In reply to Post #25
Thanks for the input lads, nice to see its pretty much all positive too.
Based on the replies, I've just bought four

Thanks again.

In reply to Post #7
Which is why I'm asking the question now Noj. From what I can see and have heard, Shimano have lowered their prices, have outsourced their manufacturing and the quality of their reels has suffered, especially in the lower end of the market. Daiwa possibly the same in their lower end reels.

Personally, I'm not fishing nearly enough these day's to justify spending on top end reels so, I'm looking for a reasonable quality reel that people can give some decent feedback on.

In reply to Post #2
Thanks Keith, that's what I was looking for

Now the affinity's have been in use for a couple of years, what are people's opinions of them?
I remember all the hype when they were first released but, was it all hype or are they as good as first thought.

Anyone out there who is still using them two or three years on?

Thanks
Greg.

In reply to Post #143
Not sure if this has been posted before but here you go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Loz6t1HWYO8

In reply to Post #95
Thought this might be of interest.

Its from 2011 so can't believe things haven't progressed any

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-13697395

In reply to Post #27
Thanks Wayne

In reply to Post #25
I don't know if this has been seen before but just had it pointed out to me elsewhere

http://hughmiles9.blogspot.co.uk/2013_03_01_archive.html

In reply to Post #7
I had a big dog otter in my swim at Montford Pete, not a bite for anyone on that stretch all that week. We moved down stream to Bicton and saw pad marks a good few times. Needless to say, that stretch fished not at all. Only saw one set of pad marks at Loton but were told they'd been seen there. The river didn't fish well above Shrewsbury last year mate, no shoal barbel to be seen just the odd specimen sized fish.

Most barbel anglers wouldn't mind the specimen sized fish of course, not much chance for future years though if the smaller fish have been decimated.

In reply to Post #561
Another great episode Pete, well done for sharing mate.

Happy Christmas to you and yours.

Regards

Greg