Best Tip 2009

[etsteph]

Haha, blerry typo's... I meant start typing! Spare no details!

read WC Stream report back

[redhumpy]

Maybe a bit silly but. On my wading stick (old broom stick) I use on the Vaal I made rings with my leatherman for measuring fish length.
The first ring is 30cm from the bottom carved into the wading stick and then more rings, one every 5cm's apart. When I catch a fish I quickly hold it up against my wading stick and I know the exact length of the fish (No need to measure it against my rod). And yes, I do make notches as a benchmark everytime I catch a "longer" fish.
It is like trying to break the wading stick record everytime I go fishing.

[chris williams]

Redhumpy, with all respect I think your's is a lousy idea. Your system means there's no room for bending of the truth!!! Actually that is seriously a good idea

[redhumpy]

AHHH Chris - there is plenty room. I also have a telescopic wading stick and sometimes I forget to extend it all the way. I mark the fish length and at home when I show it to my wife I extend it all the way.....

[chris williams]

NOW you're talking!!!

[AdrianPowrie]

Great idea Redhumpy!!! Will be notching mine A.S.A.P!
Anothe idea for the wading sticks, I bought some motorcycle grips but have also tried normal bicycle grips to great effect. Just slide them over the broomstick with the two outside ''ribs'' facing each other in the middle of the now double handed non slip grip! I also drilled a hole into the stick under the grip and thats where I have threaded the rope. THe grips hold the rope down nice and tight and the rope forms a vertical rib towards the top of the handle for added control.

Beats slippery tape by a mile...

[andrewbuch]

Thats a good idea, I used a walking/hiking stick I got made in Hogsback. The only problem with it is when the wood gets wet, it goes all slimy for some reason. was gona try find some of that tennis racket material grip tape stuff. but bike grips will be good cause they wont vrot if left wet.
Cheers
Andrew

Great idea Redhumpy!!! Will be notching mine A.S.A.P!
Anothe idea for the wading sticks, I bought some motorcycle grips but have also tried normal bicycle grips to great effect. Just slide them over the broomstick with the two outside ''ribs'' facing each other in the middle of the now double handed non slip grip! I also drilled a hole into the stick under the grip and thats where I have threaded the rope. THe grips hold the rope down nice and tight and the rope forms a vertical rib towards the top of the handle for added control.

Beats slippery tape by a mile...

[Jasper]

best wading stick I have is half a pole-vault pole - fitted on the end with the original rubber (not THAT rubber Mr Williams).

100% non-slip and VERY strong.

I store my rod IN it while walking in so it doubles as a rod tube.

[FishWhisperer]

Carry a long handle, wide rimmed net on the Vaal and streams. It looks cumbersome but it works a charm. Especially with the 10' rods.

Spandex and hockey shin/knee guards is the only way to wade the Vaal!

[redhumpy]

I get the spandex part - but wouldn't I look silly if I wear knee guards with this?