DCB

To Davy Holt. Unreserved apologies for my waspish comments. I had a long chat with Sue and Jeri Drake and they put me right on where you are actually coming from. Now I know. Thanks for your mature comments when we spoke on the phone the other night, you were more than generous. Circles are no good for skate end of story. Best regards David Bird

Spasor No point in trying to fight (educate) Davy, he's in a 'flattie frame' of mind. I could have been intrigued why circle hooks don't work for big skate in deep water, when they should be more effective. I could suggest that Davy is mounting the bait incorrectly. Is the circle hook joined to the trace so it can rotate freely. But I wont, so there! Petulent pause. As I am directly involved with the 2000+ UK shark Tagging Programme (includes tope as per the original question) and seen how circle hooks benefit tag and release with minimal damage/discomfort to the fish, I was surprised with Davy's interjection based on, what I consider to be, a narrow minded, elitist view point, that missed the original question in the first place, just to try and prove that he's the fastest gun in the west. So he holds his rod all day does he? For one or two big fish a day? Really? All kinds of anglers from all kinds of disciplines put their rods down some time or other and the crafty fishes take advantage of these moral lapses and try to nick the bait. If a 'J' hook is used - gut hooked! If a circle is used - in the scissors! But then again, I'm not going to tell Davy this it might upset him, and I wouldn't like that. Circles are not a passing fad, they are a real contribution to fish welfare, but don't tell Davy. Me fight, unlikely, I know nothing guvnor. DCB

Rex Hunt, IMHO, is a pretentious a--- h--e with illusions of grandeur and gentility and a yob to boot. Then again I don't expect anything different from a footie presenter! DCB

Rex Hunt, IMHO, is a pretentious a--- h--e with illusions of grandeur and gentility and a yob to boot. Then again I don't expect anything different from a footie presenter! DCB

I like Fire Line. Best knot is the Bimini Twist, the only 100 per center. A sod to tie but worth it. As with any knot I tie in braid I tend to double it for increase insurance. DCB

I like Fire Line. Best knot is the Bimini Twist, the only 100 per center. A sod to tie but worth it. As with any knot I tie in braid I tend to double it for increase insurance. DCB

So in the end the conclusion might be that the CA are running a brothel? Allowing for my mental state (unstable) does Fishing Whores come into the equation? Just a thought. DCB

So in the end the conclusion might be that the CA are running a brothel? Allowing for my mental state (unstable) does Fishing Whores come into the equation? Just a thought. DCB

Davey - me arrogant? I'm a classical modest chap and I've got the scars to prove it. Then again circle hooks are probably too good for 'flattie bashing'. Just to prove how modest I am, I probably fish deeper water than you and 'circles' get my vote every time. Modestly yours DCB

Newt - great reply and right to the point, thanks. Davy Holt - I'm afraid you still don't get it, or maybe don't want to. Read Newt's posting again and think about it. Remenber elitism can be a disease! DCB

You're missing the point! Fish welfare first. DCB

Leon - great fish, well done. When you've finished with it can I have it as a marlin bait?????? DCB

PS. Giant Trevally are bream shaped!!!! DCB

PS. Giant Trevally are bream shaped!!!! DCB

Davy Holt - not always and don't forget un-attended rods! Circle hooks are certainly best for beginners/first-timers. DCB

Giant Trevally - ugly as sin and fights like a pit bull - never gives up. DCB

Giant Trevally - ugly as sin and fights like a pit bull - never gives up. DCB

Please use Circle Hooks with the barb shut down. No more gut hooked fish. You wont lose any, I promise. DCB

Peter Waller - it has been reported that the CA are currenty about nineteen grand in the red. DCB

Elton If your wife wants a bit of luxury and a fabulous beach look at the Kenya section. My wife and I go to Hemingways every year. Bloody brilliant. If you want to know more give me a call. DCB

Elton If your wife wants a bit of luxury and a fabulous beach look at the Kenya section. My wife and I go to Hemingways every year. Bloody brilliant. If you want to know more give me a call. DCB

Could anyone tell me if Bob James still works for the ACA and the CA? DCB

Could anyone tell me if Bob James still works for the ACA and the CA? DCB

Neil - I see the sea licence much the same as a freshwater licence, ie. a licence to use a rod or rods to fish. Fishing our seas would be as now - free. Income for sea licences would need to be 'ring fenced' to make sure its used for the right purposes. DCB

The SAA/ATA response to the Green Paper on the CFP to Mike Heylin and I a lot of our free time over a month to prepare. It contains the couple of problem areas mentioned above and lots, lots more including an indepth programme to protect our seas for recreational fishermen. Another freebie for those who don't contribute or join anything. DCB