Recent content by Steve Roffey

I used to make up combi rigs using back to back grinner knots, always found them reliable. For the last few seasons I haven't bothered, just using straight mono and no difference to catch rate. I do use the Albrighton knot for attaching leaders to braid when lure fishing in Florida.

I use an app Sensory Voice Selfie on my Android phone, simply say "take my picture" when the shot's lined up.

I used to tie up flexi-rigs with the last 3" being soft braid but for the last several seasons I have used 0.24 Preston Reflo Powerline only. Works fine on the Severn, Wye and Trent.

I have a Pursuit and a Battle that I use for sea fishing in Florida, need a good, reliable clutch for the way fish scream off, never been let down.

Penn reels do have excellent clutches though so lack of back wind not a huge problem.

I have a pair of the earlier XT4000FA, never had a problem with line behind the spool. Don't love the twin handles though.

Maybe you're thinking of Forton and Fitz church? Sabrina club had a stretch on that bank.

Best car boot buy I ever made was a job lot bundle of rods, cost me £2. Among the bundle was a traditional 3 section split cane Avon rod with rusty rings and covered in thick varnish. When I stripped it back I discovered a Bob South well shop label on the butt section. After refurbishment I used...

First tench of the year 5.08

Bargain! I'd be tempted if I didn't already have a trio of the Emcast 4000BR.

I'm a little surprised at Christian Tyroll's comment about it being floppy, although I don't have this rod I do have the 11' Specialist 0.75 and the 11' twin tip 1.25 Avons from Darent Valley and find them to have quite a stiff action and plenty of power. Perhaps the 13' float is on a different...

Keith Speer, who was a great float angler on the Lea, caught many doubles using a Drennan Tench Float. Possibly some of his writings may be in the archives on here? Rod power isn't always needed for playing barbel on the float, I've landed some to around 8 pounds on a Drennan Matchpro when after...

Only have two club tickets now, one is gratis as a bailiff, the other £40. Used to have two others but can't find the time to fish all the river stretches I've got so gave them up. On the tackle front I don't remember the last time I bought any rod or reel new, nearly all mine are second hand...

I assume you're talking trotting with the 14' Acolyte. The Marco Cortesi reels are great value for money, I find mine ideal for running a 6gram float.

No family members fished so it wasn't until I went to secondary school in 1960 that I was introduced to fishing. My early outings, armed with a 10'6" rod, two sections of whole cane and a glass top and a cheap centre pin, were to the Thames at Hampton Court. I think the first fish I caught from...