Recent content by Steve Parish

I pay the £2.50 (plus bought a few tickets for the Xmas raffle) Also used to support the ACA. STEVE

Here's another vote for Bob's rods He built what is my favourite "all round" rod on a 1.5lb torrix blank a couple of years ago. Only problem is the other rods are feeling left out!! STEVE

Couldn't agree more with the comments on here. I bought an 11ft 1.5lb Torrix a couple of years ago and it's superb. The build is first class as was Bobs help and advice. STEVE

Mine is starting to fall apart. I bought it about 6 months ago. STEVE

My shoes size is normally between 9 and 10 and my waders are size 9. If anything they are a slightly big 9 as they fit comfortably with two pairs of socks. STEVE

I have had some LC Waders for 4 years now and they are still going great. STEVE

Neil I haven't got an Imperial, but have an R2 and a three year old Regency 378 (now discontinued). Whether the Kingpin designs are right for you opposed to other options is very much a personal thing, but they are my preference and I've tried a few different makes over the last 15 years...

Nigel. I agree that this is an odd feature and I'm guessing a compromise linked to the lightweight synthetic lever mechanism. Personally though I've not found it an issue, although I tend not to engage the ratchet whilst actually fishing.

Just to balance the debate, I've had a modern Conquest for about a year and like it. It took a few trips to properly run it in (its a true pin), but now I've done a few hundred hours and it is my preferred pin trotting. My comparison is made with a six year old Youngs BJ which I bought new...

My £1 plastic knot tester gets used every single trip and judging by the occasional need to re-tie I reckon it's saved losing a fish or two. A close second is probably the bait pouch, especially when waiding and roving. STEVE

I'll miss opening day for the first time in over 20 years as I have unavoidable work commitments. ..but I have got three days off the following week so hopefully they won't be all full up by then. STEVE

I tend to slow down in the closed season to get some hours in credit before the season opens, but I do plan to spend some time teaching my youngest son how to use a rod and reel on the canal or local pond. :) Any other spare time will involve a bit of pre season reconnaissance or tench...

I've been using the ESP Stalker Cool Bag for a couple of seasons and I find it just right for lightweight mobile sessions, which is most of the time for me. I find the pockets are big enough to take what you need and I usually use one of those waistband bait pouches with it. Its about £20...

I'm going to try for a Chub or two (if I'm lucky) I'll have a look at the Ouse above Buckingham in the morning and if no good might have a go on the Tove. Have to go now, making cheesepaste and she who must be obeyed has just spotted the state of the kitchen. :eek: STEVE

I use the Met office, BBC and and the cows in the field over the road. I used to swear by Metcheck, but have found them the most inaccurate this winter. I reckon they have had the management consultants in and have decided to differentiate themselves from the rest of the forecasters!! STEVE