Recent content by Simon Rolph

I used one for a season for Barbel on the Wye. It wasn’t too bad but a bit undergunned in some of the fast water swims especially when getting fish to the net. I changed to a Mark Tunley 13’6 specialist float which is similar in that the butt section has a telescopic extension keeping it to a...

Been using Optilabs for years. Never had a problem with them. I had reactive lenses this year and should have gone for the all rounder brown lenses as I don’t think the reactive lenses are as good fish spotting wise like my older pairs with brown lenses. Also had a pair of fortis over glasses...

Early version of Swingers long before fox and co got in on the act. Made from Lego Axle Blocks , u clips on the back , the little red wheels with tyres removed as the pivot and a small telescopic tube with a hook end araldited to the wheel Worked really well for long range roach fishing on...

Some flux is acid based and toxic if ingested. - I remember being warned at college as an apprentice , the fumes aren’t good either. So probably not a good choice

Avoid solder as most have a flux core. Nash do lead wire which I tend to use , I have also used partridge Czech nymph hooks before which have leaded bodies Still tend to go back to a small lump of plasticine on most occasions though

Suggest have a chat with Mark Tunley ( find his details on his website) . I’ve been using one of his MK1 13.5 ft Specialist Float rods for the last 2 seasons on the Wye for Barbel. Superb rod light and comfortable enough to hold all day long. With the backbone to turn big barbel in fast...

The section mentioned is definitely a private syndicate and no publicity , access is control and the stretch has a bailiff .

Yes. I use mine with a pin all the time. I use a JW River Specialist with suffix Duraflex 0.20mm line.

I use a Mark Tunley 13 1/2 Specialist Float for Barbel on the Wye Thoroughly recommend it. Had Barbel to over 12lb on it and it handled them really well. Plenty of power in reserve and light enough to comfortably hold all day I’ve used other rods in the past including Drennan xtension Float...

I used a pair of Mark Tunley 2.25 Dark Carbons on the Wye last autumn and winter and was well impressed with them. Chucking leads and feeders up to 6oz no problem. , I managed to pick up a Mark Tunley built Chimera 3 on eBay just after Christmas and tried that on my last trip in march and must...

I personally think ( and a lot of my angling friends do too) that we should start petitioning for another review of the coarse season dates , we lose so much of our season now with these dangerous warm conditions and then winter floods, only to stop in March when conditions start improving for a...

Done 👍

Me too. Totally agree. My Simms Guide Chesties finally got retired as one stocking foot has a very slight leak , they lasted 25 years and probably used 60-70 days a year , at about £500 at the time were a big spend out , but 25years use makes it money well spent. I have them in the kit as a...

Been using Drennan Carp Silk or ESP Sink Link for years never let me down. , if I need a stiffer hook link then I use ESP Loaded soft with about 3 inches stripped back at the hook. The only time I use mono hooklinks is for float fishing.

Just seen this on FB EA report into fish stocks around Peterborough and the lower Nene. So much for protecting the Environment. The seals are just eating everything.