Ant T

I have the 20-30lb tidecutter and it's a very nice rod, just about right for leadheading over wrecks although pretty good drift fishing too. I'd be tempted to get a 12-20lb but really like the Shimano Antares and would probably go for that one instead after having a go of one last september. The only thing I don't like about it is the push in spigot, which although does keep the overall rod weight down, doesn't flood you with confidence when the rod is fully loaded.

Here you are Darth, Just have a look throuhg the list to find the schematic that you're after. NESA Schematics

I'd be looking for at least a 9# more likely a 10#. I tried with my 10ft 8# and casting the big flies was almost impossible on this setup. Look for a cheap pike setup and take it from there. 9-9 1/2ft too.

I have the Total Tournament Raptor John and it's one hell of a piece of kit. Brilliant rock end rod and casting tool. I'd imagine the beach is a toned down version of this. I had a 15ft Raptor before I got it and it was very heavy as you would expect at 15ft, but this is a lot better. Slimmer in the butt and it has a slightly firmer tip too.

He calls them slipper limpets and collects them on the beach after a good blow (pun fully intended!). The ones I used for wrasse were taken off the rocks when I'm fishing.

Yeah they are fine, My old man has a 330 and a 340 and I have a 340, but have out used it a couple of times. Decent reel, but rarely get used as I stick to my lighter gear for most of my boat fishing.

Topecatcher has got it in one, it's all about maximising profits and minimising costs so either way the angler gets screwed. Saying that, the 525 and 535GS are only £70 which in tackle terms, isn't alot of cash and if you wash them they will last you ages. Some of the larger Abu's are £130, so you could nearly get two for the price of an Abu. My 535Mag only gets occasional useage as I have a silly amount of reels, but it's as bombproof as you are going to get. You can't have everything, big reel, good line capaity, great casting etc...... The 535s spool is very heavy if you top it right up with line, so it's best to keep it 4-5mm under the lip. I really only use mine for really heavy ground and off the cliffs, for everything else I use Abu 7500C3CT's. The new(ish) Daiwa SL30SHXV is good for casting regarding its size, but I don't think that would last long if it wasn't looked after properly.

I have not heard of too many problems with them, but if any reel is left with a build up of salt, then the user deserves to have problems with it. I had mine for about 3 years, without a problem and sold it when I got the 535 Mag. I had no problems, but I do look after most of my gear as regarding the cleaning and servicing of them.

Yes Mario, I went to Wales with him at the end of last month and he's as daft as he makes out to be on the forum! Can't argue with his catches though and it's not the first time he's had monster fish right outside his house either! Lucky bugger, location wise anyway. I've used limpet a few times too, though mainly for wrasse and they do catch plenty of fish.

I heard about someone winning a match, by catching an eel on a bit of banana skin. I think he won about £2K Davy! Posh or what? have you seen the price of Koi?

When the seas been up, I like to use runnydown with a nice big clump of cock clam and razor on the bottom of my pennel. It's a shame so many people don't try too many different baits out. I know a lad who recently caught an 18lb + shore caught cod on lug and limpets!

I saw an advert at Loot.com yesterday. a 525 Tournamag for £65 I'd get it myself, but I already have one and have had probs, still waiting for it to come back from the black hole that is Penn UK! Much better than the slidy, mags fall out of the carriers etc......... The phone numbers in the ad were 01942870283 and 07754179151 EVES

Yeah, I think a lot of anglers have cottoned on to getting their bait from places ither than tackle shops. There is a chinese supermarket in Newcastle that does 1lb boxes of Calamari for £1.05p and we've been going there for ages and so we get a crate each time to go in our freezer. Thats 24 boxes for £20.odd not even a £1 a box! It's about £2.50 for a box of it in the tackle shops! Also can get mussels, clams, razorfish etc...... all at North Shields Fish Quay. The Spanish are fond of Razorfish, so the fishmonger does a tray of the stuff, all meat -no shells for around £2. There is about 15-20 razorfish in the pack, whereas in the tackle shop, the ammo packs have 4-5 in for around the same price, sometimes more.

22 years old, recently graduated from Northumbria University with a BEng Mchanical Design Technology. Looking for a job, but don't drive so it's limiting my chances a bit. Not to keen in going straight into anything yet anyway after 20 years of education I need a rest! Not married not looking too either! Regular at Eltons NESA and have met plenty of the lads off there, to fish/drink together. Sea fish and fly fish(so I could do it in the sea! ), prefer sea fishing though. Was club champion last year at the Cleadon SAC in South Shields, Tyne & Wear, but I'm not fishing because of all of the whinging involved in the whole setup. Always ask if I don't know anything, remembering that "shy bairns get nowt!" I think that's about it?......................

I thought I just about had the gist of it Alan! I'm not as daft as I look, that would just be impossible! [ 19. October 2002, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: Ant T ]