Tim Kelly

If you're certain that the line isn't slipping on the spool, then maybe there's some grease in the drag stack? I've a couple of SVs and a few CTs, but no Fuego, so I don't know whether they're any different (unlikely), but you'd struggle to have the drag slip on any of them if you tightened the drag down. I'd want to be really certain it wasn't slipping line before I started looking for mechanical issues though. Very unlikely you bought two reels that are malfunctioning.

Probably depends on your leader knot. I use and FG and have no problems.

How about one of those rubber rings made for dogs to play with?

I completely get that John. I used to be involved in running a couple of national clubs here in the UK and companies kept sending in their stuff to review for the magazine. I hated it! I had to use my precious fishing time to fish with a piece of equipment that was imposed on me rather than chosen. Sometimes it was OK and sometimes not, but it was always an inconvenience. Appreciate you and Glenn taking the time to use the stuff and find out what it's really like.

Yikes! A self tazering incident? That's going to sting.

It's no help, but i can report the CXX didn't go curly today, so it's either an issue with the line or I fixed whatever was causing it with the rod and reel. Will have to get another spool to test it out.

The latter, see above.

Looking forward to hearing how great it is. The 200hp motor selection was the only weak point with the 1875 PB, now the V8 is available I think it will make it the boat even more popular, and rightly so.

No, it's not coils, it's curls, like if something had been rubbed over something and caused it to go curly, which is why I wondered whether my reel roller was sticking or there was some rubbish in my guides that were causing the curling.

I've used some 6lb on my ned rod. I like the line. It handles well and may possibly be a little more sensitive. The questionmark I have with it is it's durability. It seemed to go curly after a relatively short time fishing it. Not twisted, but actually curly. Not sure whether that is an issue with the rod or reel, or the line. I stripped the line off, took the reel roller off and oiled it, though it appeared to be rolling fine and have cleaned all the guides. Trouble is I've run out of the line now! Will go back to my normal 6lb CXX and see if that has any issues. I need to get another spool though to check whether it's the line or another issue causing the short life on the reel.

That's a variation on a Russian rig, the Cheburashka rig. It works well and is reasonably easy to change the hooks. The only downside to the system is that the wire is quite thin and I always feel like it could cut through your knot. It hasn't happened, but it does worry me.

How did you attach your braid to the spool? If you don't use backing mono or some tape the braid will slip on the spool, making it feel like the drag is weak.

I would be worried if I hooked a 12 pounder even if I had 100lb line! ? ?

You said above that cranks should be reeled slow. I think that may be your issue? Your idea of slow and a you tube idea of slow might be quite different. You need to reel them quite fast to get the bait to it's maximum depth, then you can slow down if that's what the fish tell you. Lipless need to be reeled fast enough too, otherwise they won't do much of anything.

I was watching Live here in London and transfixed. Very good entertainment, a real nail biter. Nolan was so good in front of the cameras, can't imagine he doesn't have a career ahead as a pro fisherman, with all the sales and education duties they need to be good at. Guy's a natural! Very impressed.

I've got a few hours in on some 6lb on my ned rod. I like it. it's well behaved, I've had no unexplained break offs or problems with twist. Not sure it's that revolutionary, I think it's a bit more sensitive than P line CXX, but it's hard to be absolute about it when I fish with such a slack line most of the time. I will get more when I've used the 6 up. I have some 15 that I haven't spooled up yet.

Haven't tried many alternatives, but I really like my St Croix mojo glass 7'4" medium moderate. I find it extremely versatile, so much so, I've just ordered a second one.

Great picture.

I like that. I've got something similar of a bluefish I bought in Cape Cod a few years ago.

Enjoyed the film A-Jay. I would be scared to get on your boat, I'd definitely make it look untidy.

Poor Artarctica, it must feel deliberately snubbed.

Scary fast.

I don't know what it's called, I just call it a dropshot knot. I was shown it 10 or more years ago by a Dutch friend when I was fishing in Holland with him. For all it's simplicity, it's a surprisingly strong knot. I don't remember ever breaking off at the hook with it. Found a video of it.

That is the drawback with the FLW tour in some ways. There are a few players and a lot of donators.

No bass here, so I'm happy travelling to the US, Canada and Spain to get my fix.