The GF was quite busy on the Saturday when we went. There seemed quite a footfall. There was stuff to interest us on Gunmakers' Row, but even there there were some notable absentees. The food section has grown considerably since earlier days, though the stand that was selling plates of delicious spa...

Last Saturday, I and a friend went up to the Game Fair at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, England. I've been going to these things fairly regularly and in varying capacities for many years. In fact, 40 years ago to this very day I was helping the late Theo Fossell set up his stand for the CLA Game Fair a...

There's some stuff called Kryston 'Drop 'em'. I have never used this myself, Paul. We have a dedicated carp angling shop nearby, so I'll ask them.

Cheers,
Tony

I think that glycerine does help prevent the stiffer 'mud' consistency leader sinkants from drying out. But if you start off with a much looser paste, made with a lower proportion of fuller's earth, that problem largely disappears. I have used bankside mud on many occasions to degrease leaders. I'm ...

If we can put olfactory distractions to one side and 'retour à nos oignons', as they say in France, I have conducted some kitchen experiments and hope to produce some more conclusive results later. So far, I am of the opinion that the fuller's earth/ detergent/ glycerine mixtures that have been used...

:D :D Well that is supposedly why the Booby works. I remember being introduced to this fly around about ‘86 and was told to “cut the unwashed stocking from the crotch area!” Bloody pervert!! (Mind you he was bloody good fisherman!). From my perspective of being a smoker in my 20s it certainly didn’...

It’s an interesting question. I also have also thought about it! I knew people who wouldn’t smoke when tying flies… of course one shouldn’t smoke anyway, at least not nowadays! I’ve had plenty of refusals but none that I can categorically put down to scented washing up liquid. For the record the la...

It's the detergent that lowers the surface tension of the water around the mono that lets it break through and sink of course, but it's always bothers me that every time we cast with it on, we liberate a slick of the stuff right next to the fly. Fish have a good sense of smell, surely they can dete...

Hi Paul, Because of air travel security regulations and limits on volumes of 'liquids' that can be carried personally 'in cabin', there has become available a vast range of small containers into which one can decant the smaller quntities of shampoo/shower gel/face cream, etc., etc. needed to comply ...

Hi Paul, When you say "concentrated", what do you mean? I use ordinary Fairy liquid, or similar supermarket 'own brand'. Glycerine and fuller's earth are readily available on the interweb. The refillable toothpase tube type dispensers are quite convenient and help keep these mixtures from ...