And Ron, don't turn that new Citroen into a skip if you do get one. I'm still only just recovering from trying to find my way out of your old one.

But Barney has just caught a nice pike.

I've decided that we shall have a dress code at Press Manor.

The following is out.

1: Baseball caps.
2: Fishing jackets with pictures of carp on them.
3: Moonboots.
4: Tracksuit tops with USA, Nike and other such dross logos.
5: Trainers
6: Jeans

The following is De Riguer

1: Tweed caps, porkpie hats or deerstalkers.
2: Tattershall shirts with regimental ties.
3: Vee fronted lovat coloured sweaters with "Barbour" written on them.
4: Hand made tweed sports or Norfolk jackets.
5: Moleskin breeks with green wellies. They must have Barbour written on them
6: Barbour or Musto 3/4 length jackets.

I'll get you all looking like gentlemen.

Even Ed.

well i'll be turning out wearing jeans and an fm baseball cap so there.

Ron are doing a B&B on Friday night ??

looks like i won't be comming as the guy at the train station thinks that weekend there will be rail track work going on and the trains will be replaced with bus service and that has thrown timetable out of the window

How did I end up on this thread ????

Because you are coming to our fish-in in April.

I have decreed it.

Ron,

In the run up to last years fish-in, you mentioned that if time allowed you'd prepare a trout and then cook it to disprove the theory that trout tastes foul.

Is there a chance that you could do this at the up coming one this year? I for one would like to know how to fillet a trout. I'm fine gutting them and cooking them whole, but filleting and smoking them, now that's a whole new ball game.

I can bring a pan and a small gas cooker. I don't have a hot smoker at the moment. Maybe someone could bring one.

There is a bit of concrete at Press Manor we could use with Bernie's permission of course.

And by the way I NEVER fillet a trout. There is an easier way of getting the bones out.

Just received my new Greys Platinum XD.

I am most impressed. Without doubt Greys have been following the example of Sage when it comes to quality and cosmetics.

The rod is ultra-light at 31/2 oz. And that's a 10 foot #7 in 3 pieces. The rings are single leg coated types that are supposed not to groove, the handle is exquisite, utilizing the best corks. The reel seat is a piece of genuine hardwood and the extention butt has a bit of duplon at the end. It will take all fly reels.

First impressions are that it will throw both 6 and 7 weight lines. It has tremendous "dampening" which you can feel when you give it a flop.

I will give the rod a review when I get to use it.

But first impression are that these rods can now be compared with the best that the USA can make at less than 1/2 the price.

Ron Are you ??

Am I what Ed.

are you doing a B&B on Friday night ?

(just proves you don't read the other posts ....)

Cause I am, I said so.

I may just come along then Ron.

I have an old shakespeare fly rod, weight 7/8 a £10 reel and some roll end fly line...

Will that be up to the job in hand ?

I may need to improve my fly collection though - it consists of about 20 green and white cats whiskers - stockies love 'em !

And if I do come do I have to have special fly fishing clothes ;o) - i have an image to keep up !!!!!!!

Gary,

I've flies you can borrow, as long as you don't catch on them.

As for the set up you have, sounds fine to me.

Be careful what you offer Adrian.

90% of the fly's in my box have come from people letting me get my hands on their 'specials'....

I say Barney, don't you mean mill-end old chap? That will never do what?

Now we must get you the right gear.

Greys Platinum XD #7 10 foot at £275
Hardy Angel 6/7 large arbour reel £250.00
Snowbee weight 7 floating weight forward line: £34.00

Allow another £500 for the rest.

Can't have you looking like a noddy.

Otherwise I will have to lend you some of my tackle.

And by the way, Press Manor is not full of stockies. Nymphs and buzzers catch the overwintered fish.

Barney, you'll probably laugh when you see my 'specials'. All tied by my own fair hand. Wouldn't win any competitions but I'm hoping they'll catch some fish.

Anyway, like I said, you're welcome anyway.