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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

Photo of the month winner

Solent Gilthead 2-9, my PB

A turbot for Ian

Well what a long weekend that was, flat seas and unbroken sunshine ☀️ Great report Charlie you summed it up perfect, it was brilliant to make the trip again with good company shame young Dave has to tangle you up so much 😂😂 Had turbot for Dinner last night and beautiful it was I can see we go to those lengths to get delicious fish 🐟 Thanks Dave for the invite also Charlie and Mark for making another memorable trip👏👍 Kev

Violet with her 2-3 bream