alun j.

I'm keen as well!.....love the bbq squid!

Would that be the Lulworth Banks?

I'll be with Gordon. .....and looking to make an early start ......to get the best of the weather ????????? Alun.

Happy Birthday James, I hope you're enjoying the trip away; let's catch a sole soon ?? All the best, Alun.

Rule of thumb.......... If you're not catching within an hour........ then move somewhere else [ unless there's a specific reason you can deduce, like tide flow etc.] Use decent size bait........and put in a few groundbaiting morsels. Be confident where you are and what you're doing. Think like a fish !!!

A gentle northerly at 6 am soon became a fresh force 4 on the mark before 7. Drifting was being pushed against the tide and a wet trip back up the mark !! Nevertheless a few bass showed up and gave a good account as they were in tip top condition. The best went 7 lb 9 and the next 6 lb 8. Number three was a bit smaller and slipped back untouched! Plenty of mackerel for bait [ the biggest fish had two part digested inside it]. Back home for lunch ........passing Dawn Raider with James on his way out.... so he does get out after all!! Alun.

A late start [ after 10]... to find enough water to get out; could have gone early but had no confidence in forecasts that had just about every sort of weather predicted for today. As it was so nice early on [ but a bit chilly ] decided to give it a go......... lovely, calm, watery sunshine and clear skies to the East...... but heavy dark cloud to the West......edging this way!! Mackerel easy to find; tank filled ......and , as soon as drift is started , the rain starts spotting and a breze from the East [ not forecast!]; this actually helps hold the drift against the tide and we glide along the edge of the Ledge. Right on top and Bang!... first bass ; fighting fit and just under 5 lb. Then all slow , over the top and beyond.........but lovely long drifts. Tried a few other spots .......as I was drizzled on and only slowly drifting but no result........so back to starting spot........and Bang!..... a twin of the first! The rain got heavier and the wind went right round to the South and then back and freshened. No more action, even the mackerel vanished; it felt more like October than August......... but I was happy with two good bass in the coolbox and some mackerel for tonight's supper. Alun.

Thanks Martin........that worked! Members on the commitee will have a much better understanding of the work and value of the NFSA. I am happy to take a lead from your considered thoughts!..........even though I, personally, am not aware of how NFSA has helped or improved my angling. Alun.

Sorry, but all I got was a blank screen! Alun.

Hi Charlie, Come over to me and I can give you one; which one is it, the small one or the tiny one? I have both. Alun.

I'll be available if anyone wants crew. Alun.

I use a size 1 or 1/0. Alun.

I'll be on Fugazi with Gordon H. Alun.

Two people on a kayak might be unsafe ?? I'll be out fishing...........but not yet arranged logistics. Willing to crew or be crewed.......but...... ......if no shout........I'll be out on my own....and not in comp. Alun.

Every day is different !! Having been busy with visitors, I hadn't been out for a week. Hardly a breath of wind, even at my late start [ 9.30 ]; good to paddle out in shorts and flip-flops...........plenty of water and very little tide. Lovely conditions for float fishing, my aim yesterday was to compare results between float and free-line bassing. First catch your mackerel !!!; this is where it all fell apart !!Where were they ?? I tried all my familiar spots and only picked up the odd one.........the first one in the barrel jumped straight back in the ocean!. I tried in close and then further out when I saw the 'tripping' boats going offshore. Still just one at a time, few and far apart! Just 3 in the tank but enough to start. Met up with Les on Manatee......who had fared better with the baitfish and had two bass earlier.....he was settling in for some bream action and enjoying the calm sunshine. I fished the end of the ebb, over the slack and first of the flood......and still trying for mackerel with the two bass rods out. Result .... one bass on the free-line , a shade under 6 lbs. Then the sea breeze kicked in and a swell soon got up...........too uncomfortable; so I went back inshore and anchored up......only problem , no bait! just a couple of pout. I cut those up..........and caught .........more pout! Now I did have a request from In-laws for some mackerel for supper......so , with the flooding tide, thought I'd have a 10 min try back in close at usual mark. The sea breeze started to ease.......and would you believe it ...... about 16 fat mackerel in two drifts........sorted! Where were they in the morning when wanted? Great day to be out......one nice bass for Saturday's dinner and some mackerel for hot smoking. Next trip will be all different again ........probably the lure comp. Alun.

Any flexi-friends want a trip tomorrow? After a change of plans due to the wind this morning, I'm going out tomorrow from Mudeford; there's a spare seat on Gastronaut if anyone would like to join me. Alun.

Hi Tom, It would be a pleasure........ when would you like to go? I'm a bit busy this Fri and will be too bleary on Sat, but free most other days. PM me or call 481556. Alun.

......of my VERY long holiday. With a 6.15 low LW at Mudeford , opted for the pre-dawn launch. I was sat in my car ready to go at 4 am.....but Adam was still munching his cereal at home. Quick launch at 4.45 with water disappearing at 6+ knts......just made it out unscathed........but managed to leave my bag with fresh coffee and breakfast in the car.....and the camera to record the anticipated bass. Lovely sunrise [ unable to record this!], smooth trip out but first problem was the mackerel were still asleep!; next was the battery for bait tank was dead despite recent charge! Adam caught us a few whilst I rewired pump to main battery and we were ready for action. Big tide was still zooming west and full of weed, well past LW time. First of the flood brought a bit of action with a fish each..... but disappointingly small ones. From then on it was slow and slower. 4 fish in total, a few drops... not one of Adam's better days! But the consolation was a gorgeous morning on the water and back just after 11.......... Adam had to go and do some work I think ?? !! Just checked my battery is still in warranty so will get it replaced as I found the receipt ! Next time , think I'lll try somewhere different. Thanks to Adam for efficient crewing and excellent company; hope he gets his Honda sorted soon.......it's easy to spot how much it's cheesing him off !! ... and putting him off his fishing focus! Alun.

Technically, I am on holiday ! Retirement \ redundancy starts on Sept 1 st. I just have to hope no one at work drops dead over next 4 weeks !! ... that would call me back in !! .........it has happened! Meanwhile .......thanks for the good wishes........and you know where to find crew mid-week ?? Alun.

What a pleasant change in the weather........I hope this lasts for a while. Awkward LW time at Mudeford so I couldn't get out as early as preferred; 7.30 seems late at this time of year! A light NW breeze and little swell; mackerel easy to find, so baitwell soon filled with enough [ on my own today ...so more space to spread out]. Today was the first time this year I've been able to put a bait out and drift the way you're meant to go........even better , the breeze just pushed me off nicely and extended the drift. Quickly got the lie of things, moved into more productive territory and 'bang'.......bass on. Amazed to see a 2.25 lb bass having just scoffed a whole mack well over half a pound! .........but this was just the 'tiddler'. Next 4 drifts all produced ; best went 7 lbs 6oz.......but then the tide died and so did the fishing. ..........and the wind changed...... .......the sea breeze kicked in........quickly increasing to an uncomfortable 4 or more!.......and pushing into the building ebb. A much slower trip home and no joy at a mark on the way..........but a great start to my bassing season! Alun.

Hi Gordon, Thanks again for the trip yesterday......shame the wind blew up so much. Your bait tank is 'ace'; being nice and big. I'm not sure a lid would be much help; the 'jumpers' lept out almost as soon as put in, if had a lid, it would have been off when popping them in, when most jumped out! An alternative suggestion..........could you put something.....a piece of mesh?? or something that would stop any escapees sliding into that bilge well?? Alun. PS mackerel for dinner were excellent

Can't do Tues; others possible. I was planning on Mon. after today's windy disappointnent. Alun.

I'm looking at a possible trip on Sat. An early session......for a shout at the bass, Anyone like to join in ??? Alun.

Yes, yes, yes............. what a nice feeling........after tomorow, I am up for cewing at any time [ in theory, when not away...having fun elsewhere!!] Retired but not retiring! Got lots to do..............and will try to fit jobs in between the fishing trips! Hope to see some .............midweek, Alun,

Rob, You'll be OK; he's gone by 5.