Andy Thatcher

One of the original boilies Richworth made were Honey Yukatan and I see that they have re released them. I used to use honey as a dip originally and did quite well so can't see that things have changed too much over the years !

With my recent house move I joined the Broadband revolution After a bit of searching I went with Gio Internet. Why ? Under 20 Squid a month ! Activation was 7 days after ordering. Yes even in Bedfordshire

Definitely a Water Rail. Fantastic picture Den !

Good idea Elton. I have a blog but there isn't too much on it mainly due to just having moved, holiday, work and generally not having gone fishing a lot ! Think I'll use yours instead

The Ouse is very, very low at the moment but it is fishing quite well. I was talking to a mate that fishes the Gipping just outside Ipswich and he was bemoaning the same as you but he was still bagging up on the bream.

I wouldn't say I lose the desire to go fishing but usually work conspires to deny me the time to go. Have to say these periods can be useful for thinking through problems and ideas though. Mind you not that I have much of an excuse since moving to within 800 yards of the Gt Ouse

Horses for courses Andy. I have tried a few Okuma's and have used Shimano's for years and years. I know which one I would rely on to land a needed fish and which Okuma's are left in the tackle room.

I haven't been here for weeks for one reason or another, mainly moving house, and I agree far, far, far faster ! I see it's been a bit of a pain but it seems worth it.

And along with my Fox job can deal with 60lb puppy Newfoundland trying to knock it over !

I recently dipped my toe in the pod arena for the first time. Just haven't needed one until I started fishing a rese that has concrete banks. In the end got the Fox X Pod Plus. After 30 odd trips haven't got a single complaint. Deals with ridicualous winds without any trouble and is very adjustable, well enough for my needs.

20/20 hind sight is something that we all can claim however nothing ventured nothing gained. The RSSG shows, if nothing else, that the Internet can help create a political awareness amongst the least political of animals. I do look back with regret but that serves no constructive purpose other than experience gained. I think Steve has the right take on this so I'll sign off with his wise words of "I hope that you all enjoy the new season ahead of us .....I hope you all catch fish and get back to the real reason we post on these sites." [ 08. June 2003, 04:28 PM: Message edited by: Andy Thatcher ]

Well said Alan.

Goose is well and still about. Saw him and had a chat at the Barbel Society AGM. He made the simple error of starting to work for himself so has been rather busy for the last 18 months or so. Stoney has been putting all his efforts into Stoney and Friends. That's why he has gone quiet. [ 04. June 2003, 12:27 AM: Message edited by: Andy Thatcher ]

Me too. Really comes into it's own come winter when river fishing but also use it on lakes.

I know the company. They are based in Bedfordshire. I have packed away my fishing magazines for an impeeding house move but they advertised in Barbel Fisher last year and the contact details including phone number is on the add. Looking at the email address just try ekogroundbait@aol.com. I have a feeling I did the same thing.

Agree with Julian well 'ish ! B5 and the barbel mixes. Essential

If you travel a few miles north of Melton Pits you'll find the village of Sutton and just a little further a gem of an intimate water call Loam Ponds. Crucians, tench, bream and the odd carp. Nothing massive but fantastic atmosphere. Either join Woodbridge AC or day tickets available from Stuart Clay Traps in Melton.

As Alan suggested. How much ?

There should be some velcro sticky backed tape with it as well. The mat is to put by the bedchair to reduce wear on the groundsheet. Errrrr well that's what I use mine for

I have just started a long term plan for sorting that trouble out. Just bought a Newfoundland dog that will be big enough to strap onto a cart and away we go ! Trouble is that I'll have to wait 18 months to 2 years till he's grown up

Just wondered as I have seen nothing but praise for the Dillo all over the place and yours is the first bad feedback I have seen. I fully realise how much it'll cost. I have been using an Evo Bivvy for the last 3 years and have to say that it ain't that bad. Even without a Winter Skin on the coldest of nights whilst there is of course condensation I have see far worse.

Blimey a complaint against the Dillo ! Just when I was thinking of buying one as well. Is yours the Trakker or Aqua version Longshank ? [ 14. February 2003, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: Andy Thatcher ]

Good luck !

One slight problem with Badger and that is that they are not that cheap once you take the £8 p&p they charge for the smallest of items into account !

One other difference Cranfield. You rarely get problems with Delkims ! Had my 3 little beauties nearly a decade and not a moment problem in all that time. Sorry one little problem; I may have to upgrade them to TXi's