PeterNE1

Just playing 'Devil's Advocate' here, but is there any real reason not to base such a wormery on lobworms, rather than Tigers, Dendras, Brandlings etc? ... or lobs with something else, as a mixture?

Good to see The Sun first with the news again. This epidose was first shown months ago!

Can anyone please throw some light on this: on some threads that I'm reading, it's obvious that there are several (many?) posts missing - other members are commenting on, or replying to the (missing) posts, and I can therefore see the original entry as part of what they are saying, but I can't see the original posts at all, if that makes sense? I've just double checked, and I've no-one at all on any sort of block list or ignore list, so I'm puzzled about why I can't see posts by this member? ... is it possible they've been removed from the site, or simply left (though in the latter case I would have thought that existing posts would remain in place?)

Depends entirely upon what I find when I get there: if it's what I really wanted, then distance is not really an issue. That said, it would have to be something REALLY special to make me do a 200 mile round trip for a days angling.

Going back to the original question, of 'Is it harder catching pike the further north you go?', something that has so far been ignored, but probably more relevent than many issues, is simply the availability / stock levels of pike as you get further north. OK some of the lakes in Cumbria harbour decent fish, but if you exclude Esthwaite (basically a trout fishery open to pike anglers occasionally), pike further north can be very thin on the ground, so to speak. I've never fished Esthwaite as it holds no interest for me, but the impression I get from different reports I see is that the fish there (being quite prolific, and trout-fed) are little different / more difficult to catch than there relatives in similar waters further south. I'll happily stand corrected, but I'm unaware of a northern river that holds a substantial stock of big pike (like say, the Wye) ... I'd argue that further north there are simply far fewer pike available to the angler, therefore catching them IS harder ... there ARE occasional big 'uns to be found (but by GOD they can take some locating!), but most of the time you're angling for individual fish, rather than fishing waters where the norm is multiple runs, or jack pike all day long.

A friend has a mate called John Knox, who is an angler. Unfortunately, I don't know JK personally, and my mate left on a two week holiday at the weekend so I can't contact him for any further details. Only things I (think) I know about this JK is that he was / is a member of Wansbeck Angling (just north of Newcastle upon Tyne), and may have had an interest in carp?

Hi Phone: Era? Nothing too specific I bought my first Hardy Fibalite somewhere in the late 70's, followed quickly by another, the slightly heavier 'No 2': both rods are still in regular use today and have never needed either repair or refurbishment. Today, I'm still buying the Hardy Fibalite rods if possible whenever I feel the need for a new toy (that isn't a centrepin ) They're quite freely available at decent prices via Ebay (UK), and have usually been looked after rather than abused: I've even at times had rods arrive that appeared to be absolutely immaculate and unused, even though they were manufactured more than 20 years ago! I suspect the most recent models I have are likely those manufactured in the late 90's ... I just really like the way they were put together by Hardy during this period, and the way the rods feel and work for me, personally. There is also the proverbial battery of other rods too (including some Fenwicks, which are very, very nice, but with trigger grips rather than the traditional straight cork handle, mostly.

E-glass? Not even certain what that is: perhaps it translates as something else over here in the UK. ? 'Phenolic' glass was the term used by Hardy (to describe specifically those rods with the pale spigot, and perhaps the others too?) - though I could not guarantee spelling that term correctly; it's my 'interpretation' of what I was verbally advised.

Andy, you're absolutely correct. Hardy rods such as this one were never marked with a casting weight, although some were marked with a recommended line strength: I've got examples of both instances, in various lengths, just a few feet away. These are absolutely crackin' rods: I've already more than enough variation to cover whatever I want to do with them, but I'd buy another for preference over anything that is currently on offer new. They ARE heavier than graphite, and will not cast the same weights, but the actions are superb, and they make excellent 'general' spinning rods for any large freshwater species, and saltwater beasties of a similar size (though they are way too soft an action for jerkbaits). If you are ever tempted to buy, and have the option, take a look at the spigot, and buy for preference with the pale, off-white spigot rather than the darker brownish colour: it's a different blank, quite rare, and far superior! Oh! Casting weights? 'Load' the rod rather than try to flick a lure, and they will chuck a couple of ounces around all day if you want / need to, though I'd personally use it for a lighter lure, maybe something like the Super Shad Raps etc?

Korum do a couple of bits like this, that serve multi purpose use as a weight sling / unhooking mat / carry holdall, and they're not badly priced. Size is good too (on mine, not 100% certain which one it is!), but be aware that with anything like this, the unhooking element of the package may not resemble a thick padded mattress too much: very gppd for what they are, but I wouldn't intentionally take this along as the only unhooking mat option if very large fish were particularly likely - they serve a more 'roving' approach very well, though.

Nice find! Did you spot the big one, a six-berther reduced to just £25?

Anyone have a link where I might get to see this online maybe?

Have you lot seen the size of the typical 'carp angler'? Judging by what you can see half hidden behind obese fish, most of 'em would struggle to fit, even onto here!

I've got very mixed feelings about predator matches in general, but I suspect that one of your rules will effectively mean that few, if any perch or zander are caught: I'm assuming that tackle of an appropriate strength to subdue pike in excess of 20lbs, and minimum 28lb wire traces will not be condusive to perch or zander taking a nibble? Rule 5:

Yep, hit the nail firmly on the head No fishing for salmon on the stretch using them, and impossible to differentiate 100%, hence the lobworm ban!

I'd caution against using the info on that link too literally ... it also advocates using eels ... and goldfish ... as live baits!

Getting to be as common as muck, aren't they?

In principal, yes the reels are the same, though in reality (until the US reels get very expensive) you'll generally find that the quality UK reels are manufactured to much tighter tolerances and run much more freely - typically in the UK they were always tradionally used fishing light tackle for small fish (rather than beasties the size of steelhead), and they'll start to rotate almost at the touch of a breath. There's currently a massive upsurge in interest in pins in the UK, and they now see common usage with just about every species that swims in our rivers and lakes. And yes ... we've got the 'collectors' too

I thought it might be ... but that would lead me to question whether it might be prudent to buy a 'genuine' Sheffield, which you can usually find available new for less than 20 more, including the shipping costs?

RRP according to Svendson Sports is going to duck just under £200, as and when they 'offically' hit the UK, sometime on (or after!) 20th January 2012 ... though I think we all realise that RRP frequently is far removed from the price at which you can actually buy. IF you can locate one genuinely for sale outside of the UK, advertised prices are much cheaper, but you usually get bitten by the postie

For those interested / following the thread, I've managed to locate a rear picture of the reel, linked below ... it IS a knurled knob ratchet, rather than a lever. 'Official' spiel reads: The Okuma Raw-II 1002 Center Pin Float Reel features precision 6061-T6 machined aluminum construction combined with Okuma's CRC corrosion resistant coating process, creating a reel that will perform and look good for many seasons to come. The Raw-II 1002 Center Pin Float Reel is outfitted with two premium, German stainless steel ball bearing for incredibly smooth operation with very little friction resistance. The bearings ride on a machine cut stainless steel spool shaft for strength and durability. The Raw-II 1002 Center Pin Float Reel is designed with a fully ported design to lighten the overall weight. The durable, type-II, two tone anodized spool and frame in Gunmetal/Orange give this reel a modern look. The 4.5" spool diameter makes Raw-II 1002 a great size for use while targeting most trout, salmon and steelhead species. Additional features of the Raw-II 1002 Center Pin Float Reel include: Precision 6061-T6 machined aluminum frame and spool Durable, type-II, two tone anodized spool and frame CRC Corrosion resistant coating process Machine-cut stainless steel spool shaft One-piece spool design On/Off clicker ratchet Ported spool with exposed rim for easy control Two precision, German stainless steel ball bearings Okuma neoprene reel shield included One year manufacturers warranty Okuma rates the capacity of this reel at 275 yards of 8 pound line with 50 yards of 20 pound backing. OKUMA RAW II

Don't much care either way, as I've reels that I happily use with both options. However, I'd have to admit --- I don't know (at this stage). The picture you see is the only one available - not even a rear view at the moment! On that basis (and bearing in mind the construction of existing Okuma pins), my money would be on a knurled knob. As a point of interest, the picture, if you look closely, makes me wonder whether this might be a cage construction?

Just a quick update on this, from 'The Horses Mouth' so to speak --- Svendsen Sport(UK) This IS a new version, top-end ... and not even due into the UK until 20th January 2012! RRP? Neck-end of £200, but apparently an absolutely superb pin. No further 'official' details currently available, not even further pictures ... and the email link to Ebay supplied above by lutra is now defunct: the seller has ended the sale as 'no longer available', though looking at the size and quality of his feedback, I'd have been very wary, personally, to buy there! The question I'm now faced with, is do I buy the one I've been offered, NOW, or not? Legitimate (dealer) source, AND a very good price too! Decisions, decisions ... it's not too early for a Christmas prezzie, is it?

Not quite sure what to make of this beastie It's the first time I've seen one, I'm assuming a new model to our shores, and WAY different to what we are used to seeing Can't seem to find any furher reference to it on any Okuma site, here or across the pond, strangely enough. Not really one for the 'purists' I suspect? OKUMA RAW-II 1002

Ever tried locating DECENT fishing books in your local library? I've got access to FOUR major city libraries within 15 minutes of where I live, and even after pulling apart their online catalogues via searches I managed to eventually find about 4 that were recent and topical! Mostly, it's either fly-fishing stuff, sea fishing, or generic 'Complete Guide to .... ' type of stuff. There was APPARENTLY a lot of good, older stuff available via the respective 'County Reserves' ... Walker, BB, Yates etc ... without exception, even though the books were showing as being available and apparently sat on a shelf, they had invariably vanished into thin air when librarians tried to find them!