Mike Fox

I think the reports of triggers this year have been few and far between Nigel. My understanding is they seem to like isolated rocky/weedy structures in 20' or so of water. Hope that offers some small help, but it would be good if others could verify. However, I've tried 8-10 spots in Poole Bay this year that meet that description, and have failed on rag, mackerel strip and squid. We've only had one (last year) and that took rag in just such a spot. I know some of the Christchurch lads get them off the Ledge, and there's a few recognised marks there, but am afraid I don't know them. Am starting to think there's not many here this year, with weather being fairly cool, and I guess sea temperatures down slightly...and they are on the northern end of their range, after all! Mike

I need some new boat windows.... Mike

On the River Fal, in Cornwall, they limit oyster fishing impacts by only allowing licensed boats under sail to collect oysters. I'm poised.... Mike

Am glad this has been raised again following the discussion held at the club meeting several months ago. I remain convinced that if leading clubs do not lead on this matter, then rules and regulations will be imposed from above, without appropriate consultation, potentially leading to advantages for some sectors over others. It would be good to have Pete Russell's considered views here, as his earlier comments and experience in such matters are different to mine. Mike

I'd agree, Tub Gurnard. One of our favourite eating fish is the gurnard, and while a little trickier to eat than a plaice of the same size off the bone, it's worth it! Great piccies again Loftie, and you got out when others didn't! Mike

Looks like George and a mention for the club is now in the BFM : http://www.boat-fishing-monthly.co.uk/gall...ure.asp?id=8449 Mike

Congratulations Both! Mike, Carol and George

Frisky will be out and about tomorrow Nigel. I still need an undulate, thornback, small-eyed and spotted ray, and failed last week, so might have to try again. If the Poole Charters can't find them, I might have to try Dolphin Sands... or give up and stay inshore out of the big tides. Will keep listening on Channel 6. Mike

Good luck on the sale Martin, she's a cracking boat, and well kitted out! I guess the only way to improve upon AWOL will involve mast and sails...? Best of luck whatever you go for! Mike

Can't get in that close with my keel, so am dead envious! Keep enjoying chaps! Mike

James kindly let his angling friends know how many shakes he had intended to be back in

The puns on this thread are utterly eggscruciating Mike

See here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/artic...evon-coast.html Mike

Hoping to be out that general direction on Saturday. Was coming back from Southbourne Rough last year, and had one red arrow go across the bows and one across the stern at low level. Made for a very exciting trip. Mike

You know something, I really enjoy these kayak reports. Keep 'em coming lads! Well done for all who took part, and Lofty for a cracking mackerel...don't they go! Mike

Not sure if this helps Charlie, but a few years ago I got sucked into straightening the pullpit on a yacht that had a mangled front end. We secured it to multiple strong points on pontoons, and rather than a tug of war team trying to straighten it, we used block and tackle to deliver a 6 to 1 advantage AND the tug of war team, spreading loads on the pullpit as needed. It did all go back together nicely. Not sure if this might work for you, as it sounds a bit more substantial on Alfresco, but I offer the suggestion for what its worth. Mike

Piccies at last: and Mike

Picture now added (eventually!!!) Mike PS And yes, it is a white budgie in the cage.

Sounds a great trip Tom. So much better than the 15-16 hours it takes us in Frisky! Mind, wouldn't like the fuel bills !!! Mike

Hey Lofty, The species comp is currently recognising sandeel and launce as separate species. The launce are physically much bulkier. We had a launce and a sandeel the same length recently, and the launce had a browner back, a longer lower jaw, and probably weighed 3-4 times the weight of the sandeel, which had a greenish-blue back. Hope that helps. If I were you, I'd keep a separate list of species caught outside of club waters, so Dave (Coddy) can easily keep the totals running. Seeing a seal in close-up and a sunfish the same day would make it a special one for me! We've seen neither this year yet, despite days afloat. Keep an eye out for dolphins, you might see a few there, and also basking sharks which are slow and ponderous with brownish dorsals. Good luck down there! Mike

What a fantastic result, well done all who took part!!! Mike

George took a cracking 11lb 6oz bass yesterday on a whole launce freelined on a 6/0 on fluorocarbon trace, christening his new Kenzaki 6lb class and 7000i in style. It was a great scrap, and George was keen to release it. It stayed in the net for 5 minutes after weighing, regaining it's strength, but refused to leave. Eventually I grabbed it by the tail, and pointed it downwards, and with a kick from it's massive tail, it was gone. As a little background, we had arrived at Carteret (in cub waters!) a few hours earlier, and had groundbaited extensively for the local mullet, but they were refusing floating and sinking bread. I had a half a dozen mackerel from fishing earlier, and filletted them to save space in the fridge. The frames were slid into an old onion sack, and lowered over the side to add to the groundbait trail. George saw the bass swirling next to the boat, and I lobbed some chunked launce towards it, and George saw the pieces taken leisurely. He lip-hooked a dead launce (fridged in a plasticmilk carton from earlier), and flicked it in front of the cruising bass, which it took first time. It had multiple powerful runs and dives, but George eventually brought it to the net, and safety. IT went a steady 11lb 6 oz on digital scales, and eventually went back strongly. Mike

To look at diesel at displacement speeds is another option. Frisky does about 2 litres per hour at 6 knots from a Volvo 28hp triple diesel engine, but that's pushing 6 tons. That fuel consumption can vary quite a bit - closer to 1litre an hour in calm seas or with a following breeze (no sails) to 3 litres and hour punching into a "stopping" chop, that also reduces the top speed to about 5 knots. I guess 3-4 nautical miles per litre in normal fishing conditions then. Mike (getsmoremilespergalleon)

Best of luck Tom! Will also try for them trolling plugs, modified muppets, and whole mackerel over the coming days. Unlike Tom, I do not expect to be in a position to boat too many, but if I touch the leader and get a piccie, I'm hoping Coddy will let me have it for the Species Comp Mike

I can feel the urge to troll plugs and live mackerel at 6 knots for 120 miles in the very near future.... Mike