JRT

I use a Watershed Ocoee duffle bag for both shore and kayak fishing now. Expensive but the cost of losing the gear in the bag justifies it. http://www.drybags.com/ The length way fastener is outstanding and quick to use. No more rummaging blind in a standard dry bag. Very tough construction and the fastener is air tight JRT

If they were responsible fishermen they should have popped the fish off

Hardcore guys! Well done. John

I agree. Why do the foot rests start directly under the seat? Even Starvin has longer legs that that I guess they are designed for paddlers only as opposed to anglers that move about in the seat well once anchored.

'Almost'.....

I think he is correct in saying that the EA has support for the freshwater license system.... but the course and game anglers don't have commercials and any c*** with a net trawling up down the rivers do they? If they think we are going to trust DEFRA to increase fish stocks weeks after U-turning on the increase for bass MLS they don't deserve to be in office.

Simon, I prefer just a bit of colour but not brown. Interestingly my 2 largest bass were caught in conditions that I could have quite easily given up and moved to more sheltered water.

I've found I always catch more (on fly) if there is a slight tinge to the water and a bit of wind. In crystal clear and bright conditions as soon as the sun comes up fish become scarce in my experience. In summer I rarely fish during the day, just around sun up and sun set. But if it is windy and dull I often do ok. JRT

Nice report Overrun. What was the water visibility like? When I was there the other week it was actually too clear! JRT

Yep, hence the question. I've read a few US reviews but the trouble with yanks is they are too polite to slag anything off so you only read "I bought X and its the best kayak" reviews. Although I like my Tarpon 120 there are some things I would definately change: * Front hatch is impossible to get back on. Not a fan of the tuperware lids. * Centre hatch too small to be useful * A tad wider would be nice so I can shift about easier although the kayak is very stable * Footwell too wet even just sitting in the thing without paddling * Quite heavy in comparison to similar size kayaks although it is very solid * Feels quite slow but this could be me being a slow paddler? JRT

I notice you can get them in the UK are reasonable prices (http://www.cobrakayaks.co.uk/). Has anyone tried them? The Navigator XF looks perfect for fishing. JRT

Good info, thanks Gilbo

Thanks Yak

Do I have to attend a course and qualify to use a VHF handheld or can I just buy a book and read up on it?

Mag Popper 105mm Sandeel - Obviously Jointed Thunderstick - silver scale Maria Angel Kiss - blue/silver Chug Bug - the big one Mag minnow - Sandeel colour Most fish nice and shallow.

Great bass Kevin, especially this time of year. The water temps are up on this time last year in the 9's Hopefully some good early season sport! JRT

I had a Lotus Design semi-dry cag with rubber waist and wrist bands to prevent water ingress. Very breathable, dry and comfortable. In fact I used it for surf fishing as normal wading jackets are crap. But this jacket was slightly too small so I had to sell it. I now use a Palm Caspian (http://www.palmequipmenteurope.com/acatalog/touring_paddle_tops.html) top. Very well made, breathable and extremely comfortable. My only moan is the large packet on the front has a mesh lining??? This means if you leave the waterproof zip slightly open you can get water ingress straight into your under layer !! What a dumb ass design that is. The rest of the jacket is excellent however. I tried a full dry cag and the neck seal was really uncomfortable. JRT

Looks good in white but I guess it would show the marks easily?

The politicians need to stamp this claim culture out. The whole world is run by bloody lawyers! Saying that I reckon insurance is used as an excuse half the time, if in doubt say no it's safer. Funny how this kind of thing conflicts with the whole freedom to paddle movement which wants to open up all the waterways for kayaks?

Thanks for all the suggestions. Given my £100ish budget I think I'll go for a 1-piece kinetic. Is 220cm the standard length? I'm 5'8" and fishing in 30" wide Tarpon. Cheers JRT

Democracy in the UK means ticking a box every 4 years giving the winner total mandate to do whatever they and their party like. Also they don't even need a majority to win! More people vote against the winning party than for. I see it as a 4 year dictatorship where the aim of the majority party is to balance the status quo while extracting as much tax as possible from the working population. Mr Cynic

Totally clueless, but know I need to go as light as I can afford so I'm trying to choose between these 2 carbon shafted paddles. Any tips/opinions would be appreciated. Cheers JRT

Jon, the drogue you use on boats at grafham/rutland are WAY too big for a kayak, dangerous in fact. The www.knoydart.co.uk is perfect. In fact you could make one easily or use a small bucket as others have suggested. JRT

I bet your fuming Leon! I thought Mullet had a very small commercial value? In which case what's the point of netting this volume of fish?

Has there been any suggestion on what the actual bag limits would be? 2 fish or 10 fish? Is it the same for all species or species specific? Is it region-specific set by local SFC's? There seems to be a lot of conjecture about what bag limits will/will not be.