Slyder

The K&A around Reading is all classed with the rivers, as it 'criss crosses' the River Kennet so many times. So, you'll only be able to fish through the open season. You'll also need the relevant permit for the stretch you're 'parked' on, assuming that the fishing righst are owned by a club or association. Owning a boat doesn't give you carte blanche to fish just anywhere without paying up. Many permits don't allow fishing from a boat anyway, so the best you could do would be sit next to your vessel and fish.

Just to chuck yet another name into the hat... Korum Neoteric. Two top sections, 1.75 lb and 2.2 lb, 'normal' tops not quivers. The choice of tips give you cover for a few different situations, and differences in weight being cast. Other nice little touches, like matt finish, so no glare off the rod, and folding keeper ring. Anecdotal recommendation... Two seasons back my lad decided he wanted to take up fishing. He bought a load of gear, on my recommendation, including a pair of Neoterics. I took him out one Sunday evening and showed him how i fish for barbel. He went back the next day, on his own, and pulled out a fish of 11 lb 10 oz. Promptly decided that he'd 'done' fishing, and stopped going. I bought the Neoterics off of him in a flash, and love 'em. The other bonus is they are great as 'all round' specimen rods. Use 'em for all your tench and bream work, and to a certain extent your carping as well.

I suppose if it turns the attitude of even a small number of kids it's got to be good. Unfortunately the jaded realist within me thinks that for every kid who changes his attitude there will be 3 or 4 who just notice how much valuable gear there is to be nicked around the lake.

Happy birthday AnglersNet, and well done Elton, from a long time lurker.

Wow, top tip. Cheers Newt.

Headtorches are great, but it's a bit of a pain when you switch it on to rebait and the moths start flying into your face!!! I keep thinking one of those clip on jobs would be good. Just clip it to the jacket or waistcoat.

For a rod there's always the travel version of the John Wilson Avon/Quiver. Haven't handled it myself, but have both versions of the 'normal' rod. The link below does it for 69 quid. Five sections, breaking down to 2' 6" sounds doable on a bike. http://www.tackleuk.co.uk/john-wilson-avon...rod-p-4418.html Edit - just to say sorry for posting something already in the thread. i had missed the second page of posts in my haste to help!!!

There's a 206 up on ebay at the moment. Looks clean enough in the photo. I know that doesn't always mean much, but the guys feedback number is healthy.

We'll have to agree to disagree there. I do take your point, and you're right, but they're still where they shouldn't be. The reason doesn't alter the fact. Any chance i could have an angle for Goldy while it's still alive? I can see it becoming a target fish for many people now you've alerted the world to its presence!

No, not really. It's not an english species, doesn't belong here, not natural. Has about as much right to freshwater fish as a cormorant...that's zero by the way.

Only going to get worse. Apparently you can't even use the tried and tested mink hounds to cull them now. The tree huggers have deemed the practise barbaric, and it's part of the ban on hunting with dogs. Legislation covering country matters being made by people whose closest 'country' experience is a walk round Hyde Park when the temperature's high enough.

Sounds like a plan. PM me on the RDAA forum if you want to chat about it more.

Probably need about 8 people. Four to fish and four to look after the cars Could be interesting though. I used to fish that stretch a bit in the 80's, and often packed up at dusk thinking it was just starting to look really 'fishy'.

I'm on the Reading ticket. Have been, on and off, for over 20 years. Have to agree it's great value. This season the association book and club fees combined equalled a pound a week over twelve months. You can't go far wrong with that. There's stacks of water to choose from, but not all 'easy' by any stretch of the imagination. In these days of fish stuffed commercials people think there's something wrong if you can't just plonk yourself down and catch a fish a chuck. Readings waters, for me, have a more 'natural' feel to them. This has always been the attraction for me. The other thing about Readings waters, and we have to be honest, is that due to its geographic location there are some venues that aren't as safe as they could be in terms of parking security. This is, unfortunately, not just a Berkshire problem though, as we are all aware. Mr ReedsBarnard is spot on about Whistley Mill. In the past it's always been a quiet venue since Reading took it over. a couple of seasons back i was there every Friday night, for a couple of months, and often had the entire place to myself! Downside to that was that the fish weren't seeing enough bait to switch on. This made the venue a bit moody. I've only fished there once this season, so don't know how busy it is now. There are certainly plans that will attract people there, i think that will mostly revolve around the carp though, which gives visions of the Pingewood Lagoon circus all over again. All in all it's a good portfolio of waters, with something for everyone. That's not an advert, it's just an opinion.

Plasters, Nurofen, and Piriton allergy tablets are about all i carry.

I've just had a look at the press release and it says that the tackle will be on sale in time for Fathers Day which is the 18th, but a note at the bottom says "The range will go on sale across 70 Tesco Extra stores in the UK and will be available from 19th June through to the 5th August 2006 or until stocks last." The points people have made about some information are valid though. If nothing else 'first time buyers' should have info to hand regarding the legalities of the licence, and letting them know that you can't necessarily just pitch up and fish the first bit of water you see! Some clubs may have shocks coming when families turn up on their lake/river all armed with their Tesco starter kits!

Kid goes in to Tesco and buys a cheap rod and reel. He mentions that he wants to catch a carp, but he's never seen one 'in the flesh'. He gets helpfully directed to the wet fish counter where there are several on display. See...tackle sales and education under one roof.

Q) You fish a remote section of river, 2 miles from the car park. With what frequency would you expect to see an EA bailiff checking your rod licence? a ) Once a week b ) Once a month c ) Once a season d ) Sorry, an EA what?

I have trouble with a couple of episodes (can't remember which offhand) if i play them on my PC. The pitcure just dissolves into bright pixels and eventually locks up the playback software completely. I can't send them back and complain though because they work fine on the 'proper' dvd player. Shame really as i usually do all of my DVD viewing on the comp!

You have mail.

Jabber Pick the busiest carp water on your club book. Plan some night sessions. While on the water take a cheap folding 'guest' chair, loads of water, tea making kit, and most importantly biscuits. Trust me, when the lads start wandering through the daytime they'll drop in on you. Once they're sat down with a cuppa and some biccies they'll be yours! Ask and you will be answered.

quote: but what is an FA rod? I've got some of them.....they catch sweet FA!

quote: even Jesus took part in fishing for food Oh great, we're relying on fictional characters from books defending us now! May as well trot out Mr Crabtree for an ad campaign. And Robinson Crusoe wasn't adverse to a bit of fishing, although his methods would be frowned upon now.

quote: out came a knotted durex Blimey, ducks as drugs mules, whatever next?!?!

Yell.com gives this: Reel to Real 3, Arlingham Mews, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1ED