alun j.

Hi Al, It was me that came and said 'Hello', just about 12.30, on our way back in. We didn't fare as well as you, though some of the boats around us did have a few sole. Soon after we started, about 12 or 13 boats [mostly from Lymington end] all homed in on a patch 50 - 100 m from us. Sport for us was slow and all fish on the small side, gurnard, whiting, bream, bass, dab and then a flurry of pout..........none of the target sole. Disappointing, as I've had consistent success in past years when the conditions were as good as last night. Tried a bit of exploring a bit further to the west; on finding a bit of bottom with some 'features', dicovered this was snaggy ground and lost a few sets of gear. Will definitely have another go before it gets cold. Alun.

Have a good trip Paul......hope you enjoy the rest of the day......and have a more successful time than we did last night. Many Happy Returns, Alun. PS Any nice pressies??

Yes, Agree with Steve.........I 've got braid that's been on for ages and seems unaffected other than the colour fades. I chop off the first few metres [that gets all the wear] if \ when it shows some scuffing...........and then reverse after [ several] years. You also see how the backing [mono] gets squashed when you take off the braid... and it may need emptying and relaying??? Alun.

Yes! I just spotted that on 21st. Back to the Ray\Flattie comp., wouldn't 6th or 7th. be better with the smaller tide?? 14th is a Spring. Alun.

Paul, Do want to canvas opinion? I don't mind either ..........but tide is a bit smaller on Sat. Alun.

How about Sat. 6th.? Tide is a bit smaller than Sun 7th. and gives option of Sun if wind gets up. End of Oct. has tiny tides around 21st. ........ but gales are common at this time!! Alun.

Jack.......... Just get another 'fridge.......there are loads going for free; great for keeping bait, smelly things [like ripe cheeses] and a few spare beers! .....and in my case......a week's supply of fresh [but possibly dripping] caught fish!! Alun.

Looks calm at the beginning of next week....... ......if a bit chilly!

No Mike!.........it's the background colour that's the big difference!

P aul, Windguru ............looks pants for Sun.

then you mean the Adamant Shoal ?

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.