Recent content by John Newman

Another vote for PVA Products. Look out for their ebay auctions. I have picked up packs for next to nothing when there have been no other bidders.

I have the original FS 15ft Hi-S (not the latest one with the eva above the reel seat) and recently bought the Drennan Specimen in the same length (it's the one Richard had a go with). So far I have only used it for chub fishing and it appears to be more "tippy" than the FS. It is lighter that...

The one on ebay has it so assumed it was a standard feature. Apologies if I got that wrong.

The one on ebay has it so assumed it was a standard feature. Apologies if I got that wrong.

Looks like a bargain. One of those sold on ebay for £85 recently and another one is listed at the same price by the same seller. My preference for a rod in this test curve, if river fishing, would be to have interchangeable quiver tips as per Drennan's current Twin Tip Duo range although yours...

My current weapons of choice: Trotting (large river) - Free Spirit Hi-S Power float 15ft Barbel (legering) - Free Spirit, Spirit Gold 1.75lb TC Chub (small river) Cadence Specimen 1lb TC

Sent you a PM on Facebook Messenger.

Morrisons Bacon Grill is now my go to meat bait. If I am using a static bait I cube it up in advance put in a zip lock bag, chuck in some garlic granules and give a good shake. For float fishing I use it naked and it stays on the hook when retrieving saving having to rebait after every trot.

Take a look at the spool and see if it is dented and just catching on the frame and not the pin itself out of alignment. If that is the case find a drill bit that just fits in the rim of the spool where it is undamaged then approach the dented area and carefully tease the metal back into shape...

If your friend got the 1.25 lb TC the tips supplied are 2oz glass & 3oz carbon. The 1.5oz glass tip is a good investment although I believe that one does come with the 1lb TC. Just something to note if needed. Drennan dealers should have stock.

I mostly use spade end hooks now and pre-prepare hooklengths at home. I find it easier to use my fly tying vice than a hook tyer. When I was younger I could hand tie down to size 18. If I do use an eyed hook then a three or four turn grinner would be my choice.

Have a word with Roger Hurst at RH Rods https://www.rhrods.com/

I am sure you will not be disappointed. I have only had the opportinity to use mine for chub fishing on the Nene so far but I have had a couple 5lbs+. The true test will be comparing side by side with my Free Spirit 15ft Hi-S. One noticable feature is the faster tip which enables the float to...

Like Richard Isaacs, I use Andy's floats all the time for my float fishing for barbel (I took the last photo in the series Richard posted). The facility to insert a starlight has kept me fishing after the light was too low to see the float and this has resulted in a number of bonus fish after I...

I am in a similar position to yourself as I live around 3hrs drive to the Wye Valley but in East Anglia. I took up the H&DAA membership and get a discount as I am 65yrs+. The process of joining H&DAA is a bit archaic in that you have to send a cheque or postal order. There is no facility for...