In reply to Post #13
Just an email saying just about what a great year they have had, everything but the price rise.
I have other places I'm planning on fishing so if I kept it I may not use it.

In reply to Post #11
No its not annoying to me, its worth the money. Just like to know why, new fish, new fences or just want more money to stay out of the red.

Medway valley holiday venue

In reply to Post #8
Not putting the waters down, would just like to know the reason for the price increase.

In reply to Post #6
Ford lake was £120 last year now £160, all the others have gone up by the same %.

Like I said before the Ford lake is worth it even at the new price but I don't fish it much and to put prices up without good reason is a no no.

As for restocking or fence repair, last time I went the gate post fell over when I unlocked the gate plus no toilet or car park.

In reply to Post #2
No nothing has changed, and don't get me wrong the lakes are nice and with low membership numbers. At this time of year you could be the only one fishing. Its just the price hike with no explanation.

My whole outlook on fishing has changed now I'm not chasing big fish, so i won't lose any sleep letting my ticket go.

Membership time again and my local lakes have hiked the price by 30%.
Is this the norm now, I'm thinking of giving it a miss. I did most of my big fish hunting 20 years ago so get more enjoyment from some day ticket waters I know.
Anybody else have price rises this year.

In reply to Post #16
Yes light and well balanced with a progressive curve with no dead spots, a common problem with cheaper rods. They feel like they will just keep bending without locking up. To be fair most of the rods I've looked at were good but maybe not all the same test curve although all marked at 3lb. The test curve of a rod is really only a starting point when choosing a rod, taper has much more bearing on casting or playing performance.

Had a chance to look and handle a range of 10ft rods today.
To be fair they all seemed well made and looked good, but all had a different feel
Nash X series. Nice rods.
ESP Onyx. Softest action for test curve.
Avid Pro. Liked these a lot but were let down with reel position, what were they thinking I'm 6' 3 and found the handle far to long. There not 13ft.
Trakker. Heavy against others.
Shimano. Stiff action.
I don't fish as much as years ago so more expensive and custom built rods were ignored.
For me the ESP were the one's but it would have been a toss up with the Avid if it the reel position was 2 inches nearer the butt. Having owned Free Spirit ES and before them Century Armalite mk1 I'm a sucker for softer action rods.
Thanks for your input guys.

In reply to Post #2
A couple of you have mentioned the Avid robs, might have to give them a look.
Has anybody tried the ESP Onyx rods yet, they felt nice in the shop.

After using 12ft rods since the 80s i've been using shorter but softer 1 3/4lb on a runs water over the past two years. After joining a new water my Free Spirit ES rods just feel too long, don't need to cast far and to be fair never had at the small lakes I like.

After much sole searching they are going and to be replaced with 10ft rods. At the moment my choice of replacement is ESP Onyx 3lb 10ft as the action is not too stiff.

Any recommendations for others to look at, not interested in Nash or other tele rods. Rod must have a nice playing action, broom handles are for the beach. Thanks for any replies in advance.