Crispy

Thanks for all that Carryign te gear should not be too much of a problem, since although we can't actually park too close, we can apparently drive up, unload and then drive the car back off a little. However, as to the bacon (which I WILL be taking!), if we have a couple of very hot days as apparently forecast, how do I stop it going off? I don't really want to cart a big camping fridge (which I have from our family camping days) and a bottle of propane even a short distance, but I doubt a cool box with a couple of ice packs will last long enough. Any thoughts?

Hi All I have posted the odd thing in the Coarse Forum before as a fisherman returning to the sport after far too many years of absence, and have found the response extremely helpful, so here goes on a new tack. I am going on my first "session" (two nights only) this weekend with a friend of mine and have two questions: 1. What are the "essentials" for a couple of nights on the bank? I have the obvious shelter, bed, sleeping bag, stove and kettle, but is there anything that over the years people have found makes life just SO much easier that they would not be without it? 2. The lake is a private one (no clues, sorry) of about 2 acres or a bit more that has effectively not been fished in the past, containing carp only (stocked several years ago). It is well tended, but otherwise the fish have been left to their own devices - certainly they have never seen a boilie. Now for me much of the enjoyment of fishing is just sitting by the water listening to the birds and relaxing, but I would like a fighting chance of catching something too. Any thought on tactics/baits for a "virgin" water? Thanks in advance Chris

Does anyone know of a landing net that will fold for carriage hooked to a loop on a rucksack but can be unhooked and the pole straightened out easily with one hand while playing a fish with the other. I have seen short-handled trout nets that look a bit like folding lacrosse sticks but I am after something with a longer handle (and probably a wider net) for roving a small river without having to carry anything other than the rod in the hand. Cheers Chris

Couldn't resist. order placed!

No idea yet. My dad is joining the Christchurch AA so that we can choose (with me as a day guest), but he will be asking for advice at the same time. What would you recommend? Is it too cold for barbel at the moment? C

Thanks all I've been continuing my deliberations, including actually snooping around the bfw forums (fora?). I am seriously tempted by the i-power, and am speaking to them in a mo about how long a lead time there is.... Looks promising. C

Crikey, that was fast! Thanks jeeps

I am off to the Hants Avon next week for a couple of days' barbel hunting - not something I have done before. Does the team have any views as to the best rod for the job? I have a Shimano Beastmaster 1.75lb TC ("heavy") quiver rod. Is it up to it/right for it? Chris

I'm going to visit my parents at half term in a fortnight's time for a couple of days. Of course I love them and all that, and the visit has nothing to do with the fact that they happen to live in Verwood - next door to Ringwood and a stone's throw from the Avon - but while I'm there... Any tips for day ticket barbel stretches? What is likely to be the best approach if - the weather is as cold as it is at the moment or - if it has warmed up a bit by then? Chris

Thanks all. I think I'll try the isotopes first and see how I get on. Cheers

Thankyou gentlemen! What a friendly forum! When I can next get to the shop... BTW, roughly how long does the light last? Chris

Andy Are these the ones? http://www.johnsonrosstackle.co.uk/cgi-bin...tml%23a865#a865 If so, do you know which size fits the beastmaster? Chris

Andy Which isotopes do you use? I was just looking at these on-line, and wondering whether they were the solution and if they were any good. How have you attached yours? Do they interfere with the line? Can/do you take them off during the day? Chris

I got a John Wilson Avon/Quiver system rod for my birthday at the end of last year, which I love but felt a bit undergunned occasionally when larger chub headed for snags. So I added a Shimano Beastmaster (ghastly name!) to my (small) collection. I am very pleased with this new rod, except for one thing. The tips are painted black except for the last couple of inches, which is orange/red. This is fine and dandy in decent light, but as the gloom gathered yesterday it became invisible to my aging eyes. Is there a paint available that I could apply to the whole tip that won't crack when I get the first bite? Chris

Glad it's not just me. BTW, I'll see your kingfisher (parked for some while on the branch of the tree opposite me) and raise you a barn owl at dusk. Easy to see why they used to think that they were the spirits of departed friends!