Malcs007

I sell ‘Fish and Strips’ and like many from my experience have tried them without conclusive results. As pointed out in another posting, it is very difficult to decide. On the three occasions I have used them, I have blanked but I have also fished along side with worm and fish baits also blanking. So my direct experience doesn’t help too much. However, there are those who buy them from me who have had a good success rate and have bought replacement bags. Bearing in mind that one day's fishing with one rod, generally only equates to two strips they must be working and giving these guys confidence, plus the flexibility of always having bait to hand, and the additional time of the bait on the bottom. The disadvantage seems to be the first 15 minutes or so while the strips activate, although ten minutes soaking them in a bucket would help while you are setting up. Personally, from a dealer's point of view, I think they are great. They have along shelf life and it reduces the burden of securing live bait, and helps with the conservation of the natural habitat by not having vast areas of sand and mud being dug up tide after tide by bait diggers. We have just been notified of a price reduction by the manufacturer’s due to the success of the product, so the new price is reduced from £12.50 down to £8.99 and this should be reflected by your local tackle dealer. Malcolm Barnett.

Slapton sands has been producing cod this week after the stir from the storms. They will not probably be around again after it calms down. There are still plenty of bass and loads of whiting and the dreaded dog fish. For up to date info please call me 01548 580888. Malcolm Barnett. [ 14. January 2004, 10:57 AM: Message edited by: Malcs007 ]

I have just read with interest the items on this page. I have been using Berkley Fireline for a while now and would be hard pushed to use any other line. I think the trick is to make sure that the line is, first, carefully spooled onto the reel. In the past, I have relied on a screwdriver wedged in a vice with the line around a gate post for a bit of tension. If the line is not tensioned onto the spool it will dig in with you first take or snag. I now use a purpose built line spooler. This gets it right every time and the tension spring can be adjusted to suit the line. I won't tell you where you can get one as that would be considered blatant advertising. Another point, is that I always use multipliers and bait cast reels which naturally spool on and off the reel in contrast to the twisting action of a spinning reel.

For those looking for local charter boats, they are probably getting a little thin on the ground, partly because they are already booked and also because the skipper's find it difficult to make a living with our rather unreliable weather. Let alone the fishermen who book and don't turn up without a word! Well lets get off that one. I have the entry information, and will post on our site on Tuesday (anglingcentre.net). In the meantime try phoning the competition secretary Alan Cotton on 01803 770043. I will also make some phone calls locally to see if there are any places available on commercial boats. [ 15. March 2003, 10:05 AM: Message edited by: Malcs007 ]

You can fish either one of the days, it is not a requirement to fish both. I believe there are day prizes for both days. In addition the event is for shore and boat, including a junior section.

If you are having problems with understanding your Abu reel, the book supplied can be very helpful or if you still have doubts contact Pure Fishing directly. They have an excellent service depatment. Try telephoning them on 01606 842802, I am sure they will help.

The Dartmouth Plaice fishing Festival is scheduled for the 25th & 26th April. Always a good two days fishing with plenty of fish weighed in. If you fancy a good weeked away try this as there is plenty of accomodation available this early in the season. For further details and help with accomodation call Devon Angling Centre 01548 580888 or email sales@anglingcentre.net - Event sponsored this year by Pure Fishing. Tight lines!