Because Andy and I were limited to a fishing day of 10,00- 4.30. we did not enter the comp. {plus we are crap fishermen ].We headed out from Poole on "Pal-a-mine "on an azure sea with twinkling sunlight ;superb visability;calm sea and virtually no wind.We were surprised at the absence of boats fishing in the harbour,and even out through the swash and around Old Harry,not a boat fishing in sight !.Far out to sea we could see a little cluster of boats."shall we join them?" I asked Andy." Why,he replied,they have never done us any harm !".I agreed and we steamed on across peveril [hardly any waves ,today, and around the end of St Albans Head strait into a very nasty little sea.We slowed down and called up Duncan on Pheaton,who assured us things were "unpleasant "where he was.{I suspect he knew of our reputation and was worried we might join him on such an important day. {only joking Duncan ]. we decided to fish in the area,on the drift. we fitted "rotten bottoms" and drifted West for over an hour ,picking up 1 dog and 1 pout.The most enjoyment was had from listening to the moaning ang grousing from out of sight fisherfolk.We drifted beyond and over St, Aldhams ledge,and by 1oc. we thought the tide would change.I was cold,and it was a little nausiating hiding in the cabin with the heater on. We decided to call it a day and headed homeward, we passed Sheille marie bobbing on the end of peveril,looking very pretty on a , by now calm sea.On a whim we anchored off Ballard to clean up the boat whilst having a last dangle.Almost at once we were Doggie bashing { I really dont care ,a fish is still a fish for all that} and then Andys reel went into "super click" as line pulled off,and he lifted into a very pretty Small eyed ray,which weighed in at 8lb 3oz.A nice end and surprise to our day. WE ACTUALLY CAUGHT A PROPER FISH. ..jack