Hi Andrew, the thought my baits were being stripped by Yellow Eyed Mongrels had crossed my mind but with the end gear being so firmly anchored the small takes were not showing on the rod.

I am strongly inclined to follow the same steps as Fin-nor and ditch the pulley rig system and return to the ultra simple running rig whilst fish seem to be a little scarce.

In many sports and occupations the 'KISS' principal (Keep it simple stupid) can often turn out to be by far the best advice available.