Jeff, Thanks for the article and photos. I took my two boys ( aged 7 and 2 ) to a local fishing shop at the weekend ( Priory Marina in Bedford ) and we managed to find a 4 metre Shakespeare kit that had a whip end and a elasticated pole end, just like you have in the top photo. Also in the kit was a pole float tied to line, shot and a hook. All for ?8. This must be the fishing bargain of the century. The hook was way too big, but it did make it easier to get out of the fish. We all went fishing that morning at the local river, the kids on the 4 metre pole and I set my rod up on the alarm. They caught about 25 bleak and dace and I caught a double figure Barbel. What a day, and it will stay with all of us for a long time.