Recent content by Andrew Jackson

Hind leg!

Yes that's the one I have. These were a popular rod on the Stour in the early 90s. Unfortunately mine was about as straight as a dog's hand leg! It was like that from new. The tip was bent down quite a bit which made the quiver look way out of line. The spigot wasn't dead straight either so the...

They're a big size 10 though for a small bait for daytime fishing with small baits I find but a good hook I agree.

I agree Kevin. You can have a good bait without any artificial flavours ( Premier baits I used to use just fish oil in the mix which was a pungent fishmeal based bait) but as you say, flavours work on their attraction properties. Fish definitely care about them and how they smell or, more...

And yes, I appreciate fish don't 'smell' in the same sense as we do obviously.

I'm not sure I agree with your assertion that fish don't care what your bait smells like. You're assuming that fish are attracted to the same smells as we are! I agree with you that aminos are a big part of the attraction. The early Premier baits mixes were put together on that principle with...

Mine has the detachable quiver tip so not the same as yours. I rarely used the quiver tip!

I'd go with Century though don't know for sure. I have the 12 foot Barbel trotter which I'm pretty sure is on a Century. Despite its age its still a first class rod and the best I own for trotting lumps of flake for Chub. I also have the original Barbel quiver. There were lots of these about in...

Yes I've heard good things about those but getting a Barbel out of heavy weed or snag can be a case of reducing the pressure and waiting for a kick. I can't somehow mentally trust a hook without a barb though I think it's a good idea in theory. I don't hook that many Barbel on my local rivers...

Hooks are a very personal thing I know that. Last season I used the Gardner Target Specimen in size 10 and found it excellent. It's a small hook for its size and I found it just right for much of my fishing as I tend to use fairly small baits. It's very strong and having pulled a double figure...

I've messed about with superglue on hairs but if they're going on maggots and youre feeding them in quantity just stick 'em on the hook, either a 12 or a 10 and 3 - 5 maggots. I think you can worry about this all day long but doubt it makes any difference most of the time. In winter possibly a...

One thing to note. The factory builds ( or atleast the ones I have) only have a very small piece of cork in front of the reel seat. Given a choice I like a good 2 - 3 inches. I fish with centrepins a lot and just find it more comfortable holding the rod in front of the seat. That's an advantage...

Hi Scott. I have an 11' Torrix 1. 75 from Johnson Ross. It's excellent. I doubt you'll be disappointed with the build. Nice short handle, very nice finish. Excellent rod. It was a good price. Doubt a custom rod would be as cheap if you're conscious of the price.

I agree about the Stanton Garry. The knurled edge makes a difference when playing fish, particularly when it's wet. The one I bought was sold as a stepped up version for steelhead fishing though I have never compared it with the standard so don't know what the differences are. I like the reel...