tackle tarts

[Ron 'The Hat' Clay]

"Barbel fishing is the next big thing."

Can I have the temerity to suggest that being an "All Round Angler" is the next big thing, and not before time too.

I could name many many anglers who are members of this website who are all-rounders.

Including our Editor.

 

[Deecy]

Me too Ron and dependant on time of year conditions etc will determine what I fish for.It would be interesting to see how many folk on her are all rounders.
By that I mean run a float through one day, Pike fishing,beach fishing fly fishing etc etc.I bet it is not as many as you might think.
In my part of the world it is generally Carpfishing (and why not) followed by match angling.On the rivers I generally have them to myself with a few creeping down to fish the nights for Barbel.
If there were more all rounders I am sure the tackle trade would in a healthier state than it may or may not be in at present.

 

[Ron 'The Hat' Clay]

I like to consider myslf an all-rounder. Although there are two things I do not really have time for these days and those are carp fishing and match angling.

Haven't fished in the sea for a long time either.

 

[Deecy]

But you could if you wished whereas I am sure many could not either due to lack of knowledge or equipment.I am not trying to come across all superior but there are some aspects of this pastime that just need trying at least once.I was speaking to an EA young chap about the Thames.He fishes and having been present at surveys recently set about catching during the day on the float.Ordinarily the cry is there are no fish to be had,even he was amazed by what he caught.Sitting behind rods fishing boilies or paste gives the wrong impression.Recently a catch of quite staggering Chub were taken on the float on the middle Thames and the Roach fishing in the Runneymede area is like stepping back in time, you would love it Ron.I am looking forward to getting copies of these surveys (available to anyone who asks). I can see why the sea has no appeal,plenty of bites on the shore but stacks of immature Whiting doesn't float my boat.

 

[Ron 'The Hat' Clay]

As regards saltwater fishing in the UK, I'm afraid I was very spoiled by living in South Africa. Even a 10lb bass is a bit pedestrian when compared to a 40 lb queenfish or garrick.

The only species I really fancy in British waters is the mullet on light float tackle.

 

[NottmDon]

Had a brand new Shimano bait runner in November 04 Ron, it arrived faulty, sent it back they fixed it, used it again it broke. 1st problem ever with Shimano and I own eight of their reels. Daiwa after sales service on a pole I purchased was so poor I have never purchased Daiwa kit again and never will. A record pike was caught on a ?10 Dragon carp rod and the angler uses nothing else but their tackle! I'd hate tackle to go the way of "Designer labels" in the clothing trade, most of which is frankly no better than average. An angler will, I hope use tackle before making any allegation or comment on if its any good. I have an horizon pod for example and I most certainly do not consider it in the least bit "shoddy". Its horses for coarses, you pays your money and you takes your choice. Unfortunately having a "Big name" brand is no guarantee of quality as most of the tackle is Far Eastern produced anyway and a fish doesn't care if your rod as Shimano, Daiwa or R Thompson stencilled on your rod butt! A poor angler will be a poor angler no matter how much better he thinks he may be because he as the big brand name tackle at his/her disposal. I treasure my tackle and look after it, the fact that it says Shimano or Dragon Carp on it as nothing to do with it and if a product as its limitations I make my feelings known regardless of what I payed for the item. Apart from Fox who have a good after sales service and Shimano who are also on the ball, I have found that some of the bigger brand leaders couldn't give a toss when you have parted with your hard earned cash, and yet the smaller independant companies always take the time to answer any queries I have put to them. My best purchase was a Boss Box for my match fishing, not because of the name but because its well made, reliable and the company are glad of your custom, 20 years service and its still going strong. Its easy to get emotive about tackle or just sentimental and I am as guilty as the next man of that lol! However the cut price tackle is there and everyone can afford it, but cut price doesnt always equate with poor quality, and unfortuantely, as I have found to my cost, big brand names are no guarantee of quality either and not just with regard to fishing tackle.

 

[Foxy]

Agree with most of the points on this thread. Just want to praise JRC for replacing the screw on my brolly within 48 hrs after i dropped it in the drink. Good product, good bunch of people

Foxy

 

[Laurie Harper]

Can echo comments about Fox. Excellent and quick after sales and spares service.

 

[madpiker]

okuma reels(svendsen\ron thompson kit) are apparently the biggest reel manufacturer in the world and have made reels for most of the big names,including shimano.i`ve also heard that fox use shakespeare blanks for their rods(allegedly)
all companies cater for the cheap crap end of the market up to the specialist kit.as for designer names,it`s already apparent in the carp fishing circles isn`t it?
just as you ron,i class myself as an all rounder,with the exception of carping and match fishing.