Cicada

And he and his professional colleagues do quite a good 'dying swan'!

I'm considering breathabeles myself but I admit that the Simms 3mm (not too hot) neoprenes that I wear at the moment are hard to beat. The consensus among the fly flinging salt boys is go for Orvis - either the Pro Guide or Enduras. Most makes of waders are prone to a bit of leaking, often sooner rather than later. But with Orvis their Guarantee means they will be exchanged for new ones if the seams go and they are excellent at delivering on this promise. I wade the salt and have felt soles - never had studs. The felt seems pretty secure on all but the slimiest of weed. You can get Simms boots with rubber 'Aquastealth' soles (I'm sure others do similar) and still use their screw in studs if you want to. The Vision Extremes have a part felt sole and a rubber heel and are vey hardwearing - my buddy has abused a pair in the salt for four seasons. Good luck with the rock-hopping.

Anderoo I was looking for 2# line and reel recently too. Reel solved by generous Christmas pressie but bought a 'slight seconds' DT2 from Mullarkeys for £3.50. The reel is small enough that I will be cutting the line in two - so that's £1.75 each half that should last ten seasons! And if it's a slight second there's a 50% chance of one half being OK! http://www.mullarkeys.co.uk/fishing/Fly-Fi...dget-fly-lines/ Haven't cast with it yet but I can't spot the imperfection and I don't think it was an Airflop in a different life. Good luck. Cicada

Fantastic report and hats off for braving the Dorset chill.

Here's what one friendly pair left on my local beach after a night session. If you carry it in, carry it out. Found two packets of festering half used sandeels after I took this pic. (Surely it's better to throw any unused squid, mackerel and sandeels into the sea when you leave rather than leave it for the dog walkers and families to find next day.)

Well done on getting the season going, bring on the big ones.

Those mullet flies catch bass too then!