Gnasher Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 Tom caught them on balanced kit using a lot of angling skill and competitive or not has IMHO earned the right to talk about it. Charlie I think its an awsome achievement! Quote
Bream on Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 Tom caught them on balanced kit using a lot of angling skill and competitive or not has IMHO earned the right to talk about it. Charlie I echo Charlies comments. Though I'm a relatively new member, there are a fair few of us who have put in many rod hours trying to alleviate Charlie of his club record. Well Done Tom Will Quote
TomBettle Posted June 17, 2009 Author Report Posted June 17, 2009 (edited) LOL It's all just some fun gents. For Rob Francis: As I am aware that you are keen to know, I was using: 1) Penn Waveblaster 20/30 4 piece travel rod 2) Penn TRQ200 and Power Pro Braid of 30lb with an Amnesia 13.6kg top shot 3) The rig was supplied courtesy of Moonfleet Angling (although I usually tie my own). For Neal: I went for a day's fishing with Charlie. The fact a comp was on was a coincidence, but hey ho, i'll pay my Edited June 17, 2009 by TomBettle Quote
Adam F Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 It was mentioned tongue in cheek.... however sometimes conger get a rough time due to what is considered a low 100% specimen size @ 40lb. Still a 67lb conger is equal to a 16lb bass, 42lb cod or a 32lb turbot. Does make you think about PJ's comments about specimen sizes though? Dont at all want to take away from Tom's superb catch (really mean that - well dont Mr but I'd wager a 67lb conger is easier to catch than a 32lb turbot!! Quote
TomBettle Posted June 17, 2009 Author Report Posted June 17, 2009 but I'd wager a 67lb conger is easier to catch than a 32lb turbot!! I agree 100% Adam. Hence the comment about the record standing for so long and how "our" Poole eels seem to be smaller than those to the East and West... Quote
duncan Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 thanks for the confidence Adam - and yes of course it was TIC for the sake of clarity I believe the actual fishing feat overall to be a solid combination of skipper and angler I wasn't aiming to stir up a debate over specimen weights (they are what they are) but I do agree with the observations you (Adam) make. I did predict this capture (sitting at the Maris on Friday night) almost exactly - I was 3lb out (but that doesn't make it any less of a feat) I will predict that it will get broken again this year - probably on the same boat at that 200% will be the mark by the end of the year. Whilst there are species that are difficult to find at specimen weights in our waters (ling and coalfish spring to mind) the congers are there. One more time - a great angling feat overall. Finally a question for Tom - is this a pb? Quote
TomBettle Posted June 17, 2009 Author Report Posted June 17, 2009 Finally a question for Tom - is this a pb? No where near Duncan. Please see my (also tonge in cheek - see smilies) earlier post aimed at individuals, including you. PB weighed 82lb PB estimated 86lb Quote
duncan Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 Finally a question for Tom - is this a pb? No where near Duncan. Please see my (also tonge in cheek - see smilies) earlier post aimed at individuals, including you. PB weighed 82lb PB estimated 86lb apology - in my haste to clarify I had only scanned that post (badly!) I'm sure you are as aware as I am of similar opportunities within club waters...well maybe beyond casting but not the mid channel wrecks. Quote
great white Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 Hi Duncan/Neal When I talked to Tom last week about trying to get him out fishing while his boat is in for repair, he said he would love to come on a general offshore trip. With the hope to get his line pulled by a weighty fish and also maybe a go at cod/pollack. I offered him a trip at the weekend when the weather gave us a green light for both days, even if it meant it would have to be at short notice if he could change Abbeys mind. When he did get the go ahead he booked in for the comp even before he could confirm with me, {we were offshore] I expect he hoped for a large specimen, but also wanted too support Adams request for more Members to take part. [ better not get on to that subject ] This is just background I know Tom can give and take stick, he got enough on Sunday and I will leave that too him But I wonder that if these fish are so average where the above average ones are? [answers on a post card please phone ,e mail anything Please ] I make no excuse or secret that the boys and I enjoy congering : , but in all the years I have done so, I have never managed to get over a wreck that produces fish to make these mediocre. [62lb is my PB by the way] That includes fishing large comps and conger championships in weymouth and Plymouth when it had a reputation for the odd 100lb eel. That aside its only fishing and its only for fun. We don't fish for eels for badges or trophies we do it because they fight back. and they go back well afterwards Tom I would love to join you as soon as Dan and the boys have sorted that engine. If it drags on, you are more than welcome on Alfresco, Duncan you are also welcome any time. Charlie Quote
great white Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 OOps forgot I will lighten the mood when I can post the video footage Toms laughing policman impression when a line parted is well worth listening too , I wish I had the skill to edit it to play it back over and over as Dan does using the camera. and Tom's tiptoe around the conger in flip flops is also worth a look. as soon as I can I will try and get it on here, I may brin it over to you Tom Charlie Quote
Neal Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 Tom, all comments again tongue in cheek........refer to your previous post when night fishing out of Weymouth for congers! I am glad for Tom or anyone else who capture a record fish for Club or otherwise. I too am surprised that the Club Conger record is "only" 67lb - but I also bet it will not last very long - with Alfresco and one of it's crew bettering it time and again. As Charlie say's he loves fishing for them - most people probably don't. Once again well done to you Tom and all that targeted and got near or over specimen sized fish last weekend - the list is impressive. Neal Quote
Paul D Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 Didn't lighten my mood as I seem to recall it was my line that parted ! - and before anyone goes onto knots being poor it was actually broken 2 inches below the leader to braid knot. It was awesome and a priviledge to :- 1) Watch Tom battle with an eel that dived back all the way to the bottom not once but twice and 2) To be put on the wreck with superb precision not once but twice. ( Precision anchoring Gordon - I have seen it in action ) No luck at all in the feat ( if there was then I would have one as well !! ). Quote
TomBettle Posted June 17, 2009 Author Report Posted June 17, 2009 Didn't lighten my mood as I seem to recall it was my line that parted ! - and before anyone goes onto knots being poor it was actually broken 2 inches below the leader to braid knot. It was awesome and a priviledge to :- 1) Watch Tom battle with an eel that dived back all the way to the bottom not once but twice and 2) To be put on the wreck with superb precision not once but twice. ( Precision anchoring Gordon - I have seen it in action ) No luck at all in the feat ( if there was then I would have one as well !! ). Paul All I can say is that it was a pleasure to share a deck with you. I was truly enlightened during our discussions on ceating "faux" antique fishing tackle. And seeing the benefits of having just enough line to reach the bottom. And not to mention how using a Canal Fishing Rod is great entertainment for the rest of the crew. Seriously. It was a very good day's fishing. Perhaps we all remember hearing regular stories of ton up eels and we've all seen the picture of the British Record at almost exactly twice the size of "our" new one, but the numbers of triple figure fish have dropped dramatically and it has been a while since I had an 80 from my reef mark in Weymouth.... On the Poole Bay wrecks we do have to fish rather hard for a 40 nowadays and it does seem that a 40 Tope is an easier catch... There! I've talked myself into it! My 66 and 67's are truly phenomenal achievements!!!! No doubt, they will stand as testament to my angling skills for many many years to come. Tom Quote
JIMBOB Posted June 19, 2009 Report Posted June 19, 2009 Amazing stuff!! Ive been chasing that conger record for a while!! well done Charlie and Tom, im going to have to try a little bit harder now!! James Quote
great white Posted June 19, 2009 Report Posted June 19, 2009 Hi James My money was always on you and your Golden orbs I am still 100% sure that if you were able to fish like you used too it would have gone ages ago. We both have a bigger target now mate. best regards Charlie Quote
Maverick Martin Posted June 19, 2009 Report Posted June 19, 2009 Well done Alfresco crew adn Tom of course Martin Quote
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