For those of you with an interest, here's how I got on with what I brought this year.
Orvis Access 10' #4
This was the dogs danglies from tube or boat. It could roll out an SLX to the right distance in one cast and played fish perfectly, large or small. I tried Hamish's Helios on the last day and it is waaaaay better than an Access, but £300 more, I don't know. I need more practice with my rod and less worrying...
Orvis Access 9' #9
This rod is fabulous! Pollock have no chance, which also tells me that it is slightly over gunned. I wasn't tired after a day with this rod, it is that light.
Barrio SLX
#4 is just the thing north of Inverness - nuff said
Airflo sink tip striper line #9
WTF, what a pig to get right! A foot either side of optimum and you are screwed. You can't carry line so just the head is available for casting. Saying that, if you get it right, hoooo-yaaaaahhhh! It sinks like a carbon credit at the exchange market and takes more abuse than a Buenos Aires hooker, but cheaper (apparently...)
Shakespeare tube
Now that all the mods are done (with a chop chop here and a chop chop there...) and the top bladder has been removed it is all I hoped for. Does well in a BIG wave and is light enough to be carried in. Ace!
Smooth breathable waders are slippy in the seat but I have a plan....
One thing though. Make a tie rope between you and your tube and you may avoid what happened to me...
Clip on polaroids.
These were just right. £22 from
http://www.clipon-sunglasses.co.uk/, just do it. I am due new glasses this year so I'm going to hold off until my test is due but I WILL have the whole set to fit. Well impresssed!
Orvis Pro Guide jacket
Just get one. OK I know it's a lot of money buy every penny is worth it. The cut is right, the hood is right and the fit is right. Do your self a favour and go and see Ben, seriously.
There will be a small test on fleeces soon... (shit it was cold)
If you have any questions, just post and I will answer.