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Wow, An Alderney trip where not only was the weather good. But it was a stable forecast in the lead up and we could be confident that the trip was on. Gear was loaded and Ice into two coolers on Thursday. Friday 22nd a very early start as the sun rose at Cobbs Quay before 0600 we were off No sign of birds inshore so we pushed on and found some Pollack on the wrecks Plus a few other things that like sidewinders We did not stop too long on the wrecks, before pushing on past Alderney and the Caskets lighthouse to the banks. Lots of Launce, a single mackerel and sardine/pilchard plus three Turbot. It was soon time to get into the harbour and pick up a mooring. Clean the boat up and head ashore in the water taxi. We stopped for a pint in the moorings and met up to compare notes with Ian and Steve. They had enjoyed a similar day. Taxi up the hill to our accommodation, which was already feeling a tad warm. But at least Kevin was on the quiet side of the hotel, in a room with a view. Lol Saturday We knew this would be a long one, as Reel Magic cannot do a four day trip without a fuel stop. Prior to the trip I had checked prices and was astonished that the diesel price, even at the cheaper rate was £2.14 per ltr. I cross checked with boatworks at Guernsey, another surprise as their price is £1.06/ltr We would have to add 30 miles to the days milage, but as we needed 400ltrs , its a no brainer. For the first time ever Dave and Reel Magic would visit Guernsey. Fishing was very slow for us with just one flatty, so mid afternoon we headed South. Dave was being cautious as he did not know what to expect. I think he was a little pleased and surprised, that the waterway known as Little Russel is so massive. Fuel onboard and another 12 volt battery installed, we enjoyed an ice cream in the sunshine [Thanks Kev] before leaving and heading North again to try the Schole Banks. an area we always used to fish but is now trawled out. We were joined by a pod of large dolphins 20260523_185203.mp4 They were still around as we cruised to the Island, enjoying the sight and the company. 20260523_194904.mp4 We ate on route as it was going to be late as we arrived back in Bray, but what great weather We may have been late but we managed to squeeze a beer or too in before walking up the hill for a quick shower. and more Guiness. Fishing has declined over the years but the trip remains great fun. Sunday Another great days weather and time for Tigerfish to head home via some wrecks and banks. No doubt Steve will update us with his reports. We tried a different area and enjoyed slightly better sport. even though we had more doggies than I have ever seen here, we also had a few nice flatties Dave had the last one, but also our biggest The wind and tide got a little awkward, with lines going under the boat, and Dave was not happy. So we decided to try another old haunt of speedy rock. we had saved mackerel heads for this plan and were soon anchored up to see if Tope were around, which unfortunately they were not. However there were some obliging Bull Huss to double figures. We did not stay long as the tide started to really push, but at least these were better than doggies. Back into harbour, water taxi ashore and back to the pubs. The moorings had a DJ blaring it out and Dave was with the beat. 20260524_200907.mp4 Not sure Mark who is a DJ, enjoyed it as much as the locals were. Before another walk up that damn hill, a shower and really nice last night meal in the Thai restaurant. The locals from the moorings finished up having a Karaoke night in the hotel bar, so we gave up on an early night for one last beer in there. Monday By now the weather was a little harder to predict, but we had a plan so by 0900 everything was loaded and off we go. Steady passage to the first wreck. But once we arrived it was a good one, by drift No 2 we had all managed some pollack. Steady retrieves meant the small ones could go back, but the bait tank was filling up steadily. Wreck hopping as we headed home was good with a few fish here and there. we were expecting building seas, but as we got nearer to Poole it calmed right down. Wew were all a bit tired by now, 4 day trips can do that too you. Cant they Kev in the calmer weather we could take a few pictures and start to sort fish out What a great trip. Excellent company, lots of good company and plenty of laughs. We had fished hard, and caught a variety of fish. Not up to the old standards but the flatties were all keeper size. Sorting the fish to various coolers at the end, we certainly did well Thanks Dave for another great trip on Reel Magic. I am sure we will be planning other things soon. One last thought. All the best Charlie

Great weekend, did not see a cloud for four days. But the sea is still cold, which kept the breeze cool and temp a lot lower than in Poole. I estimate it was 10 degrees less. report to follow when recovered.

You’ve pretty much summarised my report in those few words Jim. I know you guys like a big fish alongside a big grin in your favourite photos. These elements didn’t come together on this trip but for us we tried something new exciting and gained plenty of new skills. I was preoccupied for much of the week trying to get a crew and am grateful to J2 who furnished me with a host of well proven fishing and nav tips for this venture. I wanted to treat my daughters soon to be father in law to a trip and fearing the unknown and the Portland race wanted someone wise and well informed who had been there before. I got Hooky. Hooky declared his excitement at the prospect of white water rafting with alive mackerel for bass. A little odd since I was organising a Turbot trip. Spent Saturday afternoon fixing rod tips, darning the holes in my landing net, reclaiming my petrol tanks which had gone farming, and so on and last but not least Putting the bung in👏. Steve and I left by five on Sunday morning. Now trailering is always a worry. It saves me masses in mooring fees but it has its challenges. So ten miles into my trips I pull over and do a load check. Good job I did it on Sunday. I was met with a healthy plume of smoke coming off both wheels😕. This must surely put paid to our trip🤧. Both wheels.🤔. Thats brakes, not bearings. Why are they binding. 🤔. 😩🙄😖Doh😖 Because I left the handbrake on after fitting a new jockey wheel last week. Dont normally use the handbrake because the drums bind so it’s not normally on. New day /school day and we hadn’t got going yet. Weymouth harbour slip. Despite the above got there by 7.30. I have never used it before and wanted to be early to beat the bank holiday rush. In the event it didn’t seem to get oversubscribed. It’s an easy slip and the car parking is well designed. Expensive at £26! It’s only a five minute walk to the helpful Weymouth Angling shop, open at7.00. You do get access to washroom facilities at the harbour office. Had no trouble launching at neap water low. Saw other trailers going to Portland . Now for our holiday snaps If we are the good guys , what must pirates had looked like. what a day, what a prospect. we trolled the Portland harbour entrance in the background. Some fish finder hits but neither sabikis or fladen whites did the business And when we got out there. Maybe it was too quiet. It was not long before we had a few launce It was going to be ages before we had anything else . Drifts were slow, sea-state was languid and with hindsight I wish we had followed a more “Follow the pack” routine. My helmsman hankered after a different kind of adventure. It happens that I have prior experience of such jaunts. Thats Gummage in the fetching pink hat in 2015 on the Zambezi. I didn’t catch much that day either and everyone bar my son and the skipper ended up swimming. Im not sure which way up the photo is supposed to be!? Moving on! Late afternoon and most folk had left the banks .and a few new optimists were powering in. But it was flat I was anxious to show my new guest any result. Lulworth banks beckoned. On an imperceptible drift there , half a dozen Bream fell to Squid baits. Thee red gurnard and a cuckoo joined in. The new father in law and me ate one of the bream (guess 1lb 6oz) and a stout red gurnard for tea tonight. All other specimens returned, except mr Hook Mission accomplished

I was on board as well, it was hard work just two smallish flatties 1 brill and one turbot.

Well done Martin and crew for your efforts . and as always a frank and honest report. Its always good to read that your wish to fish that area in Endeavor worked out for you and well done J2 for behind the scenes help. Neither the bait fish or flatties are exactly abundant, but good to see you had a few fish at the end. Charlie

Great report, sounds like you had a great time and some decent fishing to match the weather.

Well done guys a great trip, weather, company and a few nice fish thrown in too. 👍👏 Great report Charlie. 👍

Thanks Charlie. Brilliant report. Well done all on such a fantastic trip.

Well done Martin, 100% again for your report, and you saved the day on Lulworth Banks. Looked stunning👍

Great. Thanks Martin.

Just got back at 11.30pm. After a 4.30 am start. We survived ! unfortunately so did the Turbots🫩.