ginger

I think that there is another factor in the flooding issue that never seems to get mentioned. The soil acts like a sponge up to the point of field capacity, once saturation is reached run off occurs and that finds it way into drains, streams and rivers. Cover the soil with a waterproof lid in the form of new build houses, supermarkets and countless 'out of town' retail parks and you have created the perfect means of flooding what is left.

I seem to remember that some years ago that there was a thread relating to rod bags. Someone asked where he could get one and amongst the replies was one stating that there was a lady who made excellent bags at reasonable prices. I have searched several times but cannot get anything up. Can any long serving members remember the who, when or what. It must have been at least 5 years ago and could well be 10 or more. My trusty Shakespeare Ganza 14' rod is in need of a new home due to mouse attack, and when I put it in the bag the rings always catch the holes (of course!). There are bags a plenty out there but one suitable for a 3 piece 14' rod is not easy to come by, Hopkins and Holloway do have one (£10 inc delivery) but the ones I am searching for were said to be exceptional for a similar price. Any help would be gratefully received. Happy Christmas to you all and may the New Year bring all that you wish for. My resolution is to get to Wingham next year, see you there? Pete

I also use Lidl sweet corn, usually whole grains and quite firm. Their bacon grill and luncheon meat are also excellent, both are firm and they stay on the hook well.

I would give my right arm to be ambidextrous!

When I were but a slip of a lad I learned never to complain of a sore throat when my dad was around as he would insist on me taking (under extreme duress) a teaspoon of Flowers of Sulphur. It did work but by 'eck it were impossible to swallow, dry doesn't come into it. As for geraniums, sulphur is what was the only effective fungicide available to gardeners before the modern ones were developed. It is also used when dividing Dahlias (by cutting them in half) to prevent rotting. Also being very acid it can be used to reduce alkalinity in soil if you want to grow ericaeous plants in soil with a pH over 6 or 7, however it only tends to be a temporary fix and not too effective at that.

I would be up for it but timing is everything. I had a total knee replacement 6 weeks ago and will be having the other done on Nov. 24. I can manage fishing now (I have been a few times in the past three weeks but only at the club pits where I can park behind the peg. I will keep an eye on the thread but pencil me in for now. Pete

I too fish for pleasure with no particular species in mind, when asked 'what am I fishing for'? my answer is always FISH! I do however, fish club matches when possible and enjoy the competition, especially when some of the bods are really good with the seemingly the ability to catch fish at will from a puddle at the side of the road. To win a section or even (less often though) the match is particularly satisfying. The major attraction is in having to fish pegs on either of the club pits that perhaps I would never choose, that is a challenge. In the pegs I would pick when pleasure fishing I could reasonably expect to catch, even if only a few bits, whereas an unknown swim means trying different methods and techniques. Having said that, My two methods are either groundbait feeder or waggler. I have a pole but cannot get on with it and I do not need to win to the extent that 'at any cost' is normal. Give it a go, you will probably get blitzed but it may make you think outside your normal box and that could well improve your pleasure fishing.

I have not been there but John Wilson (Definitive Guide on where to fish in Norfolk & Suffolk) says 'Old Marl Pit around half an acre with steep banks. Deep at one end and can be extremely weedy at times.Holds a good head of Crucians and the occasional wildie (Common presumably) along with Tench and Rudd. Day tickets £1.50 from Post Office in village stores. Tel 01263 588209 for additional info.' The book is 8 years old now so a phone call would be advisable to check the details.

Thanks for that Newt but it seems to have sorted itself out. I just thought it odd that all other threads seemed to work except for the Cemex one. Spooky!

I have tried reading the 'CEMEX' topic (below this one) and it won't work, I get the message at the top menu disabled and below one that tells me I am not allowed to use this followed by log in boxes, which as you can see, I have done. I have clicked on the preceding topics and they worked. Signed, mystified! Incidentally does anyone here fish the Trent that Cemex have ar willington etc. in Derbys/Notts?

Welcome to AN, it is most unusual that no one else has done it. I have never fished the Yare but would love to give it a go. Unfortunately clapped out knees will not carry me and all the associated tackle too far so parking close to the peg is essential. I have fished the Wensum a few times but usually favour gravel pits. I am sure you will get some help and I will be eagerly awaiting the replies. Pete

Just noticed where you live, I am in between Swaffham and Dereham, if you would like to take a ride over and have a look at my stuff send me a PM, NOT on Sundays, I go fishing!!!

For the price I rate Dragon tackle. I have several bits and pieces, Especially good is the Avanti Activa carbon heavy waggler rod (not sure if they still do that one), I have two, good for silver fish but will easily cope with much bigger ones. I also have two Twin tip Barbel, rods which come as a two piece normal rod along with an extra top section and two or three tips to fit it. It might be a good compromise as the two piece normal rod is fairly beefy, I suspect around 1.5 lb test curve and it will certainly cope with bigger fish. Using the quiver set up I have had a double figure Trent barbel in very flooded conditions and a 12lb river Derwent carp on it. They do a nice reel in the Azure, smooth and well made (perhaps not quite Shimano standards) and for £20 great value. Front or rear drag, I prefer rear as it is easier to adjust when playing a fish but that is personal preference. In short, for the money I have never found anything to complain about and I am sure that gear costing 5 times as much will NOT catch 5 times the number of fish. Pete