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As the species hunt hots up I thought it was time to get off shore for a few rays and a tope. Went out to our mark south of St Alban's. Despite the promising weather forecast, the sea was horrible. Moved to an Inshore mark and caught all day, but no monsters. Plenty of Bream to 1.5 lbs, congers, dogs, wrasse, small rays ( not the ones I wanted). Some large ballans and other mini species and one three beared rockling to Ray Ashby. We took special feathers for mackerel but didn't use them. Had a nice Cuttle that left its mark behind.the

With the weather we have had the last few days I-managed to squeeze in two trips. First day was chasing Bass with a huge tide and J2 and a friend celebrating his 71st birthday, 7.30 bridge and we all felt a few live bait would help our plan, no birds no mackerel or Scad so we managed enough Pouting, though not easy. Off to our chosen bank and fish from the start, smallest probably 3.5lbs most around and over 5lbs and best going 9lbs. We had two triple hook ups and and lots of doubles which caused chaos with the landing net. J2 stuck with Shads which produced the biggest fish of the day, Martin the birthday boy used live baits and dead baits, I did initially but went to SPJ as the tide eased and even had one drift with a whole squid on a circle which again produced a fish. We only had 2 blank drifts all day! Saw Kingfisher who had also had a red letter day, if only we managed a few more wind free days

Looks like it's trying to phone home! R

The plan day two was to go sharking but unfortunately J2 couldn’t make it so another plan came together and Stuie was collected to make the 9.30 lift. Traffic was much better than i expected so we had plenty of time to tackle up and a cuppa before leaving Cobbs, arriving at the bridge we were told there was an RTA and the 9.30 was not going to happen. Thankfully we only had a 15minute delay. I still needed a Thornback for the species hunt so that was the plan. After Stuie had had five congers and me two with other bits and pieces in 30 minutes we moved!! This proved a good idea, however no Thornbacks, Stuie was on fire and we managed 9 Small Eyed and a nice Undulate of 12lbs, I had the dogfish side of the boat but still had a few Small Eyed and a Conger or two. We fished for under four hours and caught a lot of fish but unfortunately not the target required. Returning at the 14.30 bridge, a great day out with Stuie, lots of banter and a happy tired angler was dropped back at Cobbs at 15.00. Oh if only the weather played ball a bit more!!!!!

We have camped in Burnbake site on the Rempstone Estate, not much has changed here for centuries and it shows with the bird count for two walks totalling 19 miles. The tally is impressive and a first siting for me. Cross bills. Coal tits. Kestrel. Jackdaws. Curlew. Chaffinch. Wren. Buzzard. Wood pigeon. Greater spotted woodpecker Serin. Robin. Raven. Collar dove. Dartford warbler Goldfinch. Song thrush. Rooks. Tawny owls overnight. Siskin Long tailed tits. Meadow pipits. Crow. Pied wagtails. White throat Blue tits. Chiff chaff. Jay Gold crest. Cormorants Great tits. Green finch. Magpie. Fire crest. Egret The crossbills have eluded me for decades so I was very pleased to see so many. Such beautiful scenery especially up above Corfe on the ridge that runs all the way to Old Harry. Not so good on my Deer’s maybe Sika and Fallow

I didn't hear it tweeting on channel 6. 😄

I'd suggest Sika, I'd confirm if in focus! R

Sometimes I m my own boss and sometimes I’m told I’m not. We have a farm standards inspection looming and that is derailing my fishing aspirations a bit. so martin , it may not be soon but I’d love to Be a guest on madness in due course.

Don’t worry Greg we will take advantage of your gift of good weather 😂 hope your recovery isn’t too long even if it does put a damper on the weather

Martin you would be more than welcome out on Madness. keep an eye on the crew threads or message if you would like a message when I’m going out. Wind and tides look great for next week but I’ve not checked with the other half yet

Nice one allan, but don't buy that racing pigeon unless it's on its way home from africa! 😄

Thanks Chris and everyone for your kind wishes and comments. Although the op went well the recovery time is going to be far more than expected. Typical me impatient!!! This year’s fishing for me has been pretty rough due to the knee issue. However, looking forward to getting out in about 4 to 6 weeks time[emoji106] And yes, that is when the weather will change!!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk