alun j.

PJ, What's the Run like ?? I was out for a walk at lunchtime and saw the swell breaking on the Bar , even though the sea was flat. I'm hoping to go out Tues or Wed [ confused forecasts again !]..... but have just dug worms in case I'm confined to harbour or Solent. Half term week...... so have to get out. Alun.

Not quite the weather they forecast [ Is it ever ??]; but very pleasant few hours in Totland Bay. The fishing didn't match the last trip , two weeks ago, but there was still plenty of action to keep us busy [ esp. when you try to make tea / cook up a bacon buttie !]. As you'd expect in Feb, most of the action came from doggies...... some of these were big enough for the fish box [ and culinary skills will be put to the test early next week]. The whiting, pout and conger were all small stuff , but added a bit of variety Enticer, close by, seemed to have similar action and picked up a spotted ray [ skate?]. Any more , after we left , Gordon ?? I took a few photos. of Enticer........ I'll try to attach...!! Alun.

Hi Gordon, Do you mean tomorrow? Big tide !! If I had more confidence, I'd Cod-park it; but with the disappointing score out there and the flow [ only a short slack for you eel - chasers ], I think we might do better in the Solent. Last time out [and that was a big Spring], we found a spot with a decent drop - off into about 15 m. where the tide was much easier [ esp. on the ebb ]. Apart from the bass I had, there were pollack as well as the usual biters. Also, look at the water temp.; at over 8C, it tickles my bass antennae! The fish I had two weeks ago was feeding [ stomach contents] , so there could be others about ........and possibly they [ or some of them??] stay through the winter. Hope to see you out there...... give us a call, Alun.

Gordon H. is out with me tomorrow........ but I'm free on Tues. { it could still be calm then !!}.....you're welcome to join me, if you can 'flex' a day?? Alun.

Gastronaught will be out early tomorrow from Lymo. ....... and again, probably, on Tues. Alun.

And more likely to survive than most of the wrasse hauled up! In the kitchen............ pretty much in the same league..... only the chub is easier to prepare! Alun.

Well done Dan ........ a cracking fish.......from a murky looking river at the moment! A good bend in the rod....then no doubt you slipped it back. Now........what would I do with that in the kitchen dept.? Alun. No joke............ I regularly used to take chub from the R. Wye and turn them into fish suppers ......... a bit bony though! Because.......... as a teenager, on holiday in Germany, I got one , well over 6 lb. from the Danube and took it back to the Gasthaus where we were staying.... and the chef dished it up for us with a superb buttery sauce..... it went down a treat!

I think I must have gone to a higher floor ....... ........ the Emotional Dept. ........

Adam, Have a word with Simon [ britboard ] ; he did have some S/S props [ from ebay]. Never know your luck on sizes !! Alun.

Paul, Those 3 central rollers take nearly all the weight but they do make it a bit more difficult to get the boat on straight. THe rollers do pull it in , but without adjustment, it will roll to the edge or half off the end roller. If there is any different design, try and get a nice deep V roller that will hold the keel strip in. Alun.

Hi Rich, Hopefully YES..........weather permitting. I'm afraid Gordon H. has got in first for the weekend trip...... but would you like to do a trip midweek next week , during half-term ?? Alun.

I'll look forward to it.......fingers crossed for good weather. Simon ....... are we still on for it.....on the same outline as you suggested last year?? Alun.

Same scenario again!!.........I'm at work !! Roll on 'Early Retirement'....... then I'll be able to join you on these 'Mid-week' trips! Have a good day!! Alun.

Obviously !!............. I've just seen all the pics. ...........with a 5 20. I'm sure you'll find it much easier Paul........Good luck with the brakes! Alun.

Looks a BIT like mine.........but a lot lighter!! There's no keel rollers down the middle...... all the weight will be taken on the rollers??......Is that OK ? Alun.

Having missed the opportunity last weekend, I'll have to get out next week or I'll start twitching! This coming weekend could be nice if you look at Metcheck. There are big Spring tides for a few days and the mild weather is set to continue, keeping sea temps. above the 'critical' 8 C. I hope to go dig some 'snakes' on Sat. and go out early Sun. or Mon. and see if there are any more of those winter bass about. Anyone like to join me? Alun.

Now you can go fishing again!! ......when the weather allows........ ......and the season ......and work .....and your nearest/dearest .....and the tides ......and bait..........and....and.....and......!!! Alun. [who didn't get out this week!]

3000 Posts !!!!! Congrats. to the club's most active correspondent. Well done Adam ........ on all the useful postings and PMs. Alun.

Paul, Is this something 'big'? Does it have a 'pointy' end and a 'blunt' end ....... and cause lots of heavy sighs at home?? Curious...... Alun.

Adam, Congratulations and Good Luck again on the house-hunting; you will be fortunate if that goes as smoothly as your boat buying and you manage to avoid problems in 'chains'. So now you have your 'prospective' purchaser, have you found somewhere that suits?....... with room for the boat........or are you going to put her in the river? Good to see you got lots to keep you busy through the 'off' season, can I pop round and have a look one afternoon?? Cheers, Alun.

Nice one !!! Pretty much as I envisioned back in Dec. !! A little more 'Warrior' ........ and a little less 'Blue'. Have fun fitting her out to your spec. and you'll soon be out amongst the action. What's first?? ......... Shambles plaice/ turbot or the wreck pollack / cod ??? If ever you're looking for crew ......... I'll bring the home-baked bread. Well done, Alun. Must deserve a glass of bubbly !

Good luck chaps..........sounds like a real expidition! Don't forget a decent First Aid kit. Alun. PS. Looks like I should have gone out today..... but was put off at six by the pouring rain and rotten forecast .......but there's not been a breath here since!

.........and on a Friday too !! Hope you feel better soon Paul, and it doesn't spoil your weekend completely! Alun.

Not looking too bad on most sites........ so I'm undecided over Lymington or Mudeford....... for a morning session before windier stuff comes in later. Anyone like to join me and help make a decision? Alun.

Sat. 10th. All the forecasts are putting the wind in the East to South for Sat. .......so I'm planning to go from Lymington and fish the Island side. Seat on Gastronaught available; I wonder if the bass will be there? Will confirm Fri. eve [ to check forecast's not changed] Alun.