Leaderboard

Passed through the Bridges at 7.30 am. and stopped in a couple of places for Mackeral. Our first mark only produced small Bass and was very weedy. The second mark was a bit hit and miss but gave us some nice chunky specimens and some Scad. We then tried a couple of spots about 6 miles south of Swanage about an hour before low. During the day we spoke to several Club Boats and heard Marichelle, Jojo, Alfresco and Hydra. The next hour gave us a steady stream of fish. There were plenty of Tope up to 25lbs. Conger to 20lbs, a good selection of Rays up tp14 lbs. A couple of specimen Red Gurnards just under the 1.5 lbs mark, Pout, more Mackeral and Scad and the inevitable doggies and bream. Late afternoon, we moved inshore for a few Plaice. We managed around 20 plus with three keepers on the 2 lbs mark. While we were Plaicing we were listening on Ch 16 to all the Maydays and Pan Pans which seemed never ending. One call was from a small 15 foot fishing with four on board. They were out of Cobbs. Initially, they put out a Mayday, but they had managed to tie onto a red can before the Ferry. The owner explained to the Coast Guard that he was new to boating and had only just got the boat and was using it for the first time. There were four on board with life jackets. The Coast Guard was very sympathetic and professional and explained the difference between a Mayday and a Pan Pan and put out a request for any vessel able to assist with a tow to Cobbs. We thought nothing more about the Pan Pan Relay and proceeded to the Secret Ray Mark. The Rays were very co-operative, especially the Undulates, and Mike managed a Spotted for his Species Hunt. Around 20 hours, we upped anchor and headed in. This was a good couple of hours after the original Mayday/Pan Pan. We came past the Chain Ferry and saw the broken down vessel still attached to the red can. The tide was now ebbing around 5 knots and they were beam on to passing boat traffic and really being bashed about in rough conditions. There was about just over an hours light left by now. We decided to respond to the Coast Guards Pan Pan Relay and were able to lash the vessel alongside with Mike and Jan's help. I was a bit concerned about the height difference of the two boats and had I not been happy at this point, we would have asked for a Lifeboat. Fisheagle was able to protect the vessel from several idiot Gin Palaces speeding through the Harbour. Most vessels slowed down when they saw the situation and a good blast on the horn caught the attention of others. Once we got out of the rough water and near the Island, things improved and we were able to proceed at 4 knots. We did not take any photos of the incident as we did not want to embarrass anyone. The owner could well become a Club Member in the future and will go out with a buddy boat next time. A big thank you to the female Bridge Officer on Condor Liberation who had been monitoring my conversations with the Coast Guard and Harbour Control and who, when I asked her, ensured that the Condor passed with minimum wash. Also, Bridge Conrol for ensuring that our passage through both Bridges was traffic free and unimpeded. Thanks also to Mike and Jan for a nice clean boat and a great day. Finally, a reminder to self after such a stunning day, that there is not much sun cream left on board. Now the fun starts, trying to upload a few fishing pictures.

Good day, finished off with a good deed. Well done on both counts

Well that was a failure, in as much as fishing! Popped out at 9, car park at Mudeford half full already. Saw Steve on Tigerfish (he was in shock hearing "JoJo" on the radio to Mick), had a chat, went off to looks for macs. Nothing, until 40 mind before coming back in. 1 large Mac and 4 pollack (2 big and 2 large Mac size), not good livebait. Gave them a go anyway on a few drifts, last drift, the mackerel is grabbed, gave it time, nothing. I assume its eyes were bigger than its belly! Anyway, nice morning out with eldest daughter, sun shone and it was lovely out there. Usual carnage at ramp on return, very nice of the lad on the gate to offer to help with trailer etc, but I was ok, done this many a time. Nice easy retrieve away from the slip, not sure when others will learn the slip is not the place to leave, deposit, inflate, deflate your craft. Anyway, home for 1 and a single Mac for the BBQ later. Lovely to be out, Rob

Well done Allan, cracking days fishing, well done also for the rescue, a suggested donation to our how fund would not have gone a miss I recon, o and a picture of yan cleaning the boat might have won pic of the month but I don't suppose you were quick enough to capture that! Sorry Yan couldn't resist that, Not just three men on a boat, but three brilliant fishermen, glad you had a great day while some of us were at work. Good luck Colin.

Secret ray mark

Maybe we just need to be in the presence of greatness Jim? R

Have you tried hanging your line over the side and reading a book? It works wonders for Jackie !

[emoji1787] Stainless Steve from Sway, his web site has been under construction for a couple of years now. I bet it’s going to be good. I’ve heard many great things about the guys work, unfortunately he doesn’t ever answer his phone or emails. I gave up trying, so I will never sample his goods. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

my version of rough stuff is if it is a bit cloudy

That's one more than I found yesterday!