I’ve always been a bit of a serial line changer… from braid, to fluro, to mono and back again. I’ve tried a lot, and I really can’t rate the Kontour highly enough. I’ve had the 12lb on my spools now for the past couple of years and can’t imagine taking it off anytime soon.

I must admit to being dubious of it being only 12lb and took the chance purely because so many friends had recommended it. Sure enough it’s dealt with everything I’ve put it through with no issue at all.

I’ve found it to behave really well on the reels, better than a lot of monos I’ve used and far better than other fluros. It also casts brilliantly for a fluro… I had endless trouble with 17lb X-line frapping up but haven’t had a single issue with the Kontour. It still sinks extremely well too.

Cheers for the replies all. Keeping my eyes peeled for a decent second hand one with all the bits I want.

I fished last week and actually spent some time in the bivvy as I didn't have to pack up at 6:30 the following morning (for the first time this year). The weather was pants so I was in the Tempest more than usual and my back still hasn't recovered. I'm 5'10” and have to pretty much double myself over to see out of the thing properly. Hopefully a Frontier will be a lot better height wise as well as for useable space.

Hi all,

First post here in a while!

I'm considering a new shelter and wanted some opinions/knowledge. I've had a Tempest v2 brolly for a number of years that used to be adequate until I got a new bed (Flatliter mk2). This now takes up a lot of the Tempest's useable space due to the sloping back.

I've had a look around and the Frontier lite looked the perfect solution - flat, high back so the bed fits better, still light enough and a zip in mozzy mesh which I always use these days

The issue is, I can't seem to figure out if they're being discontinued, along with all the extras?? The shelter is available cheap (£175), but the compatible mozzy mesh seems very hard to come by and all infills & vapour peaks etc are out of stock.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Happy to hear any other options too. I barely fish these days - a 12 hour overnighter a month if I'm lucky, so need something relatively compact, quick to put up/take down, and sensibly priced but offering more space than the v2 brolly.

In reply to Post #1
I have yes. Perfect for 20lb boom and look a little neater.

In reply to Post #11
Not noticeably no. Marginally sharper, cleaner and a nicer depth of field, but nothing that would show up glaringly. I only felt the need to upgrade as I do a fair bit of photography outside of fishing.

Upgrading a camera body will generally give you more features rather than breathtakingly better shots. Most of those features aren't going to be important for a fishing camera.
As an example, you're looking at improvements in fps, buffer, AF and low light capability... these can be crucial for demanding genres of photography, (I do quite a bit of wildlife), but your typical trophy shot isn't asking much.
You'll see more improvement in the actual end product if you spend money on the glass.

Regarding settings - it's hard to recommend something basic as every scenario is different, but generally -
Shutter speed: keep at a minimum of 1/100 to negate any chance of motion blur/camera shake.
Aperture: I usually shoot at anywhere between f2.8 & f3.5, but you need to hold the fish close to your body to keep everything in focus. F4 or f5.6 would leave more room for error.
ISO - Keep it as low as possible to achieve the exposure you're after.

The screen is a real bonus on the d5600 and paired with the built in intervalometer, it makes self takes a doddle.

In reply to Post #1
I can recommend the Nikon... I shot with a d5200 and a d5500 for years before moving to full frame. They were all fantastic when paired with the 35mm f1.8 and the flip screen is something I miss not having.

I now use a d750 and a 50mm. You could probably pick that up second hand for your budget if you shop around. Look at Wex and MPB for decent used gear with warranty and condition ratings.

Hi all,

Not been on here in a while but thought I'd put a post in here just in case someone comes up with a miracle.

I've barely fished since my son was born and have now found myself with nowhere to fish. A few tickets I'd been waiting for came up last year, but with my boy being so young, I wasn't in a position to take any of them so unfortunately went back to the bottom of the lists!
I also dropped my current ticket this Feb in the hope of finding something new but that hasn't really worked out. .

I know it's unlikely, but has anyone got any recommendations, ideally in the Hamps area? My office is 5 minutes from Yateley and I'll only be doing the odd work night so somewhere not too far from there preferably. I've also got an office in Farnham and live in Basingstoke which widens the radar slightly.

I've almost bought a Farnham Angling ticket a few times but I've been used to fishing quiet syndicates years and really doubt I could handle it.

Pm if prefered

In reply to Post #1
Why do they have to be 3.5tc?

In reply to Post #3
I got one recently and, for the money I paid at TFT (£29.99), it's great. Seems well made and has a decent amount of pockets so I can have everything in one place... rods, net, sling, sticks etc. All I need extra is a rucksack with a mat strapped to the top and away I go,

The only downside is that it's bulky. The reel sleeve section is disproportionately large which does seem to defeat the object slightly. It's no deal breaker, just a bit of a strange design decision.

AD have a “black ticket” sale on at the moment with certain items heavily reduced.

I've just ordered a Bushwhacker pro for £139.99 which worked out at 38% off rrp and £20 cheaper than any I've seen second hand.