Did we ever do a PH trout fishing meet up?
Discussion
Oh, I would love this.
Been really wanting to get into angling for a while, but found local shops (in Shirley, Southampton...) to be openly hostile to newbies. They literally told me to f
k off.
So yeah, I'd love to meet up with some people who know what they're doing, and show me how to! I am nice, honest.
Been really wanting to get into angling for a while, but found local shops (in Shirley, Southampton...) to be openly hostile to newbies. They literally told me to f

So yeah, I'd love to meet up with some people who know what they're doing, and show me how to! I am nice, honest.
Hi all,
Firstly, how did you get on at chalk Springs Steve?
I know I trying to sort something out but I was waylayed with life, and the weather didn't help, sorry.
I have said before that a fantastic place to go is Avington, with its gin clear lakes and possible 20+lb fish and very welcoming staff, it is a great place for ladies too, (proper toilets and tea)
they also have a clubhouse for use if there is more than 5 in a party (I think).
As for any beginners, they do hire tackle and I can give you a basic lesson and any flies etc that will be needed throughout the day (including my own 'killer' fly). I think the end of May could be good as my father is over from NZ and it would be great to have him with us and I have another 2 car nuts that are up for it aswell.
I know its not cheap, but the cost also reflects the surroundings you are fishing in and the use of the carrier stream that runs through the complex.
The fact you can see a lot of the fish only a few feet away makes it all the more exiting and spotting the large beasts that are hiding under a tree or bush, challenges your casting and stalking skills whilst making your heart rate soaring.
so if we can get some names down if interested, we can beat out the finer details and come up with a date and a venue that we are all happy with
Jamie
Firstly, how did you get on at chalk Springs Steve?
I know I trying to sort something out but I was waylayed with life, and the weather didn't help, sorry.
I have said before that a fantastic place to go is Avington, with its gin clear lakes and possible 20+lb fish and very welcoming staff, it is a great place for ladies too, (proper toilets and tea)
they also have a clubhouse for use if there is more than 5 in a party (I think).
As for any beginners, they do hire tackle and I can give you a basic lesson and any flies etc that will be needed throughout the day (including my own 'killer' fly). I think the end of May could be good as my father is over from NZ and it would be great to have him with us and I have another 2 car nuts that are up for it aswell.
I know its not cheap, but the cost also reflects the surroundings you are fishing in and the use of the carrier stream that runs through the complex.
The fact you can see a lot of the fish only a few feet away makes it all the more exiting and spotting the large beasts that are hiding under a tree or bush, challenges your casting and stalking skills whilst making your heart rate soaring.
so if we can get some names down if interested, we can beat out the finer details and come up with a date and a venue that we are all happy with
Jamie
HereBeMonsters said:
Oh, I would love this.
Been really wanting to get into angling for a while, but found local shops (in Shirley, Southampton...) to be openly hostile to newbies. They literally told me to f
k off.
So yeah, I'd love to meet up with some people who know what they're doing, and show me how to! I am nice, honest.
That is Disgraceful,Been really wanting to get into angling for a while, but found local shops (in Shirley, Southampton...) to be openly hostile to newbies. They literally told me to f

So yeah, I'd love to meet up with some people who know what they're doing, and show me how to! I am nice, honest.
With attitudes like that, fishing will die, how do they expect new anglers when they treat them like that!.
I presume it specialises in carp or sea angling?. As an angler I can only apologise for their moronic attitude and hope it hasn't or wont put you off.
Come along with us and have a laugh a peaceful day fishing and even catch your own dinner!. I enjoy coaching/teaching as it I enjoy passing on knowledge, so you wont be left on your own to struggle and also Shelly is quite good at making anyone look good..

I look forward to seeing you soon on the bank
Jamie
I have the samew issue with my local tackle shop. The owner is a big Carp / Barbel hunter and lives / breathes it. When i went in to ask about local pike lure fishing and trout fishing he wasn't very helpful. Then when i asked about what the rules were regarding kayak fishing on the Avon and Stour he replied. 'well, if i saw you on a kayak on the Avon i'd tell you to f
k off'.
I don't buy my permits or gear from him.

I don't buy my permits or gear from him.
jamienshelly said:
HereBeMonsters said:
Oh, I would love this.
Been really wanting to get into angling for a while, but found local shops (in Shirley, Southampton...) to be openly hostile to newbies. They literally told me to f
k off.
So yeah, I'd love to meet up with some people who know what they're doing, and show me how to! I am nice, honest.
That is Disgraceful,Been really wanting to get into angling for a while, but found local shops (in Shirley, Southampton...) to be openly hostile to newbies. They literally told me to f

So yeah, I'd love to meet up with some people who know what they're doing, and show me how to! I am nice, honest.
With attitudes like that, fishing will die, how do they expect new anglers when they treat them like that!.
I presume it specialises in carp or sea angling?. As an angler I can only apologise for their moronic attitude and hope it hasn't or wont put you off.
Come along with us and have a laugh a peaceful day fishing and even catch your own dinner!. I enjoy coaching/teaching as it I enjoy passing on knowledge, so you wont be left on your own to struggle and also Shelly is quite good at making anyone look good..

I look forward to seeing you soon on the bank
Jamie
Basically there was a guy behind the counter, chatting to two regulars (I presume they didn't work there, but maybe they did). I wandered around for a bit, but couldn't find any information. Went up to the counter and asked "is there such a thing as a 'one size fits all' setup where I can do a bit of sea fishing from my kayak for some mackerel, then use the same gear for some trout fishing up the river?".
The locals laughed, as I thought they might, the guy behind the counter said "no mate. You've come to a proper angling supplier. You want somewhere like Argos or somming.."
To which I replied "actually, that's why I'm here. The stuff I bought from Argos all broke the first time I took it out. I'd like something better, but not breaking the bank, which is why I was hoping to be able to get one set that would do everything."
The locals kept laughing, the shop assistant just said "well no, you're looking at a lot of money for sea fishing gear, then more for your trout. I'd go back to Argos if I were you."
So I left, and as the door shut someone shouted "yeah, you f

So yes, that did put me off a bit.

There is no need for that hostility. Cheap shots like play ground bullying. Pathetic.
If he was working for me, I would appreciate feedback so that I could sort him.
He can't be good for business.
I have always found fly fishermen in particular to be a welcoming crowd regardless of background.
If he was working for me, I would appreciate feedback so that I could sort him.
He can't be good for business.
I have always found fly fishermen in particular to be a welcoming crowd regardless of background.
Hi Chaps,
Jamie, I got bored at Chalksprings and came home after three hours. Fish were so shy and wouldn't take anything I offered them. Even my two secret weapons failed and that has never happened before!
When I looked in the catch report it all made sense....
They had a competition the day before with 67 fish caught. I bet they hadn't restocked either.
I would be up for a day anywhere on the Southcoast really. Can't do end of May though as I will be in the Florida Keys after Tarpon.
Post up some dates/locations and see what people fancy.
Jamie, I got bored at Chalksprings and came home after three hours. Fish were so shy and wouldn't take anything I offered them. Even my two secret weapons failed and that has never happened before!
When I looked in the catch report it all made sense....
They had a competition the day before with 67 fish caught. I bet they hadn't restocked either.
I would be up for a day anywhere on the Southcoast really. Can't do end of May though as I will be in the Florida Keys after Tarpon.

Post up some dates/locations and see what people fancy.
Die,hard fishing folk are very strange. These angling shops are weird indeed. It's like a private club, if you're not in, then f
k off.
I sell angling stuff from our showroom and have a couple of guys that know what they're talking about. I dangle the odd line from the boat or kayak, but don't confess to be an expert. I'm up for some sea fishing. I now have two sea fishing kayaks!

I sell angling stuff from our showroom and have a couple of guys that know what they're talking about. I dangle the odd line from the boat or kayak, but don't confess to be an expert. I'm up for some sea fishing. I now have two sea fishing kayaks!
Fly fishing is something that I have always fancied trying my hand at. Years back I was really into coarse fishing of all sorts, but, as life took over, I didn`t go fishing for years.
A good friend has threatened to teach me the basics of casting a fly, they`re coming to visit in a couple of weeks so hoping for lesson 1... If a pistonheads thing happens where I can have a go then count me in. I don`t mind a bit of a drive to get to the venue, especially if the weather`s good, although East Sussex area would be great.
A good friend has threatened to teach me the basics of casting a fly, they`re coming to visit in a couple of weeks so hoping for lesson 1... If a pistonheads thing happens where I can have a go then count me in. I don`t mind a bit of a drive to get to the venue, especially if the weather`s good, although East Sussex area would be great.
zed4 said:
Die,hard fishing folk are very strange. These angling shops are weird indeed. It's like a private club, if you're not in, then f
k off.
I sell angling stuff from our showroom and have a couple of guys that know what they're talking about. I dangle the odd line from the boat or kayak, but don't confess to be an expert. I'm up for some sea fishing. I now have two sea fishing kayaks!
Perhaps you can advise me on a purchase then? I had a very unsuitable kayak that I got rid of last year, looking to replace it with a sea tandem with some nice seats in.
I sell angling stuff from our showroom and have a couple of guys that know what they're talking about. I dangle the odd line from the boat or kayak, but don't confess to be an expert. I'm up for some sea fishing. I now have two sea fishing kayaks!
Are the ones at CostCo any good do you know?
HereBeMonsters said:
Are the ones at CostCo any good do you know?
No, you need to buy a good kayak from me or f

On a serious note, there are lots of Chinese manufacturers copying the Ocean Kayaks and other big name brands, and selling them for less. We all know it costs less to build something in China than the US. Fact it, you get the backup on the branded kayaks. For example, Ocean Kayak offer a lifetime warranty. I've only ever seen one Ocean Kayak with a problem and they replaced with a new one right away. Job done. The build quality of the OKs and other top brand names are better. Reinforced seat mounting points, skeg wear plates, better rod holders, thicker material, recessed threaded inserts for adding extra kit etc. you don't want to pull a seat mount out the plastic when you're playing in the surf!
No doubt you'll find a Chinese made tandem with the exact dimensions as the OK Malibu 2 for much less money. The risk you take it how long it will last. The other advantage is that with the main brands you get the backup and support of a network of dealers across the country.
I'd recommend the Malibu 2 XL, it's a good kayak, big and stable with decent seats, you can easily fit rod holders and other fishing accessories. No need to splash out on the Angler version really. I'm sure if you have a look in my profile you'll find a link to my shop!
Ps. I have no direct experience of the Costco kayaks. They may be fine, but I've never been in a Costco!
Edited by zed4 on Saturday 5th April 22:51
It's this one: http://www.costco.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/co...
Currently £359.98 inc. vat in store.
Currently £359.98 inc. vat in store.
My only observation is it's short and wide, which means it probably won't be the best thing to paddle. The OK Malibu 2 is narrower and slightly longer. It therefore wouldn't track so well and would be more difficult to push through the water. The other thing is there does seem to be a central seating position (for use with just one person) but no eyelets in the middle of the kayak to mount the backrest in the middle. Mega cheap though.
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