TomBettle Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 (edited) Just had a very tiring, but hugely rewarding 24 hours after being invited to join a group of anglers fishing aboard Andrew Alsop's Milford Haven based boat White Water III. It was a rather lumpy day at sea that involved several people losing their breakfast and lunch over the side and all of us getting a thorough soaking in the tide races whilst feathering up the bait and then it was time to head way offshore to the shark grounds that Andrew knows so well. Minutes after the first bait was in the water one of the guys was in, but on his heavy (by today's standards) tackle the hooks pulled close to the boat. Not to worry as only ten minutes went by before the next reel screamed off and then as that was being played another did too. A few minutes later and we had a fish of about 90lb at the boat and another of about 75lb. A quick photo session and both fish were returned none the worse for wear, albeit somewhat bemused and possibly a little annoyed by the whole experience. This pattern continued through the day which ended with no monsters, but a total of 14 Blue Sharks to 90lb along with something bigger and shyer hanging around the boat all day, but not making a personal appearance, just leaving his calling card of slash marks in the baits that were being put down. I was singularly unsuccessful! My own rod seemed devoid of life. It was the rod set bang half way between the furthest baits and the closest just under the boat. It would get the odd metre of line pulled off the reel by an inquisitive customer, but never did anything solid happen. In fact the most exciting time on my rod was when a big free swimming Blue Shark actually broached over my float and with pinpoint accuracy tail slapped it before disappeaing.... It was towards the end of the day, that after I had blanked and crew man Julian had managed to get two fingers bitten to the bone (when you are told not to put your fingers in a sharks mouth, it's worth paying attention....) that fellow angler, Steve, produced a banana from his lunch box and it all became clear! Anyway, feeling sorry for me, another angling pal, also Steve, who had already had five fish(!), past me his rod, as it screamed off with another fish just as skipper Andrew was calling last orders. I gratefully took the rod, but rather unsurprisingly, just as my luck had been all day, the fish turned out to be the smallest of and incredible team day at possibly no more than 20lb. One may think I was a little dissapointed by the day, but to the contrary. It was an amazing day afloat. Few places in the world can provide sport like that. I mean 14 sharks in one day (all returned)!!!! We had no leviathons, but Porgies regularly turn up and Andrew's anglers have beaten the British Blue Shark record on previous occasions. Plus there is the distinc possibility of a fish like a Mako making an appearance eventually. A UK first? To cap off everything else, Andrew and I had a chat a couple of nights before about trying out a makeshift shark cage and seeing if we could learn to get some good underwater footage. Little did I know quite how makeshift the cage would be, but when a laundry trolley ("borrowed" from the local hospital) turned up and they strapped some fenders to the top I realised just what I was letting myself in for... I am aware that there may be a west country outfit trying to offer shark cage diving experiences, but we don't think (please correct us if we are wrong) they have managed to attract the sharks so when our action was thick and fast we believe we may be the first to actually get underwater pictures of Blue Sharks in the UK. Initially I was planning on simply freediving with the fish... Come on, they're only Blue Sharks! But I am so pleased that Andrew encouraged me into the cage as these girls were aggressive. Just on the edge of visibility I would catch glimpses (or was it simply my eyes playing tricks on me) of dark shadows cruising excitedly in the chum slick and the inky darkness in the 300 foot depths below made for an uneasy feeling. Made uneasier by the state of some of the baits that were coming in. And then the fish that were at the cage were not happy to be there. One actually broached over the top of the cage hitting me flat in the face and knocking my mask off. Ok she was only about 75 or 80lb, but she was moving like lightening and her sparkling white grin was not coming from a mouth I really wanted to be kissing. Another fish after being returned was pretty intent on getting through the bars of the cage and came at it twice before finally heading out of sight for good. www.pbsbac.co.uk/photoalbum/albums/userpics/10174/thumb_It_didn_t_manage_to_eat_me_so_it_finally_left_.JPG The pics aren't great, but I was using a borrowed camera, I was cacking myself and these blighters weren't hanging around.... Wow what a day! Thanks to all onboard, especially Andrew and crewman Julian for making the whole day such a superb success. I can't wait to get out with you again soon, when hopefully I'll catch a couple myself and maybe we can sharpen up on this underwater malarky! Just on a final note, we were treated to a spectacular acrobatic display from a huge pod of Dolphins that stayed with us for most of the day. They were literally all around the boat and came an went for what seemed like hours. Tom Edited August 5, 2008 by TomBettle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 hi tom, nice trip im sorry you didnt get amongst the fish. but what memories bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomBettle Posted August 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 I didn't really need to Bill. I've had more than my fair share of big fish to be happy just being there and taking pictures. The anticipation Listening to the take Watching the fight Seeing the fish at the boat Seeing the fish returned Awesome! And I am back out again in October! Big thanks have to go to Adam for the lone of his camera!!!! Please can I borrow it again?! Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick Martin Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 Tom what an experience so so cool and thanks for sharing it with us. Am I jealous you bet lol Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overrun Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 simply awesome, and thanks for sharing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam F Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 Nice report Tom - sound awesome. You didnt do a bad job of the photos - its a bit of a nack. If you have any you want clearing up, send them over - Photoshop can work wonders on underwater images. Big thanks have to go to Adam for the lone of his camera!!!! Please can I borrow it again?! Of course........ I'd rather come with you, even if it wasnt to fish, I could bring my gear and do the underwater photos? (i'd rather fish though!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomBettle Posted August 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 Adam Oddly there is quite a queue forming to come along, but rest assured, you are near the top of the list. If anyone is interested, Andrew would be happy to take diary bookings for this year (if available) and next. I'd be more than happy to go back, but it's a long way and it may be worth booking a couple of days at the same time and then staying up there. I may be able to wangle celebrity crew and you'll be sure to get some cracking photographic memories. Current boat cost for some serious fishing is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
great white Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 Hi Tom Nice report mate, what a day you had even in its hayday Looe would not have matched that for numbers. We had simular numbers on the Tope at Alderney in May, the fish were less than half that size but the sport amazing, so I know you must have really enjoyed it. As for getting into a shoping trolley to take photo's are you mad, I don't think even my lads would do that Nice pictures though. I hear there are some beasts around here, when can we get Alfresco and Quest 2 out after them?? Crew should be no problem, any other boats fancy it ? ? Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnasher Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 Crew should be no problem Your not wrong there wink wink nudge nudge. Tom, awsome stuff mate, i love the pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just add water Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 great pictures tom well done and dad your wrong id jump at the chance to get in the water with sharks Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Posted August 5, 2008 Report Share Posted August 5, 2008 (edited) Reading reports like this, I can see why this sport can become totally addictive. Great write up Tom, I would have loved to get in that cage, I bet you got a great adrenaline rush! Edited August 5, 2008 by Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomBettle Posted August 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2008 Reading reports like this, I can see why this sport can become totally addictive. Great write up Tom, I would have loved to get in that cage, I bet you got a great adrenaline rush! Yes the adrenalin was pumping which probably served me well to stop me from drowning. We learned a lot on that first go. 1) A glorified shopping trolley works as a cage, but the wheels have to go - they just look silly from underwater 2) Don't put your fingers in an angry sharks mouth - it doesn't matter how small it is Julian! 3) Don't tether the cage tight to the boat - 8 tonnes of boat in a rough sea continually landing on the divers head gets a bit wearing after half an hour 4) It isn't a hugely good idea to allow the shark into the cage with the diver 5) You can't breath under water, don't even try. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomBettle Posted August 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2008 I've just "borrowed" this picture from one of my co-anglers over on WSF. I think it's pretty good as it shows our shopping trolley, sorry errr shark cage, in the water with a shark alongside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neal Posted August 6, 2008 Report Share Posted August 6, 2008 Well done Tom!!!!!!! Well, we have all seen the fantastic documentaries on the Discovery Channel with famous people venturing into the water in incredibly expensive, lightweight, high strength steel cages with the latest scuba and camera gear.......... Now, with that Great British "Eddie the Eagle" spirit - we launch Tom into the briney amongst the sharks in a ..................glorified shopping trolley. Well done lads, lets show those Jacques Cousteaux boys that we know how to live. I feel a Channel 4 documentary being scheduled.........at least then no-one will see it. Neal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomBettle Posted August 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2008 A few more pics for anyone interested. These all come from fellow angler Gareth Whittington of Svendsen Sports. Thanks Gareth for use fo the photo's. Tom Smile! An angry Blue Shark rolls by the cage Another Blue by the cage Andrew Alsop returns another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petesnr Posted August 9, 2008 Report Share Posted August 9, 2008 I had a couple of holidays in Pembrokeshire a few years ago and the rumours of plentiful shark were going around then. It seems like the area is an oasis in our barren seas! But it is about time some of the bigger boats in the club had a serious go off Poole for a shark. We know that there are porbeagle and thresher out there it's just a question of a few boats making the commitment for a day or two rather than wrecking or anchoring. I'm sure Tom's report has got the blood stirring and I look forward to hearing of the first club boat to get amongst them. By the way if anyone wants crew............ peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
great white Posted August 11, 2008 Report Share Posted August 11, 2008 No problem with commitment Peter, I have a few Members very keen to get out and have a go Its just getting some predictable weather and an oportunity Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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