welder

Big Bass, you might want to check out Wuke caps on Google. I have one in cammo which my wife bought for me. The peak on it is noticeably longer than usual and the cap is well made despite being made in China. Ian.

I'm well pleased that this thread has been resurrected as it's triggered a though which may be a benefit when I fish Lac du Menhir in France this July. I've never fished there before so, other than what I've gleaned from the internet, I'll be going in blind. My thinking is that something as attractive to carp as molasses has to be at least an enhancement, possibly a game changer. Following my internet research of the water it seems that boilies and particle mix are the only baits/attractors mentioned. They're certainly the only things available at the fishery. I shall definately be taking molasses with me. Am I dreaming? Ian.

I tow our caravan to Wyton Lakes Camping/Caravan site, just up the road from St Ives, at least twice a year from the outskirts of Birmingham so I've seen several changes to the A14. The best by far is the new arrangement where A14 goes from M6. That dreadful Catthorpe interchange with the traffic lights is gone! The difference/improvement is astonishing and is how it should have been all along. Otherwise it's same old A14, pretty much...………. Ian. PS. If you're into camping, trailer tents or caravanning you might want to Google Wyton Lakes. Very friendly, laid back and the fishing is good...……...

I love fishing the rivers, especially for barbel. They must be amongst the best fighting species on the retrieve. Mind you, a decent perch can give you a good scrap! Ian.

It's all the rain we've been having? Ian.

Mid November 2018 I was Lake, Dog, Cat and house sitting at Rushes Lake, Vire en Champagne, Sarthe. There are boar and deer in the immediately adjacent woods. Before the owner departed he asked me to be sure that the dog was indoors at all times on the Sunday. When I asked why the reply was "Because the locals hunt the in the woods most Sundays and they shoot at everything that moves and this includes each other ". I was sorely disappointed when they didn't show up. Ian.

No shortage of headroom in the 2-man, 1900mm, 6ft 2". I'd struggle to justify paying a grand for a bivvy, although they do seem well thought out. Ian.

Long term planning then, Phil. Makes sense. When are we going fishing together? It's been too long, mate. Ian.

If it's for an angling charity get the handles over to me, Nick. I'll sort them and get them back to you FOC. Ian.

Thanks for that. I'm just off to visit that well known auction site...….. Ian.

A lanyard for my receiver would make sense, leather pouch, too. I'll wait for your pics, Highy. Ian.

Better still! Ian.

I'd never heard of them until now. Just had a look at them on Google. Excellent reviews and appear to be great value for money. The Mk2 with peak for £179-00 has got to be a bargain, surely? Ian.

Your analogy about cats was spot on, Stevo. I got into one at Windmill Lakes, Cosse-en Champagne, this June. It lead me a merry dance for what seemed like an age until it eventually showed as 41lb8oz on the scales. Not the biggest in there but my current PB. Know what? I'll keep on using the rods. Ian.

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum. When I saw your question I had a bit of a Google around and it seems that Knighton Reservoir is a well protected secret! No information forthcoming, not to me, anyway. I wish you luck, mate. Ian.

I use a set of three Greys Prodigies which I've owned for at least 12 years, probably more. Not long after buying them I hade them converted to full cork handles and Fuji reel seats. I love these rods! They are in 3lb test, or were when new. Do you guys reckon they'll have softened a little over the years? I only ask as I'm doing much of my fishing on French waters these days and want to be confident that I'm still suitably armed for the better stamp of fish. Ian.

I did, too. Thank you. Ian.

It was the fact that booking well in advance was necessary that put me off returning. I seldom know from one week to another what I'll be doing, one of the downsides to self-employment, I guess. Can't believe the place will be at full occupancy this time of year, though. Maybe I'll see you there. Ian.

Good call. Nige. Know what? I might even drag Alan over there during the break. It's been years since I fished it. Ian.

"They have redone most of the pegs and moved a lot of fish around". Alarm bells already ringing. I won't be bothering but thanks for coming back. Ian.

Which of the waters at Kingsbury Water Park can be fished on the night ticket, mate? I guess that Pine Pool will be on the list. As you'll probably remember, I live a handful of miles from there and could, just possibly, be interested. However, as you suggest, £500 is a sum worthy of consideration...…………….. Ian.

For 40 plus years I've lived in a village which overlooks the River Tame and I've never fished it. Next year I fully intend to remedy the situation. Ian.

Got to love full cork handles! Years and years ago I had my Greys Prodigys converted to full cork. Still using them, still loving them. Ian.

Subtle and different. Very nice, mate. Ian.

I used the Energizer batteries, too. No problems at all. I have three of the underlit alarms with clear, 4-mag rollers which pick up the colour of the LEDs. Red, White and Blue, of course! Love the alarms, can't fault them. Ian.