In reply to Post #5
Ive got a jag hook sharpening kit and I do occasionally sharpen hooks when I don’t use kamakura’s with a stroke of Elliot Grays Z2 and then a dab of kamacote. Double up on the rust protection.

So it’s not about sharpening hooks, more about if I’m missing out on other brands to try.

Noted re: ESP burred hooks. Interesting feedback to be aware of 👍

Ive been using Korda and Nash hooks for years and most recently the kamakura’s. After the weekend where my pal introduced me to the ESP trigger hammers which seemed incredibly sharp, i want to explore other options.

My main choice of pattern when fishing on the deck has been a wide gape with a beaked point, but I’m open to trying other patterns from other brands. Zig fishing I use Nash claws.

What do you use and why? Standard or extra strength wire gauges?

In reply to Post #9
I second that. Wish I’d not gone for the sleep system and just the bed. Not keen on it. It feels far too restrictive around the feet area.

What do people expect?! To stay, fixed in a time warp. Not move with the times. People complaining, “back 20 year ago…” heck, even 10 year ago things have moved on.

Ive just seen the OMC hand toastie thing. It made me laugh as I know that will rattle a few, if not more. Is it another money-making spin-off product? Of course it is. Isn’t every new product in the last 10 or so years?!

Just move with the times, laugh at the sh!t that is clearly, sh!t and accept fishing isn’t what it once was. Now go get your bait boat out, miniature 3 inch scope rod and silky smooth boom material and catch some fish.

In reply to Post #12
Yeah, thanks for the advice. In retrospect, it the tribal was a very stiff 5lb tc spod rod, wasn’t particularly expensive so after reading comments and feedback from others, I’ll look more into them and figure out if there is some way of testing them before shelling out.

Thanks to all for your input, it’s been a great help.

In reply to Post #9
Thanks for that reply Vossy. Perhaps i need to revisit the 13ft rods in that case. It would be useful to test them before committing although Im not aware of anywhere that offers that near me.

If I can achieve the distance on a set of 13 greens and it feels comfortable I’d go for them and save some money like you say.

My experience of using a 13ft rod was a Shimano Tribal TX-A spod rod and I just couldn’t get on with it. So it put me off 13ft rods entirely and just accepted Im clearly not someone who can cast with 13ft rods, whereas I know I can cast well enough with my 12ft’ers, both spod and rods. So I guess theres an element of not feeling comfortable after that experience of owning the Tribal rod for a while. Suffice to say I sold it.

In reply to Post #2
Ive got a 12ft hold-all and I don’t want to have to buy more luggage to accommodate 13ft rods. I think Ive settled on the FS Hi S Iver which will meet the distance I need, no more than 150yrds absolute max.

Im looking for a new set for long range casting and I have no idea what sets a FS Hi S vs a Greys Aircurve.

Some of the rods Im looking at:

Harrison Aviator
Free Spirit Hi S 3.5tc
Kaizen Platinums 3.5tc
Trakker propel 3.75tc
Blacky Harrison Trebuchet

Any info on what to look out for is appreciated.

In reply to Post #15
Wow! £1600 for a lens and £1200 for a camera. Is it only used for fishing or other activities? Just curious 🧐