Wedger

Hardback Series 2 MoD 1966, First privately registered 1976. Petrol Rebuilt on a new chassis 4 years ago New MoT Tax exempt Much Military pack remains Offers around

I had the great pleasure of joining Rob Thompson on Shogun a few weeks ago to have an early crack at the plaice. A very dark start required with this one for the long cruise out to Selsey Bill. However, with the fridge stuffed to the top with homemade sausage and fresh bacon we were fully entertained and occupied every moment. On arrival we could see that our work was cut out. The water was a little murky to say the least and with the light threatening to hide behind each passing cloud, this wouldn't be easy. But as Rupert quite rightly pointed out, someone has to be the first to crack it ........... let it be us. To start the day Rob gave us a drift or two which produced the first spotty to young Master Morrall to show us how it's done, a fitting and encouraging start. With another spotty or two on board conditions dictated we'd probably do better anchored and let the passing plaice sniff out the baits. The change of tactics gave us the opportunity to fish multiple baits and increase our chances. We enjoyed a variety of sport all day with rays, smoothhounds, bream, wrasse and dabs all punctuated with the odd plaice as a just reward for the effort. Most of the plaice were a little thin, a sign that the season was not quite underway, but by now (two weeks on) there will have been a great improvement. and a nice one for the Skipper Swiftly followed by the bonus fish of the day to Rob......a Sole thumping the scales down to 2.5lbs A big thanks to the Fitzpatrick crew for having me along and Rup for getting me a slot, and of coarse, thanks to Rob for a cracking day's entertainment. Anyone fancy a go............... I feel another trip coming on.

This is a 1995 N reg with 165,000 miles, Diesel TD 300 engine. Mechanically in exceptional order having been meticulously serviced and kept up. Currently uses less than 0.5 litres of oil between 5,000 mile services. I've personally driven this vehicle since 26,000 miles. Taxed to end of August 08, 11 months MoT. Has fully up-rated, heavy duty suspension and carries up to 1.5 tonnes, will tow 3.5 tonnes. Heavy duty wheels and tyres. Tachograph fitted. A very capable vehicle. Larger pictures in my gallery. Offered at

Yes....... Power steering only really gives you the sh1t5, when you have two engines, but the steering is powered by one. Mariners in this situation feel invinsible until they loose the left engine.......................... They can go in circles for hours............. However, if you only have one engine...... you've probably made provision for its loss, and can get home. I'd still prefer manual hydraulic on anything below 3.5 tonnes.......... just me

The only reason I would use frozen sea water is if it was in direct contact with the fish. In this case I would not want osmotic uptake of fresh water into the flesh and ruin the fish from water saturation. With sea water the osmotic balance is maintained equal salt in the water and the flesh.....

You just can't take the science out of the science teacher.......... Anything will do Dan................even the milk for your onboard cuppa. The media used can only be as cold as the appliance used to cool it. A. J. will correct me if I'm wrong ............ but the stored energy is similar across most media that we might use. Those that are claimed to have a lasting cooling effect such as these freezer blocks simply release their stored energy more slowly. They are probably best used for maintaining the temperature of items pre chilled. For short term rapid chilling of warmer items I would use a less dense media such as frozen water. Melts quicker, therefore cools/preserves faster........ IMHO

Two systems available though!! Hydraulic steering (Powered (by engine)) and Hydraulic steering (manual) I don't have it yet!! but from what I gather, for our size of boat, the manual type hydraulic will do without being power assisted. I am about to order the manual type!

Quite right my 'Porky-More-Plumply-too-Friend' We tested this last year, by dodging through a hail of lime-and-lemon rinds, just before spring high. quite exhilarating

Scrap the Danforth and get a Bruce (or look-a-like. ). For really rocky stuff, a wire grapple may do, but trip it and be prepared to loose the odd one. IMHO Spot on Gnasher T

Dave.... you'll love her to bits, but get real kidda, nobody in our line-a-business needs to wait for the Birmingham Navy or the Riche G P's........... Take a quiet moment and offer her up to the bridge. I'm not encouraging anything wreckless here, but I 'tee'd' Otter up and found by careful alignment and masthead down, we made most tides easy. Happy hunting chaps.

sorry this is a quick knod. I visited Fawley about 29 years ago for a College tour. I was apauled then, that so many fish came off the screens dead, that the employees could not use them all and many just went to waist.

Slam Dunc..........

I change the impeller each season and keep a spare onboard.

Nice one Coddy! See you on the tide.

Larger image in gallery Wedger

first attempt

Thanks for all the info Billy, that's great stuff. I'm having a go with 200lb Dacron at the mo and will post a photo or two. Most grateful chap T

Thanks muchly chaps. I'm sending someone on a reccy.......... Well actually a friend and nabour is contemplating, but I quite fancy it too T

Hi Billy, It's for making the loop links for assist hooks. I've decided to make my own, bespoke to the lures I am also making - to make sure I get them just the right size AND cheaper. Not sure it can be done with fly line do you know anything? T

Done Not the reel heavy stuff and is waxex so would need to be stripped but i'll have a go. Cheers

Who has been? Where's recommended for halibut & cod etc. Log cabin lodge prefered Tell me what you know please......... a May trip in the offing.

It would be for knotless traces and assist hooks. A similar system to the knotless loop connections to fly fishing line.

Does anyone know of a supply of high test hollow braid - 300 - 600 lb range?

No probs with the tow. I can drag 3.5 tons with my landy. Otters trailer is OK but would prefer something better.

Got anything in mind Dave?