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Many happy returns, Martin. You share your day with Boris Yeltsin, John Ford and Don Everly. For once you're the youngster of the group. Terry.

Lord luv you Master Rob, education is a wonderful thing, I feel humbled in your presence. Obviously, as a bit of fun it lacks intellectual rigour for the likes of a gent like you. Sorry. Terry.

Check this out: This year we will experience four unusual dates, 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, and 11/11/11. Now..go figure this out----take the last two digits of the year you were born, plus the age you will be THIS year and it will equal 111. Terry.

Mine is a 2001 model and although the floor is dimpled (giving good foothold) Iwouldn't call it 'lumpy'. I'm sorry to hear you are disappointed with your newer model; for it's size I find mine well made and undoubtedly 'fit for purpose'. Nothing has gone wrong or broken on it, it handles rough water reassuringly and, with a few toys fitted, provides a good inshore fishing platform. I am content. Terry.

Just realised that could be misconstrued. Obviously, I meant I tried that search criteria. Move away from the double entendre. Terry.

O/k, tried it. Goodness, didn't know that one! Terry.

That's the last prawn madras for me then! Terry.

I had a quote from Saga (not that I'm in their demographic) but the cover was not as good as that which I got from Porthcawl. Terry.

Haven't seen these things before. For the rigs I make myself, I use bank cash bags to store them in. Nett cost, zero. However, probably not as hard wearing as these and definitely not as Gucci. Terry.

The weight of a 165 is given by Warrior as 550kg. Add and engine and bits and bobs for a days fishing and I would have thought that you would have been up to the 60psi. At least, that's what I use, and it travels quite happily the distances I travel, probably somewhat more than the rest of you. Terry.

Mine was exactly the same with Portcawl but I called them about it and, after negotiations, extended it to 20 miles from the nearest safe haven. Terry.

I'll think about it, depending on the journey which needs to improve somewhat. Glad I'm not the only one awake at this time. Dinner guests gone home so just me and a bottle of single malt. Terry.

As I don't particularly care whether I land conger or not when I'm cod fishing, I use 35/40lb Amnesia. Having said that, we've had about 8 conger up to about 40lb this cod season and got them all to the side of the boat, which is plenty close enough. Hook length I make about 2 - 2

I have only fished the 'pointy thing' area this year Tom, not without success and have only one observation really. IMHO, having listened to various radio conversations during fishing sessions, the area in question is quite mark specific, even some charters not having great success. Some provide regular and consistent results whilst others, not nearly so reliable. As most people are using similar baits and rigs, I think this is a reasonable observation. What I'm saying is, make sure you are over a productive mark and if you are not, don't sit it out, move. I hope I am not venturing into Grandma and egg sucking territory. Terry.

SCHOOL -- 1970 vs. 2010 Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school. 1970 - Crowd gathers. Johnny wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up best mates for life. 2010 - Police called, arrests Johnny and Mark.. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Mark started it. Both children go to anger management programs for 3 months. School board hold meeting to impliment bullying prevention programs Scenario: Robbie won't Keep still in class, disrupts other students. 1970 - Robbie sent to office and given 6 of the best by the Headmasterl. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again. 2010 - Robbie given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. Robbie's parents get fortnightly disability payments and School gets extra funding from state because Robbie has a disability. Scenario : Billy breaks a window in his neighbour's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt. 1970 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.. 20010 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. Goverment psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Scenario : Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school. 1970 - Mark gets glass of water from Teacher to take aspirin with. 2010 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons. Scenario : Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from Guy Fawkes, puts them in a model airfix paint bottle, blows up an ant

There seems to be a window opening on Friday. Anone else thinking of giving it a go? Terry.

Cancel that last post, bloody back has gone. Having trouble walking let alone launching and fishing. I'll save myself for Sunday. Terry.

If my crew are up for it, Stingray will be out. Terry.

I must be the only one but I use Varivas full circle 8/0 for the bottom and a 4/0 Varivas Big Mouth "TDE" (Pennel) above it. Haven't missed any (to my knowledge) and haven't lost any (yet). Those that I've hooked, I have landed. It's down to what one has faith in, I guess. Interestingly, I tie them fairly close and only use two squid for bait. Again, seems to work and is cheaper on bait. When I see the little crabs the cod are picking up, I think they would look upon two squid as a worthwhile mouthful. Terry.

Sorry about that mistake Gary, I assumed you got it relatively recently. Mike, my boat is a Warrior 165 and I believe 75hp is the max for it. But thanks for the advice. Terry.

Thanks for that input chaps and for the pm Mike. I have emailed Powertech and await a reply. I hadn't considered a second hand one until you mentioned it, Gary, but it is worth pursuing. Terry.

You chaps who have bought Evinrude Etec engines, where did you buy them and did you get a good deal? Terry.

Thanks for all your good wishes lads, I think I'm filling up. Tears of joy, obviously. I have had a superb day. Threated to lunch at Le Manoir au Quatre Saissons ( for those in the know, Raymond Blanc's gaff) which lasted from 1 pm till 5.15pm (yes,, I know I eat slow) 5 courses with amazing wines; wonderful! Wish you could have all been there. Now, when can I go cod fishing again? Terry.

Well, I have made a decision, whatever the weather, I am going fishing the first two weeks of March, at least for 2 or 3 days. So there! Did I mention I will be in Cayo Coco, Cuba? Terry.

See, told you! Terry.