James P
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Posts posted by James P
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Sorry to upset the applecart but I don't like the 5000GTEs. I bought a set but just couldn't get on with them. Admittedly I'm hamfisted, but I found them too free-running and the result was tangles. The reason is possibly that I backwind except when lure fishing. For those who prefer to play fish off the clutch they could be ideal though.
I got rid of mine, and wished I'd kept my old Shimano 5010s.
Anyone got a 5010 for sale?
Some good prices on Ebay!
James
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'Her indoors' has just bought me a new Barbel Rod (Greys Prodigy Barbel 1.75lb TC) which I am looking forward to tangling with the Great Ouse Barbel with next year. (It is an Xmas pressie so I cant use it yet.)
However I also need a new fixed spool reel to go with it. I was looking at the 'Baitrunner Aero 5000 GTE B' and was wondering if anyone has any comments on this reel? or preferences for any other reel for my Barbeling?
I would be very gratetful for any comments that you have.
BoldBear,
I use the very same reel and although the Okuma's are good for the money having used the Polycast for years, I think that when you buy a good Shimano you get a reel for life. I've got one of the new 5000 GTE-B's and it's got bulletproof build, smooth as silk running and excellent drag/free spool.
I got mine from Tackleshop.co.uk and it arrived the next day. It's this one here
Regards
James P
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What exactly is the problem with eating Pike?
Perhaps I didn't explain my view very clearly. I meant that in the context of the whole hurrah of foreign nationals taking fish for the table, is this really the message that should be sent out via national radio. That was all. I'll keep my views to myself next time me thinks.
James
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Suffix Herculine! Lethal stuff, absolutely lethal.
I have only ever regreted buying one rod and that was a John Wilson Six-Shooter. Horrible thing
but it was the only generally available, reasonably priced baitcaster at the time.<small>[ 08. April 2004, 04:11 PM: Message edited by: Peter Waller ]</small>
Peter
i've used the Herculine braid for lure fishing and it was a nightmare. I must have had to sort out at least half a dozen wind knots every time I went out.
I now use it exclusively in the garden for tying plants. About all it's good for IMHO!!!
James
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They're both beautiful fish though!!
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Anyone hear that complete plum Marco Pierre-White on Dermot O'leary's radio show yesterday. Dermot asked him what sort of things he does outside of cooking and he said he was a keen 'game' fisherman going on to say he enjoys fishing for Pike and Tench (last time I checked, Pike and tench aren't game fish). Dermot asked him what Pike tasted like and said idiot continued to spout on for a while about the best way to cook Pike and how it's a wonderful tasting fish. Despite the fact that I cannot stand the guy anyway, I wished I could have reached through the speaker and slapped his bulldog chewing a wasp face!!!
Some people...
James P
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I've found the Big S to be a regular catcher...okay, it's old but it works.
TBH I'll try quite a few lures out on a session..even surface poppers seem to work close in at the moment.
Being floating lures, the Big S is a good choice when the fish are in the upper layers but because of their shape they snag really easy when fishing close to the bottom. I've also found that the new ones from Shakespeare are a pale imitation of the originals. They seem to be a lot cheaply made and the ones i've used have not casted as well as the older ones.
The Heddon Zara Spook is a great top water lure as well.
James
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I've always had success with the Fox Hornet spinnerbait. For some reason my purple one seems to catch more fish than other colours. Not sure if that's down to the color, or it's made slightly different, but i've not failed to catch on it yet.
Super Shad raps are pretty useful for selecting bigger fish where I fish in Bridgwater, Somerset as there has been a jack explosion in the last few years.
I've recently tried some new Storm Thunder Core lures with translucent bodies and several ball bearing rattlers on the River Parrett and caught 6 fish in a morning. They looked pretty good in the water too.
Regards
James
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Mat
Seeing as you have square legs on your box, then i'd go for the preston on box pole support. I've got one of these and it's very good for about £25 of your hard earned money. It's a strong, highly adjustable unit that incorporates a ridged roller. I've got a brilo box and had no problems whatsoever setting it up. You can even attach other preston accessories such as keepnet arms to it. See below...
I had a look at one made by Fox, and thought it was good, but more expensive and the bar is a non roller version, but you pays your money you takes your choice!
Regards
James P
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i am gonna get one of these didnt realsie you could buy them for £250.
1stbob i reccomend you buy this pole has lots of extra tops and it 16 metre so you can reach to places some people may not reach.
To be honest Rooney888, you'd be far better off getting a 13-14.5m pole for the same money as a 16m one. I can guarantee you'll get a lighter, more balanced usable pole for your money and can always add an extension at a later date.
I fish a lot of commercial fisheries and can count on one hand the amount of times you'll need a 16m pole. The vast majority of pole fishing nowadays is actually in the margins - hence why so many margin poles are available.
The higher end MAP poles are pretty good but the CFS range, whilst being very robust and thick walled (good for someone learning long pole fishing) once you get past 11.5m they tend to sag a lot, and you wont be able to fish past 13m comfortably for any length of time.
I can guarantee that if you bought a 13 or 14.5m pole such as the Maver Nebula or Deploy, you'll get a pole that will be more fishable and will pay you back in the long term with it's quality.
Regards
James P
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I've got an 11' Harrison canal rod which I've owned for about 15 years. It's a lovely rod, incredibly light and delicate, but I did have problems with it. The tip is spliced, and the blank is thin-walled. The first tip broke at the splice, and was replaced under warranty. When the second tip did the same, I repaired it myself and whipped over the splice. It's stayed together ever since, but is not quite right. It casts and fishes without any problems, but you can see a slight droop at the splice. I would re-do it, but the basic problem is that too much of the hollow blank was lost to get a good fit for the solid section.
I would assume that those problems have been long since resolved, and it is a lovely rod for small fish on canals or tiny rivers.
Steve
It sounds as though you have the older original version. Why don't you contact Harrison and see if you can get a replacement top section?
I think there's always an inherent risk of things breaking with such a light sensitive rod - especially with my big sausage fingers
I'm going to try one out if I can find one somewhere before I buy. I have a couple rods on Harrison blanks and they are beautiful.
Seph and BUDGIE - A friend of mine still has the original Sigma wand and I saw it the other day. It looks weird with the old chrome rings, but you could lightly blow on the tip and it would move it was THAT sensitive. Can see how they would be so effective.
Regards
James P
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Hi guys
I'm looking at buying the 11'6" Harrison Match Special II for fishing the waggler on my local canal, but would like to know if anyone knows of any other makes worth trying. It's quite hard finding a dedicated rod nowadays as most manufacturers have dropped such rods from their ranges.
I have heard that Fox makes a dedicated canal rod but have never seen one.
I have got a couple of early MAP rods built on Harrison blanks and they are fantastic.
Anyone want to add anything?
Regards
James P
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Ive heard this before about Herculine.Ive only ever had one spool of it (got it free of a rep) I cant remember the size/breaking strain but should imagine its between 30-50lb.Ive got it on my second drift float rod.Only gets used around a dozen times each season but its been on for over 6 years now and had no problems with it.
What size and what have you been using it for James and what problems?
Budgie
I've been using 30lb for medium (Micro Rooters and Big S type stuff) lure fishing with a 4000 size fixed spool reel, and 20lb for my 6' Fox Ultralight jig rod, with a fixed spool reel in a 1000 size - both well balanced setups.
The line seems to be very succeptable to wind knots and i've usually got to unpick a couple of knots a session. On a blustery day last week I spent more time unpicking than fishing!!!
I don't really want to go any higher on the poundage unless it's a multiplier and jerkbait rod, but i've used other braids of the same b.s. trying out a friends rod the other day and didn't have problems. It was 30lb but he couldn't remember the brand!!
I've thought about increasing the b.s. to 50lb but that means sacrificing some casting distance and buying another spool of braid. Seeing as i'm having a frustrating time with herculine i'd rather not spend 25 quid to find out if i'm going to have the same problems - I'd rather get something that works well.
Regards
James P
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why use braid? cant see the point in it myself cost like £6 for a lil spool, mite aswell just buy a trace or thicker line? :S ... i use a wire trace and always catch pike... pb is 17'3 lbs... from river mersery but im always getting runs with my friends but they never have there reels set right so it just snaps them strait away lmao and i tell them how to have it and everything they just mess wif it! anywayz is any1 from warrington on here??
You are joking aren't you?
Power Pro seems to be the bench mark for a lot of uk lure anglers and with good reason; it's consistently reliable unlike some brands which have a reputation for snapping.I'd suggest basing your choice of diameter / strength on the weight of lures you'll be using, as braid is prone to snapping on the cast, if it's too light for the lures being used.
I doubt you'll be chucking ultralights on a multiplier set up, so I'd suggest 50 or 65lb braid for lures up to 2oz / 60 grams (or thereabouts) and 80 or 100lb braid for the big stuff.
I'm in the market for some new braid as i've been having no end of trouble using sufix herculine. Think i'll try the Power Pro and see how I get on.
James P
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Worry less about colours for now. Start off with some straight retrieve lures like spinners, spinnerbaits, soft plastics (shads, dawgs, grubs etc.) and get used to them before you start on lures that require more input from you the angler. You can work these types of lures at most depths and you'll get a feel for lures and some success fairly quickly.
A good point Andy.
When I fist started out it was Ondex spoons and Mepps spinners with the good old Big S being the only lure I owned. I caught plenty of fish on the spinners and learnt a lot by varying the speed of retrieve and depth of run, skills that are easy transferable to other lures later on when more experienced.
As far as colour goes, I do think it is something to consider. I usually use a natural perch or roach when fishing clear waters, and bright yellow colours when the water is coloured, but it pays to experiment as there is no hard and fast rule on any given day.
James P
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James, I don't like the Fox rod myself but with the outfit you describe, I'd go for 10lb fireline to reduce or stop the wind knots.
Another point is not to fill the spool quite as full with braid as you would with mono.
Thanks Ken.
in a bizarre twist of coincidence I was looking at that very line today!!! That and Sufix Synergy. Not sure what to go for though - have you tried the Synergy??
James P
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You might want to take a look at the US spincast and underspin reels. Ideal for light lures & lines with the added advantage of not doing birdsnest, backlash, windknots, and the like. Spincast for baitcasting style rods and underspin for the ones ringed for fixed spool.
Thanks Newt.
I have looked at both these type of reels but the knots are occuring off of the reel, usually when a bow is formed if the wind blows into or across me when i'm fishing. I've had a look at some stiff braid today and might give that a try.
Thanks for your reply.
James P
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Ultra light lure fishing
Here in holland is ultra light fishing with a 2 gr rod for perch and small pike but also big pike up to 6 kilo are caught using this gear
The rod are short most are 150 cm long and used with 14/00 - 12/00 nylon and small spinning reels and i find it joy to use this kind of gear at a summer evening on the river in search for fish
Look at this form a friend and you see what i mean
http://struinendoordepolder.blogspot.com/
gr jerry
Wow Jerry, some fantastic photos on that site. I'd love to fish over on Holland one day - all those canals and drains....
I have just invested in an ultralight 6' Fox jig rod and a 1000 size reel for perch, chub and small pike. Last week I fished the local docks and had a great time with the compact setup and a pike of around 8-9lb gave me a healthy bend in the rod and a real fright!!!
I have been using 20lb braid with it, but I keep getting wind knots due to the lightness of the lures so I am thinking about switching to mono like yourself.
Keep up the great catches.
James P
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Quest
I've been having a good time recently, and had 5 fish yesterday. I had to use spinnerbaits as the water was quite coloured and needed something to create some movement under the water. A good spinnerbait hardly ever fails for me if it's hard and i'll usually get a take or two. I use the Fox Hornet.
I've only blanked twice this year and that was when I lost fish (one was a very good fish on a super shad rap, the other was a poor hookup on a single hook spinnerbait)
Fish location is also very important, perhaps more so than the type of lure you use. 4 of the 5 fish I had yesterday were located in slacks out of the way of the main flow which was quite fast due to the recent rain. In fact as I arrived at the venue with a friend the EA were opening the sluice gates to run some water off.
I like to walk the bank looking for tell tale signs such as swirls, fry movement, overhanging branches, submerged snags, bays etc, and fish swims that look likely to produce rather than fishing every swim.
I apologise if this sounds patronising if you're an experienced lure angler and were just asking a rhetorical question!!!!
Keep plugging (ahem) away and i'm sure you'll get into the fish before long.
James P
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Oh please, what a pathetic comment. I'm a fisherman of 23 years and have been around long enough to realise that you need hooks to catch a fish.Next thing you'll be berating me for sticking that hook in its mouth.Thank you for your advice. I'll use rubber hooks as well if that makes you feel better. In fact, tell you what. I'll strike before the fish takes the fly and then there will be no need for any bleeding heart liberal comments at all.I was expecting a sensible reply, but obviously assumed wrong.
I'm really surprised no one else picked you up on that point Clive, and if you had read my final comment you would have realised it wasn't a personal dig at you, just an observation so please don't start flaming.
I did comment on what a beautiful fish it was too - but you obviously skipped over that point which is a shame.
James P
The attached 'real flies' work well for chub. You can order them over the net fromhttp://www.sovereignsuperbaits.co.uk/Lures...real_flies.html
Have fun, Andy
Those flies look great Andy. Have you used them before?
James P
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Nicepix
that's a very nice chub, and must have been a great battle on a fly rod. I love catching chub and will be out to try to tempt some soon on my ultralight lure rod and small minnow lures.
On another note, I can't believe you've just rested the fish on the bank like that. I can see all sorts of rubbish including broken twigs and sharp edged gravel behind. If the fish started flapping around the rubbish on the bank could do some serious damage. Fish welfare always comes before a photo opportunity!!!
Not a personal dig at all, just a subtle prod.
Regards
James P
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Dan
I have a pair of the Pro Logic Featherweight boots. They replaced an old pair of thermal Derri Boots that were an absolute nightmare to walk in and are the best ones I have ever bought. They are fully waterproof, warm as toast (no need to wear thermal socks in the winter), very lightweight, comfortable and have a good solid rubber grip sole. I've had them a while and can fully recommend them.
I bought them from TackleShop.co.uk and they arrived the next day.
You can find them at Tackle Shop.co.uk
regards
James P
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I saw him on Never Mind The Buzzcocks the other day and he made himself look a right knob. Especially at the very end when they showed the out-takes they couldn't fit in and some were losing the will to live with his ramblings.
He he, what a legend.
James P
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Sportsman
In my opinion you can't go wrong with Harrison blanks - they make top class rods to last a lifetime as long as you use good hardware.
Other than that, try talking to Dave Lumb who produces his own range of rods and accepts custom orders using the same said blanks. They have an excellent reputation and i'm sure Dave could build a rod or supply the neccessary parts at a very competitive price. Who better to ask about building pike boat rods than from a top pike angler who builds his own pike boat rods!!!!
Regards
James P
Help - Which reel to get for my new Barbel Rod?
in Coarse Fishing
Posted
I agree that the drags are better on the Okuma's Alan. I've got 5 year old Polycast 3000 size and the drag is as smooth today as it was when I bought it. I've caught loads of fish on it and it was under £30. Amazing reel for the money.
Cheap reels are no longer the risks they once were and you can get a stunning reel for under £20 that 5-6 years ago would have lasted a year at best.
James