robtherake

Chillied hemp and prawns are the business. Fiery Peperami works well, and the spicy version of Matteson's U-shaped sausage is pretty good, too.

The Red Bull seems to be set up for a fast lap rather than top speed, so it struggles to pass cars that are slower on a single lap but faster through the speed traps. Out in front, it's almost unbeatable; stuck behind someone on a track where overtaking isn't easy it suffers from the same tyre/overheating issues as everyone else and doesn't have the top speed for an easy pass, even with KERS and DRS. Hamilton showed what the W04 is capable of in clean air; and with good pace in qualifying and continued good development I don't see why he can't win it, barring bad luck.

Yep; still using turmeric. In addition to its properties as a cleaner/degreaser it's reputed to be beneficial to health. Perhaps the fish can sense that it's good for them?

Chesters will give you the best answer, but I was looking at one a few days ago and the handle was just as you describe; perhaps that's how they were made, odd though it is.

It went for £65 in the end - quite low for one in good condition.

Think I'll trade in the rods for a bow, Phone...

The wife often tells me that I'm shocking; maybe that's what she means?

I can't stop catching eels, Rich; even in waters where they weren't previously known to exist. It's clearly some sort of curse - must make an appointment with the local mage.

My whiskers are pretty much white these days - don't wanna look like Santa! What puzzles me is the itchiness; at most, a weeks growth and I'm literally itching to shave it off. Does the discomfort lessen as it grows out, beard wearers?

I like it! Shame I don't have an iphone. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/iPhone-4-4s-Vintage-Fishing-Tackle-Box-Fishing-Lures-Custom-Hard-Case-Cover-/190723459985?pt=UK_MobilePhones_MobilePhonesCasesPouches&var=&hash=item2c68010b91

Tubertini do fine wire hooks in sizes up to a 10. They might fit the bill.

Ay, Caramba! My spinning outfits cost less than that!

Hi and welcome to AN, Mattzy.

Not me, bud. I'm the effing basset who snipes your bargain five seconds from the end

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/penn-progression-carbon-12ft-carp-barbel-floater-rod-in-1-3-4-test-curve-/290947699867?pt=UK_SportingGoods_Fishing_FishingRods_EH&hash=item43bdd5949b http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-Vengance-Barblel-Classic-/271245285848?pt=UK_SportingGoods_Fishing_FishingRods_EH&hash=item3f277a99d8 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CUSTOM-BUILT-TRICAST-M-L-7-14-2-1-4LB-CARP-ROD-Old-School-Carp-Rod-/130953563184?pt=UK_SportingGoods_FishingAcces_RL&hash=item1e7d70cc30 A few suggestions from the bay of E. Of course, it all depends on the distance you're fishing at, the size of your quarry and whether the water's snaggy or clear. A nice soft through actioned rod's the thing for close in work, or a faster actioned tool for picking up line at a distance. Where the fish don't grow particularly big an Avon style rod of 1 or 1.25 lb TC is adequate - and great fun. If you're lucky enough to be fishing for whoppers then a rod of 1.5 to 2lb TC would be more appropriate. Don't forget that you're likely to be holding the rod for long periods, so weight and balance are important too.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Delkim-Korda-Stickers-Carp-Fishing-/161072140602?pt=UK_SportingGoods_FishingAcces_RL&hash=item2580a5d13a They're 'avin a larf, surely.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vintage-Fishing-rod-12-0-Apollo-3-piece-Tubular-Steel-Match-fishing-rod-/271244999686?pt=UK_SportingGoods_Fishing_FishingRods_EH&hash=item3f27763c06 Came across this Apollo rod on the bay, Mick. Top notch condition, by the look of it, and 35 notes on a "buy it now" basis.

From the Middle East, I believe. Interestingly they weren't originally orange. The orange carrot is a fairly recent introduction; the result of selective breeding by Dutch botanists in honour of one of their royals.

I recall an article in the British angling press - maybe a couple of years ago - introducing the new technology and their intention to produce UK style coarse fishing rods using it. Heard nothing since, until now.

I can't see the Matchmaker sticking at fifty quid, Ken, not in such good nick. One fine day I'll find one at the boot sale... ...or not. Chesters - The Blue Match was a fine rod and should be on my list. Wasn't the Enterprise built on a bright orangey-yellow blank, like a prize carrot? I think they also marketed the Coleshill Classic (if memory serves), which had quite a big following.

And you don't end up with juice dripping off your chin.

Have you tried popping a bait up off a lead so that it either just breaks surface, or hangs sub-surface? Not as much fun as freelining or float fishing but effective nonetheless.

A friend had one of those - a hand-me-down from his dad. We called it "The Girder", and it weighed as much as a small dog. Mind, we used to fish with whatever we had to hand in those days. I still take glass rods out for a spin now and then, for nostalgia's sake, and enjoy it too. I agree with Ken though - there are any number of terrible old rods out there so you may as well pick from the best. I'd choose one from these: Daiwa "Ivan Marks" Harrier B&W CTM or Flyer Hardy Matchmaker ABU Mk 6 Feralite Shakespeare Alpha If I had to pick one from those it would be the Alpha. It has a great fish-playing action without sacrificing speed of line pick-up on the strike and is miraculously light for a glass rod. The honey glow of the translucent polyestel blank looks pretty cool too. Or is that the effect of the rose-tinted spectacles...

Personally, John, I couldn't do it; it all sounds a bit macabre; the snaps taken of my dogs through the years are reminder enough. There are plenty of instances where the whole pooch has been set up, and whilst it wouldn't be my choice, each to their own. Just a mounted head, though? Perhaps not - it would look more like a trophy than a memento of your faithful pal. Vagabond has it right.

I bet the retrieve rate's pretty fast...