Steve Redrobe

"Tesco heavy duty black rubber kitchen gloves are perfect." They are indeed excellent. I have also used a golfing glove, to good effect, for many years.

Each to his own.

No, I wouldn't do it. I used to livebait about thirty years or so ago, but eventually realised the horror of what I was doing. Each to his own though.

I'd never go fishing with anyone who livebaits for pike.

Interestingly, during the thirty years from the early 70s to the early years of this decade, considerably more people died as a direct result of illegal parking than were killed due to the troubles in Northern Ireland.

Journalist interviewing Sir Paul McCartney about his failed marriage: "So, Sir Paul, do you think that you will ever go down on one knee again?" Sir Paul: "I'd prefer it if you called her Heather."

Good one!

Just pulling your leg

Well, it's comforting to know that.........I think.

At this point, I think it is only fair for me to point out that I am absolutely 100% straight and nothing, I repeat nothing, is going to change that. Having said that, I think it could be a good idea for the future. Three buddies, lure-fishing for pike from the same bank of the river Lea should produce some fascinating tangles, if nothing else

Yes indeed, Russell, I use lures almost exclusively these days. Many thanks.

Many thanks, Russell. I'm presently unable to view 'profiles', however I shall certainly give yours a good viewing, should I be deemed worthy to do so at some point I am familiar with the pits in the Lea Valley, but they are all a little inaccessible to me at present, due to my inability to walk very far. The river Lea around Tottenham, several miles south of Enfield, however, would be ideal for me, as buses run nearby. I wonder if anyone has fished for pike there?

Hello again, Unimexsol. I gave up on ready-made snap-tackle about thirty years ago, for similar reasons. Depending upon the wire trace and crimps available, I've often not bothered with knots, with no problems.

Thanks very much, Unimexsol. That's very kind of you.