Jim Murray

Checked again with Chub & they recommend pegging the wrap using the existing bivvy pegs at back then stretching front end forward using the wrap pegs to create more gap - will try this next time out. I also had a STI brolly and it was ok, but the Chub is so much lighter & easy to handle; the whole lot is up in well under 10 minutes. Only other gripe would be the separate groundsheet - why don't they just sew it in? Though from what I see most modern bivvies are the same.

That is heavy in my book. The Chub bivvy is only 10 lb. and goes up in under 5 minutes, largely due I think to the low weight. Ok not so strong or waterproof as the STI but it really looks adequate to me. I just hate lugging heavy gear around but if this don't bother you then fair play.

My mate has a JRC STI. Fine bivvy with no condensation, but for me weight and speed of erection were important, hence the S-plus. So you can't use the JRC without the wrap on Summer nights if you think it might rain?

I appreciate the S-plus is at the budget end of the market but surely they'd have thought of that? So do all more upmarket bivvies have mesh or vents to prevent the problem?

Recently purchased a Chub S-Plus bivvy and really pleased with it apart from one thing; when using the overwrap there is a fair amount of condensation on the inside of the bivvy in the morning. Not dripping but very noticeable. I thought one of the main reasons for using a wrap was to eliminate this. Gave Chub a quick ring and all they could offer was "leave the door slightly open". Anyone got any better ideas?

The swim shallows up very quickly as you go nearer the bank, hence the reason for fishing at that distance. Possibly the idea of using a pal on the bank...but just had another thought. Swim only 4 feet deep so what about just a standard rake with a long handle

Hard to say but sounds more like a local problem on the pc. Post up the pc spec if you think it may be underpowered. Good starting point - remove all unused programs & run Malwarebytes:- http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Planning on fishing a shallow swim with a fair amount of sub-surface weed. Only snag is this will be at a range of 50 yards. Will be baiting up by boat(small inflatable) with a small anchor, so would there be any problems raking from the boat whilst out there?

Comparing the Carp bags to the Army style - the Army ones look good but also narrow at the foot, i.e. mummy-type. Can anyone who has one confirm if this is the case. My main reason for replacing existing bag is that I can't stand the mummy-type.

Interesting Leon, have only caught them lik ethat from the Baltic. Presuming your stretch may have been slightly brackish too, where does that leave the oft quoted remark that such areas harbour top quality fish?

The Suck is still a fantastic piking river if you're prepared to put in a good hike to the more remote areas. I find it's rare to encounter another angler, especially an FN. In most other parts of the country it is different. Often find myself thinking "where have all the Irish anglers gone...??"

Not sure if trout in the Upper Clyde could be described as "easy" especially if you intend fly fishing for them. Maybe bait fishing for Winter grayling would be a bit more feasible.

Abolutely incredible. Guys' name is Julian Beever:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Beever

If you haven't already, get hold of "Understanding Barbel" by Fred Crouch. Far & away the best book I've ever read re. getting inside the head of a fish. Great section on hydrodynamics....all will be revealed

Getting back OT for a second, and at the risk of some chortling, I got a Lidl night fishing kit a while back - the clip-on starlight holders seem to work well on a thickish tip. Only issue may be they pin the light parallel to the tip, not at right angles. Anyone think this is important?

What do you think of the colouring on this Irish tench? It was from a clear water lake and have also seen them this dark from a lake in Sweden. Question is why are they *so* dark?

I'm no expert, see above but have kept perch roach pike eels gudgeon & rudd. Terrific fun & you will learn so much

Wow what a find! Looks like Roger Waters' upcoming tour is largely sold out already

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTvc007j3ew...feature=related

What's wrong with their attitude? I'm flying to Stockholm next week(2 1/4 hour flight) for €68 return total. For that kind of fare they'd have to have a fairly horrendous attitude to even worry me. In fact I use them often & find them mostly ok. If you were travelling in a group & wanted to sit together then they may not be ideal. Only real complaint would be the extra charge for taking a rod tube. Elton, you won't want to read this.... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelne...ly-flights.html

Would have thought would be a brilliant idea. Anyone know if they are available?

Anyone..?

An otter once picked up my legered smelt, fortunately spitting it out(or stashing it...?) in the margins, so my answer is yes.

Have you had much luck flyfishing for them in Summer? Have tried it a lot and for meagre returns. Find it much more productive in Spring & Autumn, certainly in the shallows anyway.

Long term though...if the perfect medium is invented...analogue may rule again.