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I never did the massive lump of meat at Throop in the 80s but the tiny ( and I mean tiny) pieces on a hair of 1lb nylon attached to a size 8 Hilton hook ( seems all wrong) was very effective. I introduced similarly finely chopped meat via a bait dropper and sometimes they would take the bait...

Great photo Neil! 👍

Yes it does take practice but just keep going til you're happy with it. 👍

Mm! 😀

The resin doesn't affect it. It doesn't smudge or run but leave it for atleast a couple of hours before applying the resin.

I normally have to have a few goes before I'm happy with it. It's easy to wipe off though, only water based. 👍

I use a calligraphy pen with fine nib. I'll put up a picture. The pen I bought from Guides and Blanks is too thick. I use ordinary white Indian ink. Ive made a start on the Chimera. The butt is ready for sanding. It will be interesting to try it. I have caught a few good Barbel on it but it felt...

Frying tonight! I remember frying in lard years ago. Thanks for the reminder of what I've been missing! 👍

I agree Stuart and I'm as guilty as anybody! 👍

Really though the Harrison Avon S/U suits what I want better than the Chimera 1 so still not sure I would have much use for it.

Good to keep busy Ralph. I have a Chimera 1 that I got cheap. Too many rings that are too big at the butt and far too long a handle. Seems a shame to break open a factory finish rod but I won't use it like it is. I think I read at the time that the Stef Horak rods were good but should have had...

For some reason the XT Loaded in tests has been rated less in strength than the ordinary XT. I have used both and prefer the XT which I have used for several years for all my Carp and Barbel fishing. I recently bought some Gardner GT 80+ in 12lb. I only have it on my centrepin at present. First...

I dont know much about the Stef Horak rods. I believe they were marketed through Bob Church but my mind may be playing tricks here! I should imagine they would have had a traditional action and so may well have been similar to the Harrison. I would imagine if Stef Horak was involved they would...

The Torrix is a fine rod but very different in action to the SU Avon. Having used both I find the Avon better for use with the pin and the Torrix the opposite. Something to do with the feel when playing a Barbel. Both have their merits. Just my personal preferences. 👍

Nor me. Why do you think I travel all the way to the middle Severn Mike?! Some 4 hours ( almost). 🙂

I think there is no best bait. Only the right bait on the right day. For my own part though it has heightened my awareness of how effective it can be on its day. 👍

Yes Mike. I believe you are correct about the t.c. Yes, I guess the size of fish has played its part but before the days of the Trent it was less common to be swinging such great leads about which must have a bearing on the switch to heavier test curves. I was never happy playing Barbel on the...

Hi Ralph. Yes I would say it does. It is less whippy and noticeably firmer. It is quite a powerful rod once you bend into it. It all depends what you want it for I suppose but for anywhere where there's a chance of bigger fish or where you need to hold them more firmly I think it is a better...

Good point! Or Eels! 😟

That's quite a result! There's all sorts of things I used to use that would stand resurrection. I've had Barbel over 11 on Garlic sausage and my first 12 plus Stour Barbel on pepperami after fishing maggot all day. Instant response as the light faded. 👍