Recent content by Steve Roffey

Had that happen to me once on the Severn above Shrewsbury about 40 years ago, absolutely magical!

Apart from the kingfisher perching on my rod the other week it has to be heading to a favourite Mahseer swim on the Kaveri and finding an elephant bathing in it!

Polish garlic sausages is a good alternative.

My favourite is a 13' Prodigy TXL Specialist float, not sure if they're still available? Just acquired a Preston Innovation 14' Absolute which I haven't yet had a barbel on but impressed by the way it handles small carp. It's also a better tool for silvers/grayling.

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...