wunwetfoot

Hi "Tom Lad", the centrepin is a WR Products "Speedia" and yours looks as if it might be the wide drum version. From what's visible in the photo it looks like it's the "bog standard" version without the drum tensioner and adjustable ratchet. In a reasonable condition this is arguably one of the best centrepins still about today. It looks as if someone's been at yours with a big brush and pot of black paint but if the drum plates aren't too buckled and it still spins well after a good clean (wash internals with petrol, DRY and then re-oil with sewing machine oil, no grease!), take it to the river and give it a go! Good luck...nice find!

Hi all , I can see the value in these trays. If you happen to be, like me, a wandering float fisherman that "works" from a small bag hung round the neck containing spare hooks, hooklink material, hook tyer etc and bait, it would be most useful. A slice of bread in a bag is okay for fishing flake but for punch a firm surface is neccessary. I for years now, have used two (slightly larger) slice sized pieces of old plastic food preparation board, separated at one end by a piece of plastic (medium slice thickness). These three bits are "hinged" together using carpet tape to form a folding "sandwich". The slice of bread is then held between them, against one side, with a rubber band. You can shove this in a pocket or pouch without the slice drying out too fast. My punch hangs from a lanyard so there's no fear of dropping it in the "oggin"! With the rod tucked under the arm, bread board flipped open in one hand and the punch in the other it is quite possible to get the bait back in the water fairly rapidly (after a bit of practice). These trays would do exactly the same job for this style of fishing.

Hi again Rusty, Sorry for the delay, with reference to Chris Lythe's reels, they really are worth the money and beautifully engineered to absolute perfection but I'm not so sure about the delivery times involved. Over two years back I discussed my requirements with Mr. Lythe and placed my order with him after discussing and accepting his 2 year delivery times. Very shortly after, I was discussing business with another well known angling personality to whom I mentioned my recent order with Chris Lythe. His immediate response was " Well, I hope you have more luck in getting yours than I have had with mine!". I did some research and found several disparaging articles concerning his delivery times, I took these remarks with "a pinch of salt" and wondered if it was just a case of sour grapes. I spoke with Mr. Lythe and expressed my concerns. Was my 2 year wait going to turn into 5 or more? He couldn't answer. He explained that he didn't seem to have as much time as he would have liked and also that he already had a substantial backlog of orders to complete. I understand and fully appreciate the time, care and attention to detail that goes into the making of his reels and believe me, I would dearly love one but I couldn't see that an unknown delivery time was warranted.......I wanted a reel I could use, not be just a design on an order sheet somewhere, I withdrew my order. To all you lucky "so and so's" out there that already have yours, hang onto them! I'm quite envious! Mr. Barder's reel, well, what more can I say. I don't think that it's a case of various parts being sourced in and assembled at all. The whole reel is made to a very high standard indeed. It's just not for me! (even at half the price!). Rusty, save some pennies for one of his rods! They are amazing! I'm fortunate enough to have had two built by him, a Chris Yates Merlin and a Barbus Maximus II. The "Barbus Max" is a rod really designed to sit in a rod rest although I do occasionally "roll" with it for a short while. The "Merlin" is really my favourite (go on....treat yourself!). I use mine for long trotting after Dace as well as for Chub and Barbel. It will definately still tame a 20lb+ Carp (should you ever need to get one out of your swim!) Obviously it is a bit heavier than a carbon lightning conductor but I use mine all day trotting without any problem and it has a beautiful action for those 1lb Dace at 40 yards! It's a real dream to use, if you've never used one, you couldn't pass comment, you just wouldn't understand! Phone..Hi I'm not really sure what you are asking. I think the reel is designed, along with input from other like minded anglers, by Mr. Barder and has been made to his very exacting specifications (perfection is his middle name!) by an outside Engineering Company (I have my suspicions). I don't think he has the room for the equipment in his workshops. It's certainly not just a case of someone "riding high" on his shoulders. His rods are truly magnificent and he well deserves his world renowned reputation (and being a very modest man, he also speaks very well of a couple of rodmakers on your side of the pond!)

Hi Rusty, they've been available for a few months now...... I was given the opportunity of one of the first to be made, to which I declined. I would definately not part with £800 for one even though they bear the Barder name. Although they are precision engineered, they aren't particulary pleasing to my eye. I may be wrong but I think they are manufactured by somebody else as I have no recollection of seeing any of the machinery required to make them in his workshops. With reference to Chris Lythe's reels in comparison to Edward Barder's, at least you will get your Edward Barder reel in a reasonable time. I know of one well known "Angling name" who after initially being quoted 2 years waiting, finally received his Lythe reel after 5 years of gentle reminders. (I was also given the same "timeframe" although he did add that it might take even longer!) In my opinion, Edward Barder should stick to what he undoubtably does best...... building outstandingly amazing cane rods!

Hi all, I've just bought a couple of liquid flavour additives (Worm and Predator Plus, you'll know who they're made by!) with the intention of mixing one or the other into a quantity of crumb as an attractant for small silvers while Perching. If I was using a 2 pint bait box full of crumb, what ratio/quantity of liquid flavour would you use in the water to be added? Do you have any particular guidelines that you work to? I've used them in the past but with the exception of one particular flavour for Tench, I can't really be sure that they have ever made much difference. Maybe I didn't use enough? There could have been many reasons that I didn't get the results I was hoping for.... who knows. Does the Predator Plus work better for Pike or Perch or wouldn't you use it for Perching due to it's attractiveness to Pike?

Hi again Dales, thanks for the info, nice one! I'll have a quick scan of the "net" for availability and prices as well as paying a visit the "local" camera shop.

Hi Pearbo, I've just had a look at PP9's .....bloody hell mate! I'm going to need a wheelbarrow! The dimensions given for these batteries are 51mm deep by 80mm high and 64.5mm wide! I don't think we're talking about the same alarm. I'll never squeeze one in the compartment! Joking aside, I've tried the usual batteries that Fox favour for their Micron alarms but although they seem to be about the right length they are not large enough in circumference (they wouldn't work either..... voltage maybe?).

Hi Dales, thanks for the info. What number battery is that please? I see your point about the weight of the head but from what I've been reading, there seems to be two definate schools of thought concerning tackle resistance where Perch are concerned. Personally I'm not sure....... but then they will drag a big old Perch bob under when their mind is centred on a live/dead suspended beneath it. I really don't know.... maybe it is dependant upon the particular water, bait fish stocks, light levels etc. etc. I guess that's for me to find out! What I wanted to do was to adjust the clip so it only just holds the line and just use it as an alert on an open bail for a sunken anchored dead while I concentrated on a float set up. Maybe the constant screech will be the deciding factor upon whether I stick with it or look for something else.

Hi Andy, ..... ouch....... it does hurt more coming out rather than going in doesn't it? I managed to hook my left thumb a few years back while stalking some Carp on the Basingstoke canal. I was freelining and casting a BIG lump of crust to fish in the pads on the far bank. I was using a big hook (2 or 4 can't remember exactly) which had become a bit blunt and decided to tie on a new one (damn the expense!). I'd just finished and was pulling it up tight when a "Jasper" (read wasp..) chose that moment to hassle me. while still holding the hook in my left hand I started to "windmill" at the little b***** with my right.....only to get caught up with my line pulling the bloody hook right in! Right in to the bend! I knew there was no way that it could be backed out and with some nice sized fish under the pads on the other side I wasn't going to go hunting for a Surgery/Out patients to have it removed! Fortunately I'd been given a really nice Leatherman as a Birthday pressie only a week before so decided upon some DIY. I gripped the shank firmly in the jaws of the pliers and with a deep breath I pushed at the same time twisting so as to take the shortest route possible back out of my thumb. It took some doing I'll tell you, it's surprising how tough the flesh of a thumb is! With a little bit of "cussing" (but no tears! ... how brave!) the point finally popped through the skin!!! I cut the point and barb off using the cutters of the Leatherman, backed the hook out and wrapped the thumb with a bit of tissue and insulating tape. I will not be looking forwards to another such mishap! I tied another hook and with a big lump of bread took a couple of mid doubles from the pads before moving on a bit further!

Hi all, I've just been browsing through Ebay and spotted a used working Fox Micron P with pouch for just under £15! With dreams of legered deads for the large Perch in some local club waters rattling around in my head, I couldn't help myself and hit the BIN button. I'm rarely seen with anything other than a float at the end of my rod but I do have a "real spot" for the stripeys and fancied a second rod alternative. I've never used this type of alarm before and know that there are a few Perch and Pike specialists looking in, so wondered if you might give a few tips. From what I've been able to find out about the "P", I understand that it is the forerunner of the Fox "drop off's currently available and had quite a reputation amongst some. It has a mercury trembler type head. That's it... the full extent of my knowledge concerning the Micron P.........I don't even know what type of batteries it uses! Any help will be gratefully received!

Hi Andy, why bother with nuisance fish (i.e. Carp)...... fish for the Perch! Follow Steve Burkes advice and stick to the worms. No fish can resist a nice fat juicy old lob (and they definately don't need flavouring here in the UK!) There's a very good possibility that anything other than what you are fishing for will be a good specimen! Good luck!

Hi Nicepix, no, you are correct..... but the best way of accidently leaving any on is not to use it in the first place!

Hi essexboy, firstly whatever you do DISREGARD all previous suggestions. If you want to preserve the condition of your reel, under no circumstance use vinegar or scotchbrite pads on your reel! I have and use very frequently, a large number of "pins" both new and very old. If any minute traces of acid (i.e. vinegar) are left on your reel it will cause severe damage to the steel pin/alloy body and mechanisms of the reel. Brillo pads or similar will destroy the finish of your reel! Washing up liquids contain traces of salts which will also set up a nice case of corrosion! I'm really quite horrified that these things have been suggested! For a good cleaning of your reel, using a small paintbrush or old toothbrush, hold the body of the reel over a container of white spirits and having dipped the brush into the spirits, scrub any hardened grease allowing it to drip off into the container below. Providing you are careful, you can "flush" all old oil/grease and grit from the workings of your reel. Once the reel body is done you can then work on the drum part of the reel. Here you need to be careful because you don't want to wash any detritus/grit into the bearing/hub, so all the time work with the drum tilted to encourage any dirt etc. to wash off the drum edge. I use several changes of spirit during the initial wash to avoid picking up rubbish that you've already washed off. Dry everything off with kitchen paper ( I use one that doesn't leave fibres "one sheeeet!") and blow as much spirit from beneath any mechanics (ratchet, lever, handles etc.) as possible and allow to air dry for a few hours. I wash the pin and flush the inside of the bearing hub using an artists brush, with a small amount of petrol to ensure that all detritus is removed. Dry thoroughly! Next is lubrication.... you don't need anything other than a decent sewing machine oil! Cheap enough and readily available! Don't use any grease, you don't need it and it will only slow the reel down. Spot oil all of the areas that are metal to metal and smear a light coating over everything else. Once everything is coated, using clean kitchen paper, you need to try and rub it all off! You will never succeed but it will leave a very light film over everything giving it protection from corrosion (if you leave too much on the body it can attract and hold grit etc.!). During this process you will clean any residual grease and oxidisation from the reel. Don't try to make the reel shiny and if any areas do need "a bit extra" use a tiny piece of metal polish wadding (Duraglit/Brasso etc.) to clean them up (don't use any abrasives other than these). Wipe all traces of polish away and re-oil the surface. All you need to do to finish is to apply a thin coat of oil to the pin, allow a couple of drops to run down the inside of the hub, one drop on the side of the pin and one on the top then carefully fit together. Give it a spin, first one way and then the other turning the reel side over side while spinning. If the end play needs adjusting, using a very good fitting screwdriver, nip it up but leaving a tiny bit of end play. Never nip it up so there is no end play on the pin, you must have room for the oil! Experience will tell when it's right. Finally, after using it for a day, give it a quick wipe over with a very lightly oiled cloth before putting it away. This will remove any fingerprints/rain/watermarks which will cause corrosion if left and ensure that it's ready for action next time! When it comes to centre pins, cleanliness is next to Godliness. The cleaner you work, the better your reel will run. I have been servicing/cleaning my own reels (pins, fixed spools and multipliers) and other peoples for over forty years using these techniques and have never had any trouble with them to this day! Do let me know how you get on, it's not difficult, you must work clean and it will make a world of difference!

Hi Jake (and Elton), as for your question "is floating line better than sinking line". It all depends what you want to do with it. You say that you fish for silver fish..... would that be with a float or by a legering method? A floating line is definately the better option for float fishing on flowing water, irrespective of flow rate purely for the fact that with the line laying on the surface film, the action of striking will connect with a bite (assuming no excessive slack line) much faster than having to lift a sunken line through the water layers first. However, as with all things "fishing", there are always certain factors that can dictate otherwise!

Hi Rusty, a lot will depend upon which part of the Kennet you'll be fishing but I think your old pellets will be okay. Almost everyone fishes for the Barbel and they will have seen loads of pellets. Your pellets might just have the edge being smaller and will smell/taste "washed out" (and therefore, safer) to the fish. The bed of hemp is always a good ploy in conjunction with "halibuts". Whatever you do stay clear of the meat baits! You WILL be plagued by crays! Good luck, the BIG Barbel usually show and are caught at night!

....or get the security guards to turn up for work!

Hi Anderoo, I did find a couple but it took an awful lot of hours (in the hundreds!). As you aproached the pit ...far right hand corner. I did have one from the island area but only just under 5lb (small?). Sorry to sound so flippant but with the waters I was fishing in those days, my Tench seemed to start around the 7.5lb mark. Yes there were some very nice Carp in there, all old stock but, so I was informed, numbering only in the high thirties in total. All that I witnessed came from the island area. The low stock numbers of fish in the pit ensured that it was very rarely visited by many, just a few "hardcore" faces on a regular basis. It was FAS's forgotten water (having been badly poached from "next door"). Before they adopted the Predator Fishery idea it was only home to the few Carp, Tench and Perch, no telling if they're still there now.

Hi J.K. You haven't got the dreaded cray's in this river have you?

Hi Anderoo, I know River Valley "intimately" having spent hundreds of hours there after the remaining BIG Tench. It also used to hold a very good head of specimen Rudd which gradually faded into non existence (they may have been helped along by visitors from "over the fence!"). I remember the first stockings of Pike which soon started to show up dead, if not emaciated and starving. The lost some very good Pike amongst them. It's all very well having a predator fishery but they've got to have the food source as well. Maybe the answer is to turn it into a combined commercial carp/pike and snotty fishery.......

Hi Phone, Good, well presented, points! I would first like to say that I'm not "anti" carp anglers......but over here, the Good Carpers are far outnumbered by the bad! The increasing numbers of so called "Carpers" seem never to have fished for anything other than carp and commonly regard even specimen sized fish of other species as vermin! (I personally, have witnessed evidence of this!) The "Carpies" over here will not divulge the baits they use and will not exercise any reasonable thought over the amount of bait they pile in....they are too busy building their own islands, so any chance of them going carefully with the salt hasn't a snowballs chance in Hell! All that counts to them is hauling ever bigger carp out of the water and up the bank! Also, as pointed out, any decent fish keeper will know that a certain amount of salt is beneficial to fish but overstep that finely balanced point and the first things to suffer are the aquatic plant life closely followed by the natural insect life and finally, the fish themselves. They have no thought for their future fishing, it's only today that counts. I am glad to see that I am not alone in recognising the fact that it is becoming quite rare to find a water without the "pigs with fins" but that's because it's solely driven by commerce. I'm no expert carp angler but I'd much prefer a "home grown" 10lb'er than some grossly misshapen imported beast or hybrid! Keep the salt for your fish 'n chips!

Well done for removing them! We all know that this sort of thing is not done by true anglers but will certainly give us a bad name! It should always be reported!

Hi Chris, I couldn't agree with you more. Personally I reckon that these type of carpers and so called barbel anglers just don't have the skills required to win their fish on lighter balanced tackle. I'm not talking of match tackle but of a 1.75 - 2lb TC rod, 10lb main line and maybe an 8/9lb hoohlength. It can be done and Richard Walker proved it! I recently went for a rare carping session and used my old B.James/R.Walker Mk4 with Mitchell 300 and 8lb mainline. I heard a few snickers from others sitting comfortably in the sun as I crept around the bank but I was soon the one catching carp while they sat there fishless! Sure they weren't monsters, the best being 16lb but within the first hour I'd had 4 fish off the top! I don't fish to lose them but surely if it does happen, it's better for the fish to carry a lost hook rather than have it's mouth torn and disfigured for the rest of it's life! That's not being concerned for the fishes welfare at all! The types that are using this "overgunned" tackle want the "big specimen hunter" tag and just aren't concerned on how they go about it. P.S. Of the 10 or 12 carp anglers that I encountered that day, 8 of them commented upon the "nice old rod" but didn't have a clue what it was and had a "vague memory" of someone called Walker and B.James (most of them thought the B stood for Bob James ! ). It seems to me that we are losing our knowledge of our angling history!

Hi Dave, as you've already said, look to the side streams/feeders/ slacks, anywhere that the fish can get out of the main current, even ditches running into the mainstream. You'll find most of the species tucked up there. Over the years I've fished a number of these types of places and immediately head for them when we get a drop of "fresh" as they generally "fish their socks off" in these conditions! Stick to a float with bread and maggots and search every depth from the surface to the bottom. Check as far up these side waters as far as it's reasonable because you can find high concentrations of fish up them (and usually some very large specimens among them!). Also bear in mind that on occasions where you have shoals gathering, you will also have the predators not far away! These places will fish best anytime from the first rainfall onwards but the fish will rejoin the main river as the colour starts to drop out, so don't hang around for too long. Let us know how you get on. Tight lines.

Hiya Hopey, I think as far as free/day ticket "big Tench" fisheries are concerned, you will have to take your chances as Azrael suggests. As a past member of the "Tenchfishers", the big fish waters are generally only accessed via club memberships. Papercourt (nr. Ripley) is a Cemex fishery and you will need a Cemex Silver permit (£130!). If you are willing to resort to a club membership, then I would suggest that Farnham Angling Society (£101) is going to be your best bet with both Frensham Great and Small ponds on the ticket as well as my personal favorite Mill Lane at Yately. NB. Bartman.... you forgot to mention the sailing dinghies at Frensham Great. They've got all that water but they still need to turn and jibe on your rod top! Back to Mill Lane....if it's big tench you're after then that's the place! It's a Carp fishery primarily but the Tench do particulary well on the pellets, boilies etcetera that go in. In the eight years that I fished it (before I moved away from the area) I never caught a tench under......7lbs! My best witnessed male fish weighed 7lb 7oz and my best witnessed female was 11lb 2oz! A wonderful place! I never did catch the BIG ones and there were definately bigger Tench in there! It's not a big fishery and you will have to put in some extremely early hours (04:00 hrs latest start) to catch the Tench because it was very rare to see one after 06.30, either during the day or night. Best method was a 1.5lb TC rod, "the Method" on an 8lb mainline (extremely weedy!),a four to six inch hooklength, 16 Kamasan Animal and red maggots (1 real and 1 Enterprise Tackle to balance the hook). Tight lines!

Hi Brian, I've not used any of the Stren lines before. I've had a quick scan of the web and can only find a couple of their lines suitable for freshwater (no feeder line though) but will keep an eye open. Because the rod I'll be using is brand spanking new I'm going to play it safe initially and follow Tigger's suggestion until "the varnish has been stretched". I'm going to stay with the trusty "old" Maxima Chameleon 6lb BS ( something I've used for "donkeys years" now and have full confidence in) until I know the rod a bit more, then I'll be looking to "step things up a notch". I definately be looking at this feeder line though.....sounds promising!