plaicemat

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.

1) JV - Adam, Ian, Alun 2) Tigerfish - Steve *** crew wanted, up to 3! 3) Redfin - Peter, Matt, Rob, Graham 4) Reel Magic -Dave, Dean, Terry B. (v. excited!)

Nice to see you out there Alun, shame about the lack of bass action. We managed to get our share of bream though, good quality of fish too. Couple of problems to sort out, 1) boat is taking on water, not too much to be a risk but more that I like to see on the inside of the hull; I think it is the 'O' ring on the bung. 2) sudden losses of power which I am now putting down to a bit of floating muck in the system occasionally blocking a jet. That'll teach me to use the boat more often. Terry.

Happy birthday chaps and , Alun, if you're out tomorrow, I'll see you on the water. Terry.

Have a great day Charlie, hope the family spoil you rotten. Terry.

Retired old gits who spend their time going fishing! Terry.

Tony, you've started repeating yourself! It is for me too. Terry.

Hope you are having a great day chaps and being spoilt by those near to you. Terry.

I may be missing something here but, from our slightly courser viewpoint, isn't that the same as snelling and leaving a longer tag but the opposite way round? Still the same knot strength but no having to attach the top line. As I say, probably missed something. Terry.

I always reckon they can do several things at once.........................badly! Terry.

Charlie, you haven't missed a food thread as there hasn't been one. After last years hiccup and slight embarrassment, it was suggested to me that certain skippers would prefer to have the flexibility of not booking meals so they could get extra fishing in when they wanted. I have booked places for the Saturday night at The Georgian and Sunday night, as usual, at the Harbour Lights. There are special meals at both and I would not want to have to cancel meals again when the restaurants have prepared things especially. Adam mentioned this on Saturday night and said it all depends on the weather so obviously his crew will want to stay flexible. I currently have about 14 people booked so if anyone would like to join us on this basis, please let me know without delay. Last year at the Georgian, some of you may remember the fruits de mare platter for sharing between two (awesome!); this year they are offering surf and turf which is basically the same as last year PLUS a steak of your choice. Because of the seafood element, this has to be booked in advance, again to be shared. If you want this, let me know, I can try paring up odd ones if necessary. Sunday night is a very good three course meal with about three choices for each course for £18.50. Both evenings are booked for 19.30hrs for 20.00hrs. Terry.