Any thoughts on willow versus hazel ?

[Casker]

While leafing through an old fishing book of my brother's** ( with .. "Happy 14th Birthday - 1980" .. in my late-mother's unmistakable hand-writing), I came across this page (pic attached) ! I actually grow willows, but I might be persuaded towards hazel . I might just try this one day, for fun - any thoughts on main line and leader spec's ? - LOL .

[** I was living far away by 1980, but I don't think bro' ever did much fishing even though beaches and harbour just a 15 min walk.]

 

[Trampster]

Nice to see stuff from near 50 years ago. Looking back is OK, but stepping back is something I wouldn't contemplate.
I'll stick to me Carbon Conti rods & Penn long cast I think.

 

[Fishlife]

As very young kids we would cut hazel and use it as rods in a local pond.. simply tie the line to one end and use like a roach wip.
Saw plenty of fish caught including some quite large carp and tench.

 

[Casker]

Nice to see stuff from near 50 years ago. Looking back is OK, but stepping back is something I wouldn't contemplate.
I'll stick to me Carbon Conti rods & Penn long cast I think.

But wouldn't it be fun to have a hedgerow casting rod/crab reel fishing combo compo' ? Or even a 'throw a rock' compo with a line & hook attached (as per the other narrative on the pictured page) ? I must have a chat with Ray Mears

 

[Shirleycodlin]

I think using a sea screech is retro enough.
That said, if I thought it would make the cod return, I'd use a throwing stick

 

[Valleyboy]

Hazel is far better for troublesome children. Can also be utilised on wife and serving staff as long as the rule of thumb is adhered to. A stouter specimen will provide a means of discouraging ruffians and the like
Willow on the other hand offers little as a means of admonishment suitable only for potty training on the young or as a means of titillation amongst consenting individuals
Both are excellent for the construction of wattles

 

[Casker]

But wouldn't it be fun to have a hedgerow casting rod/crab reel fishing combo compo' ? Or even a 'throw a rock' compo with a line & hook attached (as per the other narrative on the pictured page) ? I must have a chat with Ray Mears

I didn't actually get to "chat" with Ray (!!), but who knows - maybe there will be some sort of related Woodlore Ltd production re history of angling one day !? LOL

 

[Casker]

This might interest someone (or not): while I was going over Lidl's angling offerings recently, an elderly lady engaged me in conversation ... "You know" she said "once upon, folk would crawl through the [tidal] shallows patting for flat-fish with their hands. A nasty nip from a crab was not uncommon." I wish, in retrospect, that I had explored her memories further, but I was in a hurry. Maybe I'll meet her again while Lidl shopping.

 

[Valleyboy]

Was a common thing to do. Used to be called "treading" Plenty of people used a fork as well

 

[Trampster]

This might interest someone (or not): while I was going over Lidl's angling offerings recently, an elderly lady engaged me in conversation ... "You know" she said "once upon, folk would crawl through the [tidal] shallows patting for flat-fish with their hands. A nasty nip from a crab was not uncommon." I wish, in retrospect, that I had explored her memories further, but I was in a hurry. Maybe I'll meet her again while Lidl shopping.

And whilst mentioning Lidl, not long popped in there this afternoon (one of the smaller local stores). Surprised to see there was still 8 reels on offer, and lots of those fishing kits, line packs, hooks to nylon etc.

 

[Casker]

And whilst mentioning Lidl, not long popped in there this afternoon (one of the smaller local stores). Surprised to see there was still 8 reels on offer, and lots of those fishing kits, line packs, hooks to nylon etc.

I did, already, go back to pick-up some extra line and lures down here. I would say their bits and pieces are decent value, but I'm going to dare say that the Lidl "herring-system" lure-set might be a bit of a steal (if still available & assuming one might be able to go find some herring - or similar- to entice).

 

[Trampster]

I did, already, go back to pick-up some extra line and lures down here. I would say their bits and pieces are decent value, but I'm going to dare say that the Lidl "herring-system" lure-set might be a bit of a steal (assuming one might be able to go find some herring - or similar- to entice).

Didn't see that. It was only the reels and maybe a Net that I was interested in. Bought a 5000 reel a few days ago, and still haven't seen any nets.

 

[Casker]

Didn't see that. It was only the reels and maybe a Net that I was interested in. Bought a 5000 reel a few days ago, and still haven't seen any nets.

For £2.99 !!
(Now thinking I must go back again to check availability for a 2nd set - I'm liking the lure variety & inclusion of that pair of winged weights for that money !)

 

[Casker]

Was a common thing to do. Used to be called "treading" Plenty of people used a fork as well

Aah ! I have a 4x skinny-pronged fork (almost certainly a manure fork rather than a hay fork - latter normally 2-pronged) - I just need to find the right flat-fish forking location !