In reply to Post #30
More holidays than the late Judith chalmers 😀

I've recently bought a pair of those rods in 1.75lb with the view of doing a bit of float fishing, they feel great in the hand and can't wait to get a bend in them..

Can't go wrong with abs. I've used plan b over the last 3 or 4 years and had some great results. Can't comment on hydra k .I use their dgt for a fishmeal bait

Don't discount fish trailing rigs/line
I recently had a series of strange liners again fishing slack. The bobbin would lift slowly and gradually till the line tightened then dropped back down gradually.
Thinking I might be getting done I tried hitting straight away and also when the line fully tightened but nothing there.
Same thing then started happening to my mate in the next swim. We figured out it was a trailer but his weren't dropping off like mine his tip was bending round. After a couple of attempts to hopefully wind down into the trailing gear he decided just to leave it. Eventually after about half an hour his clutch started ticking away and lo and behold the fish was on.
We managed to get it in, poor thing hardly struggled all the way to the net.
Banned barbed hook,leadcore and a welded on tail rubber as well as another loose rig and yards of line.
Might not be like your situation but worth keeping in mind

Check out the spinlock deckvest junior
I've had a regular deckvest for a number of years and thankfully it's never needed to be deployed. Bought following a recommendation from a yachty friend.
They're light and unobtrusive and 5 year warranty.
There will be cheaper ones available but I for one wouldn't scrimp

I have the Stanley pan set and wasnt keen, being stainless things can catch easily.
I've moved to the trakker armolife and cant fault it tbh

In reply to Post #6
Have to disagree with that. Decent layers below breathables and your fine just make sure you upsize to compensate. I speak from years of experience waist deep in Scottish rivers
Trotting for grayling nov-jan.
Spring salmon fishing ,this starts mid January- mid February depending on the river. The only issue I ever have is cold hands and lines freezing in the rings.

LINKY POO™ https://www.fishingmad.co.uk/collections/bison-waders-boots

They don't have to break the bank either.

I'd recommend going down the breathable route especially if you plan to wear them rather than throwing them on quickly.
They're better for trapping and retaining heat than nylon or pvc.
Id probably also advise stocking foot and wading boots rather than bootfoot waders.

Sounds like you're being fobbed off big time..just imagine the potential for damage caused by the small amount of trapped water freezing and swelling in winter 🤔