alun j.

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.

Sorry, Can't do.......as Falmouth is definitely ON Alun.

My last full day at work!!! ...ever!! The next time a nice little weather window comes along.......I'll be there........ ........unless off somewhere on 'holiday' !!! Have a good one, those of you flexible enough to get out! Alun.

Hi Andy / James, Can I really start to think it's time for a sole session ? Just love those warm, calm nights with bonus of a bucketful of fine eating that lasts for ages! Alun. PS If so, pencil me in for the next sultry evening !!

Good luck Rob, If you can get out, you know where to try. I'd recommend a fast sinking line to get down enough. Although some are near the surface, more were down 10m or more; a sinking line will allow the flies to go up and down ?? Alun.

Hi Rob, Looks like you've got more than a few days!! Weather forecast is dire for this time of year! Just look out the window at the moment..........and plenty more to come! Alun.

I can recommend the Bulldog 'Trailclamp'..........not shown above. It's very easy to use; it's strong, robust and covers all the wheel nuts. No fiddly, swinging arms or anything to adjust..........just slide the two parts together over the wheel. I got mine from Ambrow's on Barrack Rd. Christchurch. Alun.

Well done Martin [ and Dean]! What range you have........and expertise at the end. Cheers, Alun.

Just one bass on Gastronaught : 4 - 4 ........Alun J.

Thought I wouldn't be able to fish this one due to social 'do'. Shame the tide didn't fit in better, but still managed a morning. Just enough water to creep out of Mudeford at 7 and the signs of a freshening Easterly made me change plans. In hindsight, we might have got to to the Island but I reckoned the travelling time would have shortened fishing too much, so we stuck to the Ledge. First pleasant surprise was the abudance of mackerel; next was the weather.... no rain, warm breeze and one that held us nicely against the tide. Several drifts [ long ones with that breeze].....on both sides of the Ledge and just one bass to me ... 4 lb. 4 oz. Rob had one on, but it took him round a rock [ or something abrasive] and 'pinged' his braid. Met up briefly with Adam and Gordon on OOTB wrestling with a misfiring engine but they seemed to have it sorted judging by their to..ing and fro..ing [at speed]. Will look forward to their posting........but at 11.45 when we left , they'd done about the same as us; and the ebb was about to kick in. Well done to the experts who did get across to the Island......some great fish. As soon as the weather settles after next weekend, I'll be trying to emulate them! Alun.

Alun J. and Rob Francis on Gastronaught

Well done Gordon, I always have trouble posting pics. ; perhaps you can show me the quick / easy way to comvert 1+ Meg photos into the thumbnails.? Alun.

Hi Rich, I'm pretty busy up until July 23..........but should ?? have plenty of time thereafter as I join the ranks of pensioned-off redundants [ Hee Hee !!!]. As soon as the weather plays ball after then, I'll give you a shout. Alun.

flat !!

Perhaps.......... 'Few-topia'......... as we saw a bit of action! Thanks Adam for another brlliant day out.......feels like a day and a half after such an early start and as I'm now stiffening-up!........but have just made some more fresh bread for tomorrow's sarnies. Perhaps I could start a little side-line in forthcoming retirement?? You didn't give away our secret 'edge' over the others with the special 'stinky-worms' bait additive! Whilst the fishing wasn't memorable, the company and sunshine were; couldn't think of a better way of spending the day......... ending with 'special calamari' supper for one........and crabs cooked for tomorrow's. Thanks again........here's to a few bass next time? Alun.

Hope someone puts up a post here when they use it

Another day on and forecasts continue to jump all over the place for both days over the weekend.......... ........it' s making my planning..............CONFUSED ! Sunday now looking a bit breezy! Alun.