welder

Nothing on this Earth could persuade me to fish beneath high-voltage power lines like those, particularly at the lowest point of sag. Carbon fibre conducts electricity almost as well as a lump of copper does and a 12ft length of it in the hands, along with damp/wet conditions is a recipe for death. To each his own, of course. Ian

Ah.......OK, two and a half times........... Ian

Nice place to be. I've fished it three times and enjoyed every visit. Ian

We shall have to see, won't we? Ian

Sound! I was among several who'd looked forward to meeting you but, hey ho, stuff gets in the way sometimes. Give me a few days and I'll try to get something sorted. Ian

It was good to meet you, mate. I've been in touch with the bailiff at Merrington and full lake bookings are still available so in the next few days I'll start a thread on the Socials section and see if something can be arranged. Ian

Great. I'd better get in touch with the fishery and see what's what regarding booking swims. Previous socials I've attended there have involved booking the whole lake for 2 nights/3 days but things may have changed. A mini social might be good, we'll have to see how many are interested. I'll start a new thread on the Socials section to gauge interest level. Ian

And night, presumably.......... Ian

Fancy another gathering there, Nick? I've been thinking of sorting another social on there some time next year. If anyone else on here is interested just let me know. Ian

I agree with big Phil about the eradication of condensation when using an over wrap. Another advantage is that the "porch" area is usually increased giving useful extra dry storage area. I use an old JRC STi Twinskin which has to have a wrap by design but I bought the extended JRC wrap and useful space is dramatically increased. Ian

I've fished Merrington on many occasions and Docklow only once. I know which environment I prefer but you must judge for yourself. Ian

When did you last fish Merrington, LJC? Ian

Damien, take a look at Merrington Carp Fishery. It's between Shrewsbury and Wem and holds good fish. If you do Facebook you'll find their page on there, or Google it, of course. Ian

Thanks Dayvid. I've been looking at the Fox Retreat 2-man. It looks a likely candidate. Ian

Gentlemen, your help please. In my dotage I need a taller bivvy than my elderly JRC Twinskin 2-man. I've been looking at the JRC Quad 2G XXL which is tall enough to accommodate a 6ft angler standing up. Has any of you experience of this bivvy? Failing that, have you any suggestions for an alternative to this one? I'm around 5'10" so the 6ft thing isn't too important, I just don't want to be stooping when in there. Price is less important than height and overall space. Ian

Another bad back here. I use a Nash Indulgence Daddy Long Legs chair and it's the business. As the name suggests, the legs are longer than on most chairs which results in a higher than usual sitting position. This suits me well and I can get up from it without suffering. The fact that it's also comfortable and supportive is a bonus. Well made, too. Ian

Highy, you might want to consider bringing pod and full setup back from the edge until only your rod tips are over the water. Cast shadows and sight of the outhang by fish cruising the edge may result in spooking potential catches. Just an observation. Ian

Bars versus Pods? No versus required. Carry both and deploy as you see fit. Ian

Best baitboat is a broad spectrum question, every owner/user will have a different opinion from the next. I have the Angling Technics Procat which suits my needs. A pal of mine has a boat, name forgotten, that resembles a cross channel ferry......It suits his needs. Enough said? Ian

harpz, I've been using the JRC Sti 2-man for years and there is no way in which it has loads of room for two bedchairs. I treat mine as a 1-man with a little, and I mean little, extra space. Even with the extended wrap, which I bought as an add on, it's still not a 2-man bivvy. Are you very, very thin? Ian

Outcasts are based on blanks from Greys. If you Dad likes your rods I'd guess he'll like the Outcasts. Just a thought.... Ian

Bedchairs? Don't be messing about, the Nash Indulgence is the way to go. My son had the JRC Stealth and thought it to be ok, at best. Then he sampled my aging Indulgence Mk4 and went straight to Fosters of Birmingham and bought the latest version. Loves it to bits. It's only money and you only get one spinal column.......... Ian

Two birds with one stone? Take a look at the Shimano Big Baitrunner Longcasts. Perfect linelay, fast retrieve ratio, full baitrunner facility, backwind facility and will cast to the next county if you have the technique. Mine represent the best money I've invested into my fishing in years. Ian

Thanks for that, Phil. Were getting the hang of it now. Ian

It's how I earn a living, yonny. My son and I manufacture and install wrought iron gates, railings and the like. Ian