Another New Member

[Boxerman]

Hello folks,

My name's Frank and I'm and old codger of 63 (or will be in a week or two) I used to fish quite a lot in my younger days, both sea and freshwater, eventually tailing off to sea only.

I haven't fished for over 15 years due to one thing or another but now that I'm (permanently?) unemployed with more time on my hands I thought I'd like to get back into the game.

I still have all my old tackle but things have obviously moved on since I last wet a line so I thought I would join up and pick the brains of all you experts about the new techniques, baits, tackle etc.

One thing I'll have to do is strip the old line off my reels and replace it.
What are the decent brands to look for? I used to use Maxima - is it still available?

I have all sorts of questions to ask but this is getting a bit long for a first posting so I'l sign off for now before I bore you all.

VBR
Frank

[scottish_and_mental]

welcome along Frank ( your not such an old conger..or was that codger) !
Deffo worth changing the mainline often and you can pick up bulk 1lb spools for well under a tenner these days..depending on the ground you tend to fish i would suggest a clear mainline of 18lb and unfortunately brands vary massively as you can find a spool of mono for around 3 quid that has no quality at all...Ultima do some nice good quality mono like the F1 ..expensive but top kit - their red ice is good mainline and cheaper to boot.
Greased Weasel shockleader 60lb of any colour ( i prefer the orange as its easier to see ) is also worth its weight in gold..
Ask away and dont feel shy ...i'm here for the duration of the United game atleast lol !
Steve

[Boxerman]

Hi Steve
I "used" to use a 15lb main line with 50lb greased weasel shockleader, I've just been reading on here about these new fangled tapered ones which would be good as one of my reels has a level wind.
I remember Ultima lines, I'll take your advice and plump for a wodge of that - Cheers

Rgds
Frank

[scottish_and_mental]

Take my advice on this one too mate..get rid of the level winds !! I repeat GET R...I...D of the level winds..
Absolutley as much use as a handbrake on a canoe...
Level wind multipliers are designed for the boat and will reduce your casting by about 75% !! forget what the manufacturer tells you ..they be tellin porkie pies .
level wind = 30 yards - add tapered shock = 35 yards if the wind is right !
tapered shocks are about fiver for 3 and great for adding distance for chucks up and over 100 yards but with a level wind its like putting salad cream on a fillet steak ! just wrong
oh and did i mention get rid of those level winds lol ??

[Boxerman]

Hi Steve
That reel (ABU) is what I use(d) for pier or rock fishing, for the beach my favourite is an ancient Mitchell 602AP no doubt far outclassed by today's reels but it's what I've got and I'm not in a position to be buying new tackle.

BTW
Whats your opinion on level winds?

Rgds
Frank

[scottish_and_mental]

Level winds you say ?? not really got an opinion mate !

Dont worry about buying a new reel just unscrew the crossbar and remove the ruddy useless thing lol
Just out of interest did you know you can buy a brand new coned fixed spool reel for around 20 squid !( about 12 pints of john smiths lol )
Failing that if i hear any more talk of level winds im gonna bloody well post you one of my own reels ...

[Boxerman]

I actually bought a fixed spool once (still have it) but couldn't really get along with it for sea fishing somehow - strange 'cos all my freshwater reels were/are fixed spool.

I'll stick with the 602 - no magnetic, centrifugal or other type of brake 'cept me thumb and NO LEVEL WIND :) at least until I've re-learned how to cast properly

Rgds
Frank

[KKK]

Welcome to the forum

[Boxerman]

Thank you!

[NICK R]

welcome to the forum mate , from another old timer