welder

Have to agree with the comment about the Cyprinus bivvies. They represent very good value for money. Ian.

Hi Phil, I trust that you're well. You know where I live, where's this place, mate? Ian.

Pictures, Marty? Ian.

That's exactly how I do it, too. I once watched a demonstration of reproofing a tent whilst at a camping/caravanning show. This was the technique used. Ian.

If I caught every time I went fishing I'd very soon become complacent and my levels of concentration and enthusiasm would reduce accordingly. Frosty, may I say that three hour sessions barely give the fish time to realise that you've put bait out? Maybe a couple of full-day sessions are in order? Ian.

For me it's more important than aesthetics. I honestly believe that cork helps with my grip on my rods on casting and retrieve. It's a confidence thing, important in my fishing. Ian.

Got to be cork! Ian.

I'd pay good money to see that. Ian.

I've walked around Tritiford a couple of times, spotted some decent carp but I've never heard mention of pike in there. Have a look at Olton Mere. Definately good pike in there. Don't know who runs the angling on there, though. Ian.

Have you had a look at Lifford Reservoir, Stirchley? The entrance is off Tunnel Lane, right beside Lifford Hall. Some good pike in there, some cracking carp, too. It's owned by Birmingham City Council. Ian.

I used to remove the elasticated bit and use them as inline feeders. I can see why elasticated ones are potentially hazardous. Ian.

It all comes flooding back! I used a mix of Dynamite Baits Meaty Marine powdered groundbait and their Frenzied Hemp powdered groundbait. I used the juice from a tin of sweetcorn as a binder and added corn to the mix. One or two kernels of corn on a short hair with the hook pushed well into the ball of mix.. Must give it another go, soon. Ian.

I'll try to remember my old "secret" mix. No pellets were involved, that I do know. Ian.

Know what? I'm pretty sure that's where I bought the ones I had before. Thanks, I'll pop over next weekend. Ian.

My son and I were reminiscing about some of our past angling exploits when he reminded me how well I used to do on the method. I used to make up a "secret" mix which contained sweetcorn and use corn on a short hair, buried into the ball of mix. "Why did you stop doing that, Dad" seemed a fair question although I had no answer. A fashion thing, maybe? Anyway, I'm going to give method feeders another go. Are there any particularly good ones I should look for? Ian.

Quite right! Ian.

Gift horse is the expression that comes to mind. Whatever it takes........... Ian.

I'm surprised, Phil. I've always believed pike to be "sight" feeders rather than "scent". Hey, what do I know, the only pike I've ever caught have been by accident! Ian.

Years ago I had my Greys Prodigies converted to full cork handles. It wasn't cheap! Ian

Was a time when I always had at least one tin of Bacon Grill in my bait bag. I'm going back to that time cos I'd almost forgotten just how good a bait it is. Haven't used it for ages, that's going to change! Ian.

I have three of the 4000 Regal BRi's. Cracking reels and barely any larger than the 2500's. I find them good on rods short or long, great for trotting a float downstream or fishing the close margin with shorter rods. Ian.

The River Tame, North Warwickshire, is the lowest I can remember it being. Ian.

I was saddened to see that fish hauled out without the use of a landing net. On the strength of that I wouldn't consider buying the contraption. Ian.

ESP Synchro for me and well pleased with it. It knots nicely and sinks well. Ian.

Pushing? Ian