duncan

out the blue I get an internal call at work - could I possibly be available for a function in Brighton Thursday; it's sea fishing on a cat out int eh channel but you don't need to be into fishing as everything's laid on with food drink advice tackle etc....................so the dilema is to go but be stuck using 'hire gear' or decline politely............. decisions decisions

Charlie, I fish for enjoyment. I enjoy competing however at the end of the day I get all too few opportunities to fish relative to my 'investment' and whilst I will always enter any competition if I am out that day including paying an entry, and fish to it's rules, at the end of the day I will stay catching tope if I am enjoying it even if it's a species hunt and I have caught my limit! 48hrs was a good example - whilst the route we took gave us a real chance there was a significanly better plan available. On balance we felt it offered less fun so went as we did - and really enjoyed it but didn't figure in the prizes. Same with the bream comp - we gave it a go but didn't spend 7hrs chasing the blighters! Given the numbers of anglers able to fish relatively frequently it is surprising that you can't get 10 entries when the weather is nice (I wasn't on the water btw) however I am not sure it's down to the format every time. Finaly I have every admiration for the species format - without doubt it enables the better fishermen to shine and, as Mike says, levels the boats significantly. Duncan

nor me..........

wow.....................and all on your doorstep!

presumably the more people out fishing registerred for the competition the better? I take it it's one of the BFM rounds?

excellent news - and just in time! need to sort things out for September er but the link doesn't work!

Sorry Fred I must have missed it.......last I saw was 7th June for that week and AdamF specifically turning you down! Next time

nice one Fred - real shame you didn't get over with us a couple of weeks ago as well! Alternatively if I had know you were heading over this time I could have fitted it in without too much difficulty - getting over late Friday............. I am however absolutely convinced that I have had my last weekend trip until well into September so please don't give me that call

weather was superb - this was mid channel.............. PaulJ caught the bass, I had a couple of pollack As skipper I take full responsibility and it won't happen again..............

NIce one Adam - glad you had a great trip. We called you up Sunday but didn't get a response - you were clearly busy hauling those ling!

likely for what Mike - there are some excellent areas for catching pots ropes, some fantastic anchor grabbing rocky bits..............

here nothing to do with me but I thought it worth a look for someone?

nice one Mike sorry if the use of the word regulations in my post implied legal issues - I was simply highlighting that if BP (for example) posts a notice (to customers) and informs staff they have to enforce it, then that member of staff isn't a 'jobsworth'. as you say arguing that the firms rules aren't necessarily reflecting the legal position is as pointless as it is crass.

well........... this would account for why his 'phone's been off all day today - someone's nicked it to keep the mark secret!

As Adam say's she is simply enforcing th eregulations. I do not see this as a jobsworth - if you work for a large firm and take no action when someone fails to comply with notices posted on the forecort you will not be working long! Kam's solution is the best and the argument is that you are filing fuel tanks installed in a vehicle (boat) in the same way as anyone filling a car/lorry! ie not a container. Alternatively do it surrepticiously................

Will - don't rule out the Medway. I am not far from you but spent the first 5 years with my boats based there and trailing them around more exotic climes for summer holidays. having said that I caught 3 bass and eel and 1 pout in all that time.......... but it wasn't much better in Poole until I hooked up with this mob

you are clearlty a hard task manager - can I offer you Dave as a trade?

Jack - you're back! Missed your contribution. Saturday was for football and beer - Sunday the weather gods delivered the goods.............can't complain.

your thumbs been seen suspiciously near the spool when the lines being taken by a fish too...........but you are definitely getting better at that one!

Cracking Bass Scott - was that a live mackerel bait you were fishing or strips? Guess from the doggies comment it was strips but usefull to know............. To find the mark again just do what you did last time - ie you must have decided to sling the hook at that spot for a reason...........???

well good luck whoever fishes it

excellent TOM

clearly need guidlines on all these common species - crab spider crad lobster whelk sea squirt rock weed cuttle squid rope surely we shouln't treat them all as byecatch?

most likely the pawl is seized and not rotating properly. Simple to check just unscrew and seee if it drops out. you do grease/oil it occasionally?

Sounds like a wonderful morning out Allan - frustrating when the fish come on teh feed as you run out of bait isn't it?!? have you tried shads in that area?