plaicemat

Getting more positive about my choice, thanks guys.

Thanks for that Brian, personal recommendation always useful.

Any opinions regarding Yellow Penguin for servicing of Suzuki engines? They have to be serviced by authorised agents to satisfy the warranty. My nearest one to home is Windsor so I may as well get it done in Poole and combine with a day's fishing.

Well, I hope all you lot who got out caught some fish, I couldn't find anyone to come out and play. Is it me?

I've noticed the perfect weather and tide for Christchurch coincide tomorrow so, although I know it's a bit late, anybody fancy a day out on Stingray. Send me a pm or call on 07831492264.

O/k, I usually steer clear of hyperbole but in this instance I will make an exception. When you see a line against a product that says 'Worlds Sharpest Knife - guaranteed for life', one's first instinct is to scoff. Well, I bought a set of their knives for £29.95 (I think 5 or 6 different knives) including a Pro Fillet knife and they are brilliant. I did have one that went a little dull and they replaced it without question. The fillet knife has been used a lot, including cutting through bones and it is still as sharp as when I bought it. All I can say is, for £29.95, give it a try and, if you disagree, fell free to tell everyone. Here is the link http://tttradingltd.co.uk/product/kitchenwares/worlds-sharpest-knife-set/.

No Martin but Dillies is, according to Dilys!!! Rob, this will be the first time I will be able to use the half canopy during the dreary cod weather.

Bastard!!!! In fairness, a bit farther north they had more water but we were down to bare bones. Terry.

I have mentioned this in another place so some of you may be aware. I have just had a week of not salmon fishing in Scotland, a lack of water stopped the little rascals running up the rivers. However, everything was not lost as en route I dropped my boat off at Warriors in Leyland, Lancashire, to have a new engine fitted together with new windows. I collected it a week later to find that not only do I now have a new, black and sexy 70hp four stroke Suzuki on the back and new windows, they also replaced the fittings that secure the cover as some were broken, waxed and buffed the complete boat, replaced all the faded decals and threw in a new battery as, apparently, mine was passed it's best. Also, at my request, they fitted a Z step on the transom to aid boarding. The boat looks like a brand new package which has renewed my delight with this craft and I look forward to a few more years pleasure fishing around Poole and Christchurch. The after sales service at Warrior is second to none and the friendly team make parting with one's hard earned almost a pleasure. Well done chaps!

Just got back from salmon fishing in Scotland so couldn't come out to play. More later. Hope you all have a great day.

Well, that failed. HELP! Terry.

O/k, back from Florida and, rather than photograph my sister's ageing smokers, I took a picture of a manufactured one which is the same design. With a bit of welding skill, they can be made from steel pipe of the appropriate bore. Obviously, the product to be smoked goes in the big cylinder and the smoking agent in the smaller one. Incorporate a thermometer for good heat control. Photo (hopefully enclosed).

Phew! That's a relief.

I should think that's the answer as you know it was running fine before. It's got a brand new filter under the bonnet but it might be worth checking it to see if any muck has come up from you tank. Are you sure the tank breather is working efficiently?

Do you have a problem? I hope not.

Sorry to hear about the hook, Martin, as you will remember, I can sympathise. If you want good fishing, come and join me; the weather's pretty good too.

Bent shaft? Terry.

O/k, now I know all you pro's are going to say, "doesn't everyone do it this way" but this seems a good idea. When I'm fishing for species like bream etc., I use a two hook rig tied on droppers, fly fishing style. I picked up on this from an American site and just put it to use on my rigs and it works. I tried it yesterday and I think I got better hook ups because of the lack of an extra length of line between hook and main leader. The idea is to simply attach the hook direct with a Palomar knot so the hook sticks out straight at right angles from the leader with the weight at the bottom. I fished two rods yesterday, one with the old style and the new one out-caught it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKdPLRvhLLc&index=7&list=PLRYslzbWu0cxRl_gjXPlPC4ReuVYUDfgq Terry.

I'll come back to you shortly with that, going to bed early as fishing tomorrow so leaving at crack of sparrows.

Better get your walking boots out then, it's in Yorkshire! Terry.

Trev, I have been hot smoking for years and use a converted Weber bbq for the purpose, it works very well. If you have a friend who is pruning an apple tree, grab the wood and sticks, it's great with mackerel. If you intend doing quantity, I'll let you have my American brother-in-law's design which he made himself, very efficient indeed. By the way, did you get my email with the picture of my new smoke generator I have made from an old gas bottle? I sent it to your AOL account. Terry.

With comp tickets it would be rude not to. Terry.

Even though it's only about 10 miles away, these days I really can't be bothered, same old, same old every year. It was fine when I used to run dogs there and met old friends from my shooting days but, regrettably, most of them are dead or progressing towards that direction. If you're passing, drop in for a coffee. Terry.

I may have a Mariner 60hp Bigfoot 2 stroke for sale as I am thinking of trading up to a 70hp Suzuki 4 stroke. It is a 2001 model and the only problem I have had was last time out but that was with 2 year old fuel and it is back on form now after a service and fuel filter change. Let me know if that would be of interest and I'll let you have a look before I advertise it. Terry.

You had to say it didn't you Adam.