plaicemat

Adam, no it doesn't, only if the water is too hot. The female section expands first, before the heat gets to the inside. This is not a conjecture on my part; I've done it and it worked! Also, to assist grip I use that rubbery matting stuff that people put on dashboards to stop things moving around. I always have some in my box as I have limited grip in my left hand due to (temporary, I hope) knackered tendons. It is very cheap from

Someone should snap up the reel. The Magnum has to be one of the best value reels for years. Simple but very reliable and smooth in use. Good drag too. Terry.

I solved a similar problem by applying hot (NOT boiling) water to the joint and then pulling apart. It is important not to get it TOO hot because if you twist it too much pulling it apart, it will distort the fibres. If you do get it pretty hot, only exert a straight pull. I don't know what your rod is made of; mine was a carbon fibre mix salmon fly rod. Terry.

Very philosophically put, Jack. I hope, then, that you are not pestered by too many fish to spoil your trips! Terry.

Don't mess with the best in the west. In the days of the Wild West, there was a young cowboy who wanted more than anything to be the greatest gunfighter in the world. He practiced every minute of his spare time, but he knew that he wasn't yet first-rate and that there must be something he was doing wrong. Sitting in a saloon one Saturday night, he recognized an elderly man seated at the bar who had the reputation of being the fastest gun in the West in his day. The young cowboy took the seat next to the old-timer, bought him a drink, and told him the story of his great ambition. "Do you think you could give me some tips?" he asked. The old man looked him up and down and said, Well, for one thing you're wearing your gun too high, tie the holster a little lower down on your leg." The young man did as he was told, stood up, whipped out his 44 and shot the bow tie off the piano player. "That's terrific!" said the cowboy, "Got any more tips for me? " "Yep," said the old man, "cut a notch out of your holster where the hammer hits it. That'll give you a smoother draw." The young man took out his knife, cut the notch, stood up, drew his gun in a blur, and shot a cufflink off the piano player. "Wow!" said the cowboy, "I'm learnin' somethin' here - got anymore tips?" The old man pointed to a large can in a corner of the saloon. "See that grease over there? Coat your gun with it." The young man went over to the can and smeared some of the grease on the barrel of his gun. "No," said the old-timer, "I mean smear it all over the gun, handle and all." "Will that make me a better gunfighter?" asked the young man. "No," said the old timer, "but when Wyatt Earp gets done playin' the piano, he's going to shove that gun up your a**, and it won't hurt as much"

feliz anivers

This is not an expert opinion but last year I caught quite a lot fishing the ledge. I don't know if this is a 'hot spot', but I was pleasantly surprised at this addition to the menu. Terry.

? Terry

Added to which, I don't think man-eating sharks is the kind of media hype the tourist office particularly wants. Terry.

Is this a fishing programme I've missed? With baracuda on the menu, it sounds as if it's about dipping your worm in exotic places. Terry.

Not as much cred, though. That is important to some folk. Terry

Yet another case of the vehicle's abilities being more sophisticated than the driver's. Probably thought that because it had 4 wheel drive and diff lock, it should get out of anything. Terry.

Just a little postscript to my expensive day. I mentioned that I had broken my Fladen Maxximus Solid C 10-20lb rod to just finish the day off. I have contacted Fladen, via YYS International in Portland, and a very helpful Tina DeBear informed that they do offer a guarantee and to just return the rod to the supplier and he will exchange it. Unfortunately, I had to explain that I had bought the rod on-line, had not kept the receipt and couldn't remember the name of the supplier. This is not as implausible as it sounds as I have 4 of these rods, in different weights, and I think they all came from different sources. No problem. Just send it to her at YYS so they can check for manufacturing faults and she will replace it for a P&P charge of

Brave talk! I assume Abbie doesn't read your posts on here. What's it worth not to alert her? Terry

The last thing I saw was that this could be the last year for red diesel for privately owned boats and after that, usual diesel at usual prices for all. Terry

Apart from the holes, I hardly notice it! Where do Pure fishing live? Terry.

Thanx, that looks interesting, I'll send them an email for cost and turnaround. Terry

Thanx for that. Can't find a listing on the web, will wait for Rich to return. Terry

I come to the knowledge well hoping for a contact who can service an Abu reel for me. Any ideas out there. Preferably someone who comes recommended. Terry B.

I'm afraid that for me it's the old story. 'You should have been here last week'. Terry

I had a quiet day out yesterday with Martin on Maverick, trying to emulate all these bass hauling heroes. The day started with an uneventful run out from Christchurch and then on to the Island. The plans for the day then went slightly t*ts up when I grabbed for my mackereling rod, the boat lurched and I ended up with a fine hokkai hook through the little finger of my right hand. After trying, unsuccessfully, for about 20 minutes to either push it through or get enough of the point through to cut the barb off, I decided to try and straighten it a bit to aid the proceedure. Instead I managed to break off the point and snap the shank and was left with not enough to go either way. Time to stop! I suggested to Martin that we should carry on with the day and I would sort it later (slightly embarrased at spoiling his day) he thought for about 30 seconds and decided we should go around the Island to Yarmouth where I could get medical assistance. Having done this, the Harbour Office arranged a taxi to take me to Newport, 15 - 20 mins away, where I received fantastic and quick treatment, and then a taxi back to Yarmouth. Martin had, by this time, sorted his priorities and found a cafe where he managed a full English breakfast. He didn't bring a takeaway for me! The time scale of all this was fantastic. Hook in 07.00, 20 mins self surgery, travel round to Yarmouth, taxi to Newport, treatment, taxi back and we were pulling out of Yarmouth Harbour at 10.00. That would not be remotely possible with the Oxford hospitals time schedules. From this point, we first struggled for mackerel and then when Adam offered 3 or 4, we suddenly found a shoal and bagged up. We then relentlessly drifted the chosen mark, in the company of Adam and Gordon M, with little to show for our efforts but a hefty contribution to the tackle industry and the breaking in half of a 10 - 20lb Fladen Maxximus Solid C for me. Martin eventually managed to winkle out the daft one at around 3lb which meant HIS day wasn't totally wasted. However, as I was down in the area, I made the monthly committee meeting and got my club pennant from Trevor, many thanx to Mrs. Wedger for her skilled needlework. Thank you to Martin for putting up with me and apologies for cocking up his day. I hate to suggest perhaps we can try again sometime! Terry.

By golly, that lass has some healthy lungs on her! Terry

If you two skippers make up your minds what you want to do, I'll just fall in with whatever is decided. Terry

As I said earlier, Martin, I'm happy to crew; no point in bringing my boat down if others are going out. If Adam's taking Dan, I'll be happy to crew for you. Terry.

Good luck with the op, mate. I'm going in today as well so we'll both need some fishing R & R. Terry