welder

Essential to life, mate. I cant remember ever leaving a tackle shop empty handed. Ian.

Agree. Always have my crocs at the doorway of the bivvy. No fleece lining, though. I'm hard, me. Ian.

I like a nice crossbow...……. Ian.

As I understand it most of the otters currently decimating fisheries were bred in captivity and illegally released by do-gooders who know very little about. the eco system. Did they ever ask themselves why otters were near extinction? It's called natural selection! Ian.

Hey, never fear change, cherish it. That specialised work you did must have been a solitary existence for 20 years and there's a lot to be said for frequent human interaction. One of many reasons that I enjoy working with Alan, my son. Like you, we're self employed and responsible only to ourselves, our clients and HMRC.....in diminishing order of interest....……..Really need to get a social organised soonish. I seem to spend more time fishing in France than in the UK in recent years. Ian

Have you quit plastering, Phil? Ian

A bit of furtive guesting. All admiration is due! Ian

Please do, Big Man. Sandhurst still owes me a couple of fish but, if I'm honest, anywhere will do. Ian.

It's high time that the old crew fished together again, Stevo. I'd have no problem with travelling north to your neck of the woods if you want to suggest a venue. Could be six or sixteen of us, like it matters. What do you think? Ian

Quite right, Stevo. Where shall we go? Ian

My bivvy has a broken rib...…………... Ian

Go Lydia! Ian

The River Tame at the back of our village is running about 8" deep. Never seen it so low. Ian

Enjoy, Rob. Ian

Phil, this won't come as a surprise to you but we've already discussed the supply and installation of wrought ironwork around the raised patio area of a property they're having built nearby...…. Are you a male witch or what? Ian

I had a very pleasant surprise last night. Kim and Iain, the owners of Rushes Lake, have invited me and my son Alan to house/dog/cats/ lake sit for ten days mid November. The lake is closed to fishing from October to March each year so we'll have complete access to everything. This is almost entirely down to the fact that their dog, Mylo, and my son became firm friends during our recent week there. They are off to visit their son in Dubai for a week. Excited? Oh, yes. Flattered? More than a little. Better get the ferry sorted...……. Ian

Rob, at my son's suggestion we took two large fishing umbrellas with us. These offered shelter from the sun yet allowed what little breeze there was to reach us during the days. Turns out it was a good move! Ian

Stevo, we had the best time at Rushes Lake and for the first time in ages I actually caught more fish than my son! Ian

The elastic in the middle rib of my old but otherwise perfect JRC Sti 2-man bivvy has broken. It's no big deal, actually, as the bivvy still works perfectly but I'd rather like to replace the elastic/bungy. Is this something I can undertake myself? Any tips and pointers gratefully received. Ian

Sounds ideal, mate. Have a great time. Ian

Somehow Brexit will be blamed for the demise of the German team, trust me. Ian

Cracking fun, great fishing and a sun tan! Booked three adjacent swims for the same week next year. Me, my son and nephew/godson, daft Sam. Just the 51 weeks to wait, then...……………. Ian

I really can't believe what I'm seeing here. Just what did they think they were doing? Hand on heart, from this day forward I'll buy nothing bearing the Sensas logo. End of! Ian

I'd heard rumours that there was an underlying problem at the place, Phil. Didn't know any more than that and as I'd already told Mick that we couldn't make it I didn't delve further. Anyway, enjoy breaking your French cherry and please pass my best regards to all who know me. Meantime Alan and I are off to Rushes Lake this coming weekend. I'll let you know how we get on. Ian

Phil, may I ask why you guys had to pull out of the original venue? You probably know that Alan and I were on the list but I had to honour a promise to my elder granddaughter to take her to her wedding in my vintage Morris. I'd add that the replacement water looks even more inviting! Ian