John S

Spangles, before you go to your dealership to order a new engine, ask them if they supply re-conditioned or short-block engines as well (a short-block engine is where they basically replace the middle bit, and just use the very top and bottom [cams, cam covers, valves etc) of your old engine if they can still be used) - they will be far cheaper.... Everyone.... Get your timing chains/belts replaced about 10,000 miles before they are due!

Sorry to hear that chesters1 I was made a doley late last year, and have been trying http://www.employmentservice.gov.uk since then, though personally I get better results from sending spec-letters! You'll find a new job soon enough mate, just enjoy the extra fishing until then

Sorry to hear that chesters1 I was made a doley late last year, and have been trying http://www.employmentservice.gov.uk since then, though personally I get better results from sending spec-letters! You'll find a new job soon enough mate, just enjoy the extra fishing until then

Hand grenades

Hand grenades

Now that will be very useful

Now that will be very useful

To get photo-quality printouts, you will need a photo-quality printer and photo-quality printer paper

To get photo-quality printouts, you will need a photo-quality printer and photo-quality printer paper

I think they return to the same area, but don't quote me on that. I must say that seeing a kingfisher for the first time is one of the highlights of my fishing life. When I go fishing I love to see nature going on around me, and to see that irridescent blue flash for the very first time just made the whole (blank) day worthwhile.

I think they return to the same area, but don't quote me on that. I must say that seeing a kingfisher for the first time is one of the highlights of my fishing life. When I go fishing I love to see nature going on around me, and to see that irridescent blue flash for the very first time just made the whole (blank) day worthwhile.

Never fished the Forth canal, but I would concur with hunter and Michael Dodd - Single or double maggot (try different colours to see what the fish like, I've sometimes found them going for plain ones but leaving the smokey bac.... I mean bronze maggots alone) fished on the drop with most if not all the weight directly under the float. Try putting a few maggots into some water for a few minutes, not enough to immerse them but just enough so that they are about half submerged. You should find that they take in air and will then float above the canal bottom when you cast in (you will have to use a small shot to anchor the line on the bottom, otherwise they will just stay on the surface). With spring just around the corner, use small amounts of groundbait and/or loosefeed (I would cut loosefeed out almost entirely now), and I would put something like Whizzo Fizzyfeed into the mix if nothing was happening after an hour or so. You can also try changing the hook for a smaller one, and if you don't do so already, try using hi-tech line or braid as a hooklength instead of normal line. It's much more supple and gives the bait a more natural look (apparently). This is pretty obvious, but canals are noted for having little in the way of "features". However, if you can find an overhanging tree or bush, or some submerged plants, you may find fish congregating underneath. If all that fails, stand up and walk a few yards down the bank and try again. If the fish aren't there, you ain't gonna catch.... Tight lines

Never fished the Forth canal, but I would concur with hunter and Michael Dodd - Single or double maggot (try different colours to see what the fish like, I've sometimes found them going for plain ones but leaving the smokey bac.... I mean bronze maggots alone) fished on the drop with most if not all the weight directly under the float. Try putting a few maggots into some water for a few minutes, not enough to immerse them but just enough so that they are about half submerged. You should find that they take in air and will then float above the canal bottom when you cast in (you will have to use a small shot to anchor the line on the bottom, otherwise they will just stay on the surface). With spring just around the corner, use small amounts of groundbait and/or loosefeed (I would cut loosefeed out almost entirely now), and I would put something like Whizzo Fizzyfeed into the mix if nothing was happening after an hour or so. You can also try changing the hook for a smaller one, and if you don't do so already, try using hi-tech line or braid as a hooklength instead of normal line. It's much more supple and gives the bait a more natural look (apparently). This is pretty obvious, but canals are noted for having little in the way of "features". However, if you can find an overhanging tree or bush, or some submerged plants, you may find fish congregating underneath. If all that fails, stand up and walk a few yards down the bank and try again. If the fish aren't there, you ain't gonna catch.... Tight lines

I would put superglue on the screwdriver first, just make sure you don't get any on your hands - could be very embarrasing at the hospital if you do....

I'll bring something along for the raffle too, or if you prefer I can post it off nearer the day Tight lines

I'll bring something along for the raffle too, or if you prefer I can post it off nearer the day Tight lines

Newt, if there's any blondes intelligent enough to understand that, they will be very angry with you now....

Newt, if there's any blondes intelligent enough to understand that, they will be very angry with you now....

But of course! You wouldn't expect a moderator to be anything but an honest genius, would you?

But of course! You wouldn't expect a moderator to be anything but an honest genius, would you?

Sorry guys, but meet a genius

Sorry guys, but meet a genius

After seeing that, I wouldn't give a chuff about the fishing - not for about 5 minutes at least

After seeing that, I wouldn't give a chuff about the fishing - not for about 5 minutes at least

I've caught roach on.... erm.... extract of nose