billy2shots

Heading out Saturday with the intention of plenty of fish to keep my young children happy. Looking at last weeks Spring Species Comp there are a few Wrasse and Bream around. I'm still new to boating and sea fishing and up to now I've stuck to sandy bottoms and the relative safety that provides. With that comes the same species of each trip and I really fancy a change. This is where things get rocky! I'm looking at target a few new species this weekend and the kids really fancy the look of wrasse and Bream. As such that dictates a location change. This is where things get a little tricky and I guess I'm seeking advice and a confidence boost. I'm thinking Poole Patch or Ballard to produce a variety of fish. Coming out from Poole harbour I usually stick to the end of the Swash, saddler and Dolphin Sands. Ballard would see me venture the furthest south I've been. I gather there can be a bit of a rip just off old Harry but in a 8m merry fisher with Saturdays conditions I should be fine, shouldn't I? Obviously the Patch is much closer but the lobster pots and nets annoy me a fair bit. Am I right in thinking anchoring is trickier at the Patch as apposed to Ballard and the risk of anchor loss is greater? The other big question is anchor or drift? Again I'm favouring Ballard because of the sea furniture resident on the Patch. In short. Help!

When you say west, are you talking shambles or another location?

Shopping list given to his grandad and the items have now arrived ready for my son's birthday. Rovex Kayak rod and Rovex Ceratec 4000 fixed spool reel. Good little starter outfit that doesn't break the bank. Cheers for all the pointers guys.

Thanks guys. I was looking at the ugly stik kayak but it's £32. That Rovex seems a better option because at £20 there is no drama if he bangs it a bit. Next question. Reels! Any recommendations to pair with the rovex?

I have been looking around for a rod for my lads 5th birthday. I'm not taken a back by the ones designed for kids and was thinking along the lines of a 4ft Kayak rod which I will team up with a light fixed spool real. My thinking is this will last him well (and I can use it as a fun rod when he's not around). Although a spinning rod would be a little lighter I think the length would be an issue. Anyone care to share thoughts and or experiences.

Weather was nice but not nice enough for fishing, so decided to go and have a look around. I'm sure some people got a bargain or found that obscure item they were hunting for but I came away distinctly underwhelmed.

Drove past the site today and saw the signs up. Is it a big event with plenty on sale or just a few tables selling obscure items? Will pop down with the kids for a rummage, cheap morning out lol.

Thanks. Just about to tuck into a big fillet of Whiting in breadcrumbs. Then head back to work to finish a 12 hour shift. On New Years Day :-( Boo

I don't often take anything home but there was no way the Mrs was letting them swim away.

Hopefully this works. 3lb 8oz and 3lb2oz (on the digital kitchen scales at home).

Back home after a lovely half days fishing. We (family crew) cast off at 9.10am and we were fishing by 10.30. We packed up at 13.30 making it a short session. Decided to fish Sadler for the first time. It's only the 3rd different spot I have fished out of my 7 or so trips out so far. If I'm being honest I was a little reluctant because I have a nice little Ray spot close in the produces the goods every time. The decision to go out further was rewarded in my first or should I say kids first Whitting. 10 of them in fact! 8 fell between 0.5lb-1.5lb but two of them were 3lb plus. I will try and post a pic if I can work out how. 2 doggies made it a dozen fish in 3 hours and the kids were kept busy with 6 fish each. lovely day in the end with pretty good conditions given it's the middle of winter.

Ok Brian, I will keep an eye on my inbox, thanks. The fog could mess things up by the look of things. That and the lack of whole squid in my local tackle shops.

Definitely. No risks will be taken.

Thanks for the info. I ask made a mistake. Give the time constraint (need to be back in at 15.30) I should have sand Dolphin Sands as an option rather than Bank. I do like the look of a few variations in depth between Sandler and Dolphin Sands so think that will be my target.

Is there a website that you can input GPS coordinates which then shows you the location on a map/chart? I'm sure there are pay for Apps that do this but I can't find a free to use website.

Thanks for the pointers. Where is the spoil ground? I presume it's somewhere south east of old Harry?

Looking at fishing Saturday (9am-2.30) and trying to decide where to head. Obviously cod is a target but know they are not exactly jumping on the hook so a mark with potential to keep the rod bent is needed. I wouldn't mind breaking my Conger duck either. Looking at the charts I like the look of Sadler, west Dolphin Bank and just east of Pevril Ledge. Does anyone know how these areas are fishing?

I completely understand your reasons for the above post and safety comes first second and third so thank you for your time, thoughts and suggestions. You have made a bit of a leap saying it's an 'accident waiting to happen' and making quite a few presumptions. Flares - check Life jackets - check x8 so there are always at least 2 spare Backup anchor - check but have chosen not to use this for fishing. VHF - check Safety check, marine and pre purchase survey - check. You would spending £40k on a second hand boat wouldn't you. Auxiliary motor - check As I say I completely understand the reason for yout post (if not quite the tone of it). Anway Saturdays weather was errr interesting..,,. 3 hours of fishing resulted in 3lb bass (on squid pinned to the bottom) 1 pouting 1 Bull Huss 1 Thornback Ray 6lb 11 Dog fish A few hook pulls and unlanded fish which I would bet were small bass unable to take the bait and hook(s) fully. Glad to get home in the dry!!!

No rope yet so I will pop down Quay West next week. Ta for the heads up.

Thanks again for the info. I will need to start paying you as a consultant soon. I know plaice can be had on a sliver of Mackeral belly but I presume worm is the better bait around our parts. I might just pretend we are fishing for the pot but target Rays again as they seem to fit into what's available for me this weekend. Boat has an electric windless and I can't just extend the length easily as I need to get a rope spliced onto the chain. Any merit in drifting over dolphin sands or should it only be anchored?

Hopefully the weather gods smile and some fishing can be had tomorrow. I've been out a few times now and am learning fast but am still a rank novice so please bear that in mind when suggesting things. I'm after some ideas of where to fish tomorrow and what is likely to be biting. Had a couple of good trips to the secret Ray mark the last resulted in 10 fish which I was over the moon with. The problem is the Mrs is desperate for something to go in the pan! Obviously cod is the jackpot here but that is probably wishful thinking. If I list my limitations maybe some of you guys could help make the Mrs happy. Oh hang on, that sounds a bit dodgy. 1.Only feel comfortable in going a few miles out from Poole harbour so to Dolphin Sands, Sadler, Old Harry etc. 2.Still haven't got around to lengthen my anchor rode so I'm limited to about 11m in depth or drifting. Guess that rules out the chance of a cod? 3. I've got squid and Mackeral in the freezer and am tight for time getting different bait so I would rather stick with what I have. Can anyone work their magic bearing the above in mind?

1/2 a stone gain in a week! I think Gym is is the right word!

Thanks for the warm welcome :-). Already learning so much looking back through old posts. Will be taking her out the harbour today as conditions look pretty good. Ideal time of year with minimal traffic around. Probably only venture to Poole Patch or studland bay. Family trip so no fishing. Just picked up an Ugly stik 12-20 and Shimano Charter Special reel (you guys do realise you have your reels on upside down don't you?). Will be popping into Bournemouth Fishing Lodge and Christchurch Angling to get a few essentials before planning my first fishing trip.

Many thanks

Thanks for the welcome guys. I will keep my eye out for crew opportunities. Looking forward to browsing new sections as I have read everything available to me 2 or 3 times b