Marc J

Hi Kev, I'll have a spare reel or 2 if you get stuck, think my multiplier (smallish shimano) has 40lb line on though, but you could change that. Should have at least one spare fixed spool as well. Just praying to the weather gods at the mo.....

Hi Nifty, Just read the rest of the thread - if you can, stick a kilo in for me!! (have you got a refridgerated vehicle?? ). If you could let me know, that'd be great so I don't buy up the stock of some tackle shop in Shrewsbury or summet. Thanks, Marc.

I've managed to "organise" a work related trip, got a meeting in Brecon at 10am, should be around in the afternoon. Dropping the yak off Thurs morn at Joes Lodge......will have to buy bait locally though. Haven't looked if there's a tackle shop in Brecon yet. Just got me new Crewsaver booties today (had to send the first pair back, ordered 10s my feet is 9s, got 11s now, snug!) Marc

The guy I mentioned before would probably check it out for you & recommend what you need....I spoke to him he seems clued up on the technical side

This guy might be able to help with the cables, transducer etc. I've found him helpful in the past. http://stores.ebay.co.uk/SOUNDERPARTS-for-...sQ3amesstQQtZkm

Hi Mark, think that trace did have a kink in it! Lesson learnt!

Went over to Rudyard, fished from about 11am till dusk, mainly slow retrieve dead bait. Apart from the rain peeing on me for half an hour, nice relaxin time! Was also testing some waist waders, that I bought from the local (probably expensive) tackle shop.....£80, breathable, with integral neoprene socks, pockets & a "comfort" zip (**** flap). Some moment of madness, probably wish I went for a dry suit later, but we'll see! Anyway, entertained some of the bank fishermen with me backward trolling exercises , only had one take. It dragged me around a bit, solidly hooked. Played it out, managed to get a few blurred pics, got the unhooking mat across me thighs, final pull to get it within arms reach, ping!!! Trace snapped, just frayed wire came back at me.... Did grab it's tail, it was so close....no chance! Easily the biggest pike I've hooked, any idea how big guys? I thought it was around 10lb, maybe 12 dunno....... Rudyard Blurry pics Oh yeh the waders seemed to work a treat, dry as a bone, also they have belt eyelets, tight fit. Don't think water'd get in if I dunked. Tight lines, roll on Llangorse!

Done!!

Hi Stuart, Had 2 rods set up, one with float & dead bait, the other with a lure option on. It was 22ft deep, had a plug rigged up on the lure option, tried it for a bit, but the dead baits look sooooo good in the water! No action on the surface. So set the lure rig up with a small weight & dead bait. Tried slow retrieve on both & trolling. Most telling thing maybe's was I moved to a bay on the opposite side of the lake a hour or so before having to leave. First cast was the loose clutch, bit later had the I the other take. Between the two there was a definate swirl/rise of one of them spikey babes just within my reach (where's that rod with the rapala on? ) Find the fish.... Just as an aside, I put loads of hours in fishing for pike when I was a wee lad. Always seemed you'd get a take when you were reeling in = moving bait....but still had takes from still baits...just a thought. Is it 3.25am!

Hi Stu, Just got back & seen your message! Fished from about 11am till dusk. Had two takes, first me reel clutch was too loose.... 2nd stayed on for about 3 seconds.....doh Great to get the yak out though, it hasn't seen the water since Towyn. Didn't get cold either Bala would be a bit further, but I'd be up for it if you're going

Great report! Going to try Rudyard Lake tomorrow for pike. Still ummming & arrring about whether to get a dry suit, chest waders or salapettes plus booties for this cold weather. Only got a wet suit & some cr*p overtrousers, so will probably get a cold botty!

It's the calm before the storm..........float slowly gathers momentum sideways & down & then up! ......

"Take a firm grip of the pikes chin between fingers and thumb - they flare their gills and shake their heads when they 'want out' and if you have your hand in there you might be needing a transfusion unless you hold very firmly. There's a 'boney bit' at the front of the lower jaw in the middle just behind the teeth. Don't be timid - hang on to it once you have it and you'll mostly be fine Have a search on the net for some piccys or look in a book. I'll bring some along." Hi Phooey, Not trying to cast any doubt on your great advice, I'm sure what you say works - apart from with this monster I tried it with... I've only caught small uns that I could pick up by the shoulder (or used a net)....did a search, the first 3 recommended sliding the fingers under the gills very gently (don't catch the membranes & watch for trebles), coming up under the chin & gripping the outside of the jaw bone (or like you say get the thumb past the teeth)...support the body weight (with a leg/foot in our case ) with the other hand. Here's a pic Unhooking I'm sure we'll be discussing it till late on the eve before, just thought I'd put that in - imagined myself trying to drag a monster straight out using me finger an thumb....sure it can be done! Looking forward to the trip, hope weather holds!!!

Sent mine!

Anyway I've got a serious question, what we doin about food and beer.......

Hi Martin, Book me in!! Pm the address & I'll send a cheque....

Just read the thread again, yup can make that weekend, it'll be a definate maybe - depending on work!

Waiting for the date! I'm away last week of Nov, but sounds great.....!

A bit cheaper here! http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/timex_e_compass...amp;country=GBR

Hi Martin, It really was a great day! Saturday morn - woke to my tent billowin & blatin, thanks to Stuart for waking me, thought we wouldn't be going at all!! Anyway fantastic day with great company, thanks guys!! Oh yeah, caught my first tope which is also a PB!! Did think about trying to get the tope on board the yak.....but wouldn't have been able to take any photo's if I had (water proof camera not working - only had my mobile) so let it go along side. What a fight!! Those bream on the barbie were superb - Kev stuffed the one I had with tarragon - loverly!

Role on tomorrow!! This was the sunset last time I was there... Leavin Cheshire bout 4, should be there by 7ish....

I'm hopin to make it, weather permitting! Hooked 4 in the last couple of months......will be prepared !!

Where's that bottle gone.......ahh here it is.....Cheers!!

I carry a bit of rope which I can attach to the tow bar giving me the right angle to lever it onto the back of the car rack. Only need this if you're on a slippy surface, but stops the yak (malibu 2) sliding away from you). Tried on the head routine once the first time, ho ho ho it was windy and didn't get on very well with that!!