Osprey

This is a really interesting topic with some very helpful advice. I've long realised that the most difficult, troublesome and downright dangerous process we have to endure is anchoring, or rather retrieving! For a long time, I was wary of the Alderney method from my Bristol Channel days with frequent stories of small boats going down stern first firmly attached by their rear ends. But the one constant problem I have on Osprey is the damn windlass, winch or whatever you call it (and I've called it lots of unrepeatable things!) When the winch works, it's great! but it jams, cuts out and generally gives me grief on too many occasions. I'm on my second one now and I wish I'd stuck with the Alderney set up that I started with. I still have the kit but I now have one of those self launching bow rollers (with a Delta anchor)which I think would fold under the pressure of an Alderney pick up. So I really need to put the old bow roller back on. I also know I have too much chain for the Alderney set up, about 20m, but I have a spare Bruce with less chain and 200m of warp in the locker but don't feel confident to use it Alderney style with the current bow roller. So reading your various bits of advice has been very helpful. Lots of thinking to do now! Thanks Martyn

Hi Charlie I'm going to try and get out, but not sure if I can make it yet. Hadn't planned it but that forecast looks good. Do you reckon there will still be a few Whiting about? If I go I will head for a mile or two south of the Needles light I think. I'll try Ch 6. Martyn

Thanks Dave Yes looking forward to May as well. At least it shouldn't be as cold as yesterday, (but you never know!) M

Hello Charlie Good to be back! Let's see how we do tomorrow! Keep at it Greg, at least you can nip off for a pint when you get cold! Martyn

Thanks Martin. I agree, so I gave myself the ultimate ultimatum - Use it or lose it! It's not that I don't love it, but other things kept getting in the way. But I've got my priorities right now. I'll give you a shout tomorrow (in between landing fish for my crew!) Channel 6? Martyn

Hello all, After a year or so of lapsed membership (and lapsed fishing!) I'm back. My New Year resolution "to get out more" is working so far and if I get out tomorrow on my third January trip as planned, I will have done as many trips this year already as I did all of last year! I'll let you know how I get on. Great to be back, and I look forward to catching up on all the Club news, but I've already see you've had some great catches. Martyn

Thank you everyone! That all sounds like good advice to me. I think the first thing I must do is plug in the shore power to make sure the batteries are fully charged. I never bothered to do this last year as I was expecting to be out a lot more than I actually was. Two trips in the last 6 months can't have helped. Of course, we all know the solution! Get out more! Both batteries are pretty new, so hopefully it's not those breaking down. Again, thanks to all who have given advice. It's all very encouraging. Now, where are my rods? Martyn

Thanks Mark, I'll try that. martyn

As I'm a total dunce with (among other things!) boat engines, can any of you clever guys help me with this? Osprey's engine is a Volvo Penta AD41DP and is (touch wood) running well after last season's problems. But.... When I switch on the ignition, the warning lights come on, as they should, I wait a few seconds and the Electrical charging warning light then flashes and the alarm sounds telling me the generator is not charging, (how could it, the engine isn't running yet!) The voltmeter is showing 12 volts, as it should. Then I start the engine and the alarm stops, the warning light goes out and the voltmeter reads 14 volts, as it should. Once or twice the alarm has sounded and light come on when I'm running and using extra electrical power such as raising the tilt. The electrician at the marina has checked it all and can find nothing wrong and suggests a new alternator, but that is going to be expensive and I think he is just guessing. Has anyone got any ideas please? Martyn p.s. Bloody awful weather still, isn't it?

I would imagine, with a fair tide running, the chains are going to pretty taught back and front. Beam on, that ferry isn't exactly stream lined! I remember that video of an elderly couple with their sailing dinghy banged up against the side and the wife getting swept right under. She survived but it was not pleasant to watch! Stay safe you Poole guys! Martyn

I used to think demijohns were knee length long johns until I started making wine! I made two types. Vinegar and Syrup. Both were rubbish so I reverted to using the demis to fetch draft beer from the pub to drink at home! And of course, you had to drink it all the same night. Those were the days. Martyn

Well done guys for reporting a "normal" day. Adam, getting that braid off your prop must have been a nightmare, especially in those conditions. You deserve better luck next time. Martyn

Thanks Charlie and Jim I'm ok Charlie and after all that work on the boat she ought to be on top form too. Time will tell Don't follow me Jim, I only find the barren spots Martyn

Tempting Dave. Very tempting!

Hello everyone. I slipped up a few months ago and forgot to renew my membership but I've put that right now. I haven't been able to get out in Osprey for the last 6 months, what with one thing and another, but that has got to change now I can smell Cod. Hope everyone is well and catching loads. See you out there sometime. Martyn

I agree Paul. They have made an impressive start with limited resources and deserve everyone's support. But it appears that the vast majority of anglers (99%) are either too mean or just too apathetic to do anything to protect our sport. I think the club membership category is a mistake as it gives club members an easy opt out by considering themselves as "members" without dipping their hands in their pockets. Can I make a plea for anyone who is not an individual member, to have a look at the website and consider joining before it is too late and the whole thing collapses. Martyn

Stunning Adam - just stunning! Well done! Martyn

Good point well made Adam! But how long do we remember the lessons we learn? A couple of weeks back, I went on a 40 mile round trip looking for Smoothounds (and failed!) only to find that someone had a 12lber 200 yds from my mooring, and I know I motor over Bass every time I go out! Where will I go next time? Yes, that's right, another 40 miles! (Well, how else can we justify buying expensive boy's toys instead of a rowing boat!) Martyn

Congratulations! All very exciting. Bet you can't sleep at night! Martyn

Signed. But I'm still writing to Joe Borg to let him know how the MFA is abusing the system. Martyn

Could we ask them to fix some rings on the legs at various water heights so we can tie up to them. Save anchoring! Martyn

Well done Paul. You beat me to it! Good to see Angling Trust is making it's voice heard. But much more will be achieved if we do what they suggest. Write to MFA and your MP and your MEP. Angling Trust are taking the lead, we owe it to ourselves to follow. Martyn

Both are wrong! It's a diabolical system abused by greedy people. The boat should have been confiscated as well. Write to your MEP about it and attach a link to the red Scottish trawler video clip as well. Martyn

But I think we can do something about it! But it takes bluudy hard work! I am not being naive here but over the last few months I have been writing to my MP, DEFRA ministers all the southern MEPs (and Joe Borg, the EU Commissioner) about the policy and article 47 and I sent them all a link of this video clip. I was amazed at the response. On the whole very positive (I know, they would say that wouldn't they just before an election, but read on). I know for a fact that many have pressed the commission for some response because I have been sent copies of the correspondence both ways. Public pressure has watered down Article 47 to a manageable level and I think they finally are getting the message. Very early days, but I feel the general public is starting to take note and that will have an effect. The film End of the Line will help as well. I have also sent the video clip link to many of my non fishing contacts who have been horrified and I suggest you all do the same. We fishermen can't do it alone. Martyn

Fantastic fish! And VERY well done for putting it back. Martyn