularly as I would have liked purely due to travelling distance for me, and in that time I have noted the efforts put into the waters by the current owner.From the aeration system implemented when the lake stocks were suffering during hot summers ( creating a nice trotting swim n the process ) and his stocking systems creating a genuine all year round fishery to his support of various charities allowing the lakes to be used during fundraising days I can only say that I wish all fishery management would take a leaf out of his book. What he may lack in a winning smile he more than makes up for in his reluctance to allow the complex to become a profit at all costs mudsucker haven which probably would have been a more lucrative option. There is something there for everyone and I for one will be applying for membership whether I get down there or not as the prospect of never seeing the main lake in the Spring/Summer with the Rhodedendrons in full bloom on the island whilst bobbing about in a punt would give me sleepless nights.

I so look forward to your diary Tiggs ( Mods, come on there's a regular featurette staring you in the face here, give it it's own section ), 'proper' fishing, great pics..............I think I love you ! However, get that bloody plastic off yer rod handle before you bugger the corks !

I do indeed BR but it was Saturday mornings I've tried searching for the programmes or even clips myself-not a sniff If you ever do stumble across any please let me know !!! I suspect you are right that they have been lost along the way.

Do you need reinforced knees for any particular reason ? If it's for durability I can recommend the German moleskin combat trousers ( Transworldsurplus ). Had a pair for 10 years and they just won't die , they get more comfy the older they get and they're cheap. In fact, when they faded and I got another pair I cut down the originals for shorts in the summer. If you must have reinforced knees try looking at workwear trousers and you should find plenty to choose from.I have Craghoppers which are great for drying out after a shower but are on the thin side.

Don't know how much difference it makes and it's probably a fair bit to do with water clarity. In clear water conditions it is said that fish are jittery feeding over pale groundbait as it shows them up more, making them more open to predation but that said, I have had many groups of Carp and Tench feeding over patches of pale coloured Vitalin in gin clear water. Perhaps it's more of an issue with silverfish.

Great little reels and so light ! Whilst they aren't the smoothest from new, being a true pin they will ease up with use. Just keep one on your lap whilst watching tv and keep 'em spinning, well worth the effort !

Is it my eyes or is that a Swan photo-bombing the OP's pic ????

SOLD

Harrison Torrix Stalking rod. Two piece, 10ft, 2.75lb test, cork handle, SIC guides, and in immaculate condition. comes with brand new wychwood Solace padded sleeve ( for 2-piece 10ft rods )-£145 including courier delivery.