Crewing On Enticer

[Mike Fox]

Gordon kindly invited me out on Enticer on Sunday, planning an early morning assault from Kimmeridge.

 

Loaded up at 6.30 a.m., arriving just after 7, but the gate was locked- and stayed locked until the key keeper arrived just before 8. We were first on the slipway, and trundled out gently to see what the wind and sea state were really doing.

 

After a mile or so, it was clear that the E-NE4 and residual swell meant it was going to be very lumpy out, so we fished an inshore rocky patch on the drift with jelly worms - Gordon providing expert instruction. After striking (on instinct) a couple of times, and missing, I got the hang of it, and we had an hour or so of fun with the inshore pollack, getting around 5 apiece to about 2lb, and a solitary schoolie to me.

 

The wind seemed to reduce a bit, as per forecast, so we nudged out further and fished an offshore reef which had previously produced some better quality pollack, but none were found, and none showing on the fishfinder (unlike earlier).

 

We then moved to a nearby wreck, where we both left stacks of tackle, and I had my best pollack for over 30 years - of a shade over 4 and half pounds, on my trusty Ugly Stik spin, as usual. We both had better fish on and lost them, but the swell, roll and drifts of 3knots (even with a drogue) meant that was the best one here. Precision drifts over different parts of the wreck resulted in tackle loss almost every drift, and the motion made it very hard to tackle up again.

 

The wind was dying off all of the time, and we steamed East a while to try an offshore bank that Gordon reckoned held blonde ray. Well, he was right. He hauled out a couple of about 6lb (both returned) to mackerel and sandeel. Both had spots to the margins of the wings, pale creamy patches, and a slightly different outline to the spotted rays I was more familiar with. I had a great bite, and leaned into it, setting the hook, then when trying to get it clear of the seabed, my 25lb leader parted. I was gutted!

 

We had a few doggies as well, Gordon took a lone strap conger - again about 6lb he thought, and we trundled back in, clipping the edge of the race off St.Aldheim's Head that was ermmm interesting, and recovered at Kimmeridge about 5 p.m.

 

What a great trip - thanks again Gordon! I didn't get my first blonde, but broke my pollack drought! Am really looking forward to another crack at them!

 

Mike

 

[duncan]

nice report Mike - it's a great area out there isn't it; options options options!

[Paul D]

Cracking fishing Mike and Gordon. Unfortunately I wasn't able to fish this weekend, so good to see you made the most of the weather window we currently have.

 

 

[Deep Sea Dean]

I was out on Sunday as well. Weather in the morning was not so great which made me think twice about plan A and we ended up fishing a few marks in and around the slate beds.

 

Fishing was not great with pout and doggies making up the catch. The only fish of note was a bass of 4lb which fell to a pout dead bait.

 

Weather ended up lovely in the afternoon and was good enough to be able to cook up a rather late breakfast without it going everywhere. This was without doubt the highlight of an otherwise dissapointing day.

[Maverick Martin]

Well done Mike and Gordon

 

Dean dd you miss having a proper skipper

 

Martin

[plaicemat]

Martin, are you saying you handed over the keys to your pride and joy (Awol, not Dean!). Are you feeling well? Or is this training the new skipper so you can just sit back and relax?

 

Terry.

[Maverick Martin]

Martin, are you saying you handed over the keys to your pride and joy (Awol, not Dean!). Are you feeling well? Or is this training the new skipper so you can just sit back and relax?

 

Terry.

I did hand over the keys as I kinda trust the boy, although with a result like that I think I shall take back the helm

 

Martin

[Deep Sea Dean]

Just read this so slightly delayed reaction.

 

But