Its always tough when a sponsor has an interest into the running of things, but thats why we have a National body, they are there to make the big decisions.

I'll be straight up, Phill I can understand your frustration, I honestly can, not just from casting point of view, but also the time and money you have put into it, with all of the sinkers and turning up and giving allot of advice, I take my hat off to you there, its excellent. However

From a development perspective, the new rules open the event to wider variety of people. I know you don't think the system was complicated, but on the surface it was, when you got used to it, well it was allot easier to understand but it still left me wondering a few things. I could not see the point of using such a heavy leader. I can't break 30lb line, let alone 100lb line. I know the whole safety routine, but it seemed extreme.

The new rules are very broad. They are there to assist everyone and make the event allot more simple. For the top guys like yourself/Neil/ GW/Peter ect..... You guys are un-effected, nothing changes at all. You still go about business as you would, you still compete for records in the same fashion you usually would, not a single element has changed for you. So how can this be a bad thing?? It is in the best interest of everyone. For the serious, things remain the same, for those of us who are not worm catches, rules also suit us and make the event more enjoyable. WE ALL WIN?

The only change to the rules that has changed is guys like me, who don't take casting that serious, these rules allow us to use our fishing gear without the fair of our line thickness failing or falling short, it allows us to dust off our sinkers without worrying about it's weight, we don't have to think, we just rock up and have a crack with the exact same gear we use all year round. How easy it that? How appealing to people is that? Very few questions asked, just go and have a crack bro. This was clearly what joe public was after. I hated casting with a .75mm leader, I never use that, why would I want to, just to have a cast on grass, allot of people complained about this. Simple answer, relax the rule, allow the bulk of people to wing it, don't allow them any accolades apart from them improving themselves which is all most of us want to do. Get a gauge of how we are casting. We are still there to compete, but its just a much more relaxed environment.

Pete, your completely right about the line weight (mainline). The only issue I can see with the new rules is at a Nationals, a cheeky bugger like me using .25mm line and a 5 ounch sinker throwing a .40mm leader gets a cast right and wins the event over top boys using the international rules. Casting that lighter line and leader would give me another 15 metres. So I would agree that .30mm is a middle ground that has always been there and perhaps should remain. But to be honest pete, you guys are worlds ahead of the rest of us. Anyone who is a decent caster, would be silly not to use International rules as there is always a chance at a record. You guys cast allot more than the rest of us, so it means allot more to you than the rest of us. I just think that you guys need to remember that most of us are there for the fishing. I really enjoy the casting don't get me wrong, its a good feeling and it was a choice event this year, but keep it simple. I enjoyed watching Gary W cast, and Neil step up to try and knock em off, it was exciting as it unfolded, none of that will change, nor will your mid year casting days which only the serious attend, and only the best go to with the purpose of strictly casting in mind. On these events, even with the new rules, you elite events will not change.....

From a novice casting perspective, I think these rules will include more people, and capture a wider audience. I don't think it is taking a step back, I see it as a step forward, a step at trying to get more involved and putting things into the right direction.

Just my opinion.