Very well put, Beyonce.

15 degrees? I feel sorry for the gingers.

Not really bothered whether other people use them or not as long as it doesn't affect me. However, I've never really fished anywhere that has people using them en masse.

Personally, I doubt I'd ever use one as I think it would take some of the fun out fishing for me. I'm not really somebody who does everything to put the odds of catching in my favour. I'm perfectly content knowing that sometimes the fish that I want to catch are simply uncatchable because I can't get a bait near them. However, I have used full sized boats on big lakes because I enjoy rowing around a lake exploring.

My favourite vintage carp rod is a Dawson's of Bromley Challenger. I think it's 10ft and is two-piece split cane. I would reckon it's approximately 1.5lb test curve. It's a true through action and you can feel the cane bending beneath your hands when you have a good fish on - which is a bit disconcerting if you're used to using carbon rods.

Cane rod, a centrepin, and some sweetcorn, anything else is cheating.

In reply to Post #18
Yes I have some Steve Neville bank sticks. I also have some made by Keith as well as Chris Brown. I'm certain I'll never need to replace any of them in my lifetime.

I'm all in favour of paying a bit extra if the item is more than likely going to outlive you. Let's face it, there's bugger all really to go wrong on a bank stick so a quality made set should never break

Just buy a British army goretex jacket. They cost about £30 on ebay. There's absolutely no reason to spend more for a hobby where the main activity is sitting/standing around. Even if it only lasts a year, it has cost you just over 8 pence a day to own.

Also, the entire concept of breathability is a bit of a con anyway. As soon as the outer layer is saturated, the "breathability" will become almost non-existent. If you're bothered about breathability then buy a Paramo and prepared to get wet but remain warm. However, buying a Paramo for low intensity activities such as carp fishing or dog walking is pointless as you will not be working hard enough to properly make use of the mechanics of the jacket.

Surely the answer to a bendy net is to just buy a coarser mesh?

The problem with rats is that they're actually quite clever and traps will only work for a certain amount of time. The only way to get rid of them once established is to remove the food source - you're just fighting a losing battle most of the time with any other method.