PeterHenry

Thanks - appreciated. I suppose the gist of my question is - my fly fishing kit is balanced, so the rod / reel / line / tippet, all work in conjunction with one another. I'm presuming that setting up a boat rod is the same (although maybe not quite as finely balanced) - but somethings - like 100lb line - are going to throw the equation well off? 👍

So, my brother and I have got a boat fishing trip booked off the North Wales coast later this month. Apart from one trip over the summer, neither of us have been boat fishing for years - and then thinking about it, only in the summer months. On the previous trip, we both decided to hire equipment on the boat, and didn't ask any questions. I have a Leeda boat rod I bought just before Covid (pictured) that I was planning to twin up with an Abu 7000 (with an abu 'power' handle). I presume that's all in proportion? The old 9000 and 8500 reels I have seemed overkill for the rod. The day is billed as 'general fishing' - so not wrecks or targeting any particular species. My brother has decided on 100lb line. In my head this seems over the top. Do I really need to spool up with line of that strength? Any advice on rod / reel / line greatly appreciated

That's very generous of you Enfieldspares - sadly I don't work around there anymore. But appreciative all the same.

So, if anyone's intrested - the Highland Game 32g '5's are stout but not unmanageable through my AYA no2 I had settled happily on 30g '5's for pheseants through my side by sides - I know there are lots of different thoughts on what's appropriate, but confidence is a big thing, and I am confident with 30g '5's - as much at the beginning of the season, as at the end. But alas, none were available at short notice. I would use 'Highland Game' again - they work out noticeably cheaper than Lyalvales equivalent offering - Lyalvale being the default cartridge around here. The recoil was noticeable, but I have no brusies or headache to show for it. If I did my bit, they seemed to do do theirs.

Much appreciated - that all makes a lot of sense.

I do, but it depends on the type of shooting. Walked up / wildfowling - yes. Driven - no

Does anyone have any experience with the above cartridges? I'm intrested in - What the recoil is like? What are the pressures / proof? - I noticed they seem to be 67mm, so I cant imagine they would be too fierce? Best, Peter

It's from a tv show called 'Rivals'

Excellent shooting - especially with such a light cartridge. What sort of ranges were you takeing them at?

Will do 👍 @everyone - very appreciative of all the responses

Very kind 👍

If I'm bored, I've got a cookery book that lists in an annex all (or at least many) traditional British feast days and the associated meals - so I start planning for the nearest one of those. Cookings a great way of dealing with a lack of something to do, because you get to enjoy it twice (or thrice if you've shot or caught it yourself) My advice is - cook a good meal, open a bottle of wine or two (not a macho drink) and invite some friends around to share in your labours.

Thanks, thats very helpful 👍 👍

The Hardy Longbow looks quite a brute. I've got (and even used, albeit unsuccessfully) a solid glass beach rod. I'm not sure how anyone managed cast or catch anything with it.....

Thanks - fingers crossed I have probably more than my fair share of Abu multipliers - great reels. I've got a red two speed 9000 that needs a new clicker installed (missing when I bought it) and also an 8500. Also a 7000 and 7000i. I once got a green 6500 CS Mag Elite for next to nothing at a boot fair, which is my personal favourite. Plenty of lovely split cane rods for a pittance as well. On the Hardy front, I did get a fiberglass Match Maker for about £15 on Facebook market place. As well as a couple of carbon??? 1980s / 1990s Hardy #5 fly rods for next to nothing on Ebay I find it difficult to say no to a bargain.....