Thanks for that Charlie, as regards more info on the theft PJ, my boat was moored on Broadwaters opposite the public slip at Christchurch. Boats there are moored bow on, the boat next to mine they pulled the bow line tight to the bank, and when the tide went out the stern dropped in to the mud, but stayed in the mud when the tide came in and sank. they forced entry into my cuddy and stole 2 abu 1 daiwa 1 penn reel and rods.there are 2 cameras on long poles on the christchurch bank but they face the wrong way. bournemouth water have very kindly offered me a trot mooring a bit further up the river which hopefully is more secure.
The week before we ran aground near stanpit on an outgoing tide for 6 hours.
the week before that we lost the anchor off hengistbury. not having much luck.lets hope thats it for now. we only bought the boat 3 months ago, still trying to catch my first bass. maybe next time. all the best. joe