TomBettle

Alan What's your budget for each? To a point, you will get what you pay for. Eg: A

Rich The stuff that rubs off is supposed to. That's one of the ways that it works. It's called self eroding antifoul. As weed begins to form (and it will even with antifoul... just more slowly) it tries to take root. As the speed of your boat increases, a tiny little bit will erode off, taking the weed with it. Anyway, that aside, we tend to use International Ultra and it is very good if applied properly. Antifoul is one of those things that you do get what you pay for. ...Go to Beaulieu boat jumble and buy some stuff (known or otherwise) and you are asking for trouble. It's got a shelf life and needs to be applied well within it. Then it also need to be launched within a fairly short space of time after it being applied. Otherwise it will lose it's properties. Good luck Tom PS: IMHO, Either Blakes or International are the best standard antifouls. As Madw said, Copper Coat is the bees knees, but has a very specialist application process.

Charlie I'd love to come, but I will have just got back from Cape Verde fishing for blue things with pointy noses. Couple that with starting my new position at Parkstone Bay Marina I think I'll be pushing my luck. Personally though, I'd be looking for a smaller tide for "comfortable" flatty fishing, otherwise you'll be dragging a weight to slow you down. That said, with the bigger tides, you could make it a Bass and Bream trip instead....

I heard through the jungle drums that a certain person was so p1ssed that he didn't even notice how cold it was...

Yeah, didn't read quite right that bit Charlie. Still I feel sure you know what I meant! Allegedly the boat is almost ready, but seeing as MES haven't yet been down to fit the electronics I feel sure we are rolling into May at least before we get her bottom wet. I was there a month ago and Rod assured me things would be done by the end of April... not sure about that, but it isn't a million miles off.

No guarantee, but try Paul Bowers at Rok Max in Truro. Google them. They are brilliant.

Trev I was supposed to be going in May, it's likely to be June now. For plenty of Cod, head South around the Bergen area. Don't expect a big one. Here the fish will generally be Codling to 20lb max. You'll also get a lot of Pollack and some Ling. If you want the Cod of legends and Halibut with a potential (rare) of several hundred pounds along with HUGE Coalfish then it has to be northern Norway. Head to the Tromso area of the Troms region. Most of the fishing camps will be found around the Skjervoy region. Late May is when you begin to get midnight sun and the potential for fishing right through is there. The downside is that the true chance of a 100lb Cod has probably passed as these are massive Berents Sea fish that simply pass through the fjords as they go on their way to spawn. You do, however, stand a real chance of a 40lb fish and every year fish into the 60's are caught. I know I am helping themout with the build of their new boat, http://www.troms-explorer.com , but without doubt, the best agent who organises continually successful trips is Anglers World Holidays, run by Martin Founds. Contact the company and or Martin (it probably won't get you a discount, but you can try dropping my name) on 01246 221717. Dave Lewis from Sea Angler guides for them Henry Gilbey, John Wilson and Chris Tarrant all fish Tromso with them. I'll be on the list as a regular soon and can't wait. Tom PS: There is some incredible sport with other species too. Plaice (8lb easy, possiblly up to 20lb) and Salmon are just two to mention.

It was fun to watch. Myself and MadW stood watching for a while. To be honest, they could have anchored her safely and then dragged her off on the next set of spring tides, she wasn't going anywhere on her own and towing her as they did, must have damaged her keel. Hate to think what the overall cost was, but if a commercial salvage group had been involved (the tug boat that was waiting in the wings?), that would probably have been far more costly to the owner. The offshoe boat that attended did seem to lose his way a bit. There is a very definite channel (still very shallow) going into the Blue Lagoon. He decided to initially not bother and came straight across from the direction of the start of the channel going into the Yacht Club. A big cloud of dirty water and the bow dipping suggested this was not best practise and he backed out and came in the proper way after that. Spiced up an otherwise quiet morning. And, as I said before, no one was injured so excellent. Tom

And they are supposed to be on strike today!

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A sailing boat, "Dipper", ran aground at the entrance to The Blue Lagoon, next door to Salterns Marina in Poole Harbour. Winds were a steady Force 7 to 8 and the rescue involved: 2 x Inshore Lifeboats 2 x Police Boats 1 X Sailing Club Launch 1 x Offshore Lifeboat 1 X Ships Tug (standing by) 1 X Coastguard Helicopter The inshore lifeboats attempted to drag the stricken yacht off the mud (close to the rocky breakwater at the entrance to the lagoon), but her bilge keels simply dug in further. The offshore lifeboat eventually came to the rescue and a line was passed to the yacht. Initially the hugely powerful offshore lifeboat faired similarly to the smaller vessels and Dipper simply dipped some more into the seabed, but with wide open throttles and clouds of exhaust smoke she was eventually dragged into deeper water where she was in a position to make her own way into the safety of Salterns Marina. The crew of Dipper were unharmed and to be honest could simply have waded to shore. The cost of the rescue was probably more than the boat was worth!!! At least no one was hurt. Tom ...wonder if dipper has had an RNLI Sea Safety Check....?

Nice pics! Just one question... What on earth is Dom wearing? Is that latest in Grannies chrimbo presents? I used to get a jumper with rudolph on it, not an all in one catsuit! Tom

Only one TV left now. The other is under offer. Take a look at some of the household stuff. Great dinning room table and chairs, brilliant sofa / suite thingy. Bikes, anchor etc etc etc. Some rods left too. Tom

Thought yours was a 640 Graham? Anyway. I echo what AF said. Always get a full survey on ANY used boat unless the cost of any repair you may have to do as a result of buying a dud doesn't bother you. Some are more prone to damage than others, but all can have faults so buyer beware...

Brilliant to see a nice FAT early Plaice. Well done.

Many thanks to all who have bought stuff so far. All the reels have now gone (even the Accurate ) as have many of the rods. Still a few bits and bobs left and some household stuff for those who are interested. Also added to the list are two 32" widescreen Sanyo TV's. In silver complete with silver stands and in perfect working order.

The Boot Sale was a wash out or actually a white out with the snow and I was home by 09:30 after selling just a few bits and bobs. The tackle below is still available so we are now working on best offers please. Use the asking price as a guide and please offer away! Also, lots of household items still available. Really nice wrought iron and glass top dinning table and four chairs