Saturday 20th

[rich]

I only phoned Mike Fox on the Friday evening to ask for advice about some tackle and the next thing I know is that I am sat on Frisky Fox Saturday morning sipping coffee waiting for the 10.30 bridge lift. Despite being chilly, the sea was flat and we anticipated fishing a couple of marks in the harbour and then motoring / sailing across to the Southbourne area. After a couple of unproductive drifts in the harbour we headed out towards the Haven and the weather deteriorated. Almost all the powerboats that had left us rolling in their wake were now gingerly creeping back into the harbour. Mike stuck the nose outside the Haven but after a few moments we both decided that pleasure was preferable to punishment and Mike set Frisky Fox up for a couple of drifts before returning to the relitive calm of the harbour. I did have a wry smile as people always needed a second look in order to confirm what they had seen... a 30 foot sailing boat in a deliberate drift with a couple of rods over the side. Fishing was quiet and this was confirmed by the other boats we questioned. We landed a few Wrasse between us ( my first attempt with braid and my knots held ) and a gurnard for Mike, but the most important thing for me throughout the day was the amount of information I received. Tackle tips, fishing marks and bait presentation techniques ... by the end of the day my brain was in overload. Another thing that stuck in my mind was the skill in which Mike handled such a large boat in reasonably crowded waters and how he docked Frisky Fox into a berth 6" narrower than the boat I shall never know!

If ever you get the opportunity to crew for Mike on Frisky Fox then grab it with both hands because I can guarantee you are going to learn something.

 

Thanks Mike.

 

Rich (S)