Leicester Fisheagle

Hi Stuie A similar story from us, small plaice, but towards Southbourne on the drift. Lots of nets down there now. Small pins and nothing else on the Patch although,. where we wanted to go was potted off. A bit disappointing on the species front. It was a lovely day to be out and we all returned with a touch of sun burn. The highlight of the day was a rescue exercise involving a training lifeboat, three inshore ribs and a helicopter picking up and dropping of crew. Two other things I have found out tonight which are not related to our day which may be of interest to people, is that there was a "Mayday" and Lifeboat launch as boat took it's leg off on the harbour wall along Poole Quay while turning and started to sink. Secondly, that Jan Triska made the right decision by not coming out with us today as he caught a 12lbs. 7ozs.bass on his boat well to the west of Poole, which puts our meagre catch to shame! Allan.

Everything ready and sandwhiches made. Like yourself, have a concern about the fog. Keeping everything crossed. Allan.

Have managed to get John Stevenson of "Kelly's Hero" to come out for a ride. He hasn't been out since summer and his mobility is limited as he is still has several months of recuperation after his foot operation. We intend to have a relaxing day and if we get a bit of sunshine, a spotty and a few other species to add to the count we will have had a good day. Will no doubt talk on Ch 6. Allan.

Can't make Wednesday but could manage Thursday. Nothing too strenuous, perhaps try the Patch/Soutbourne and then drifting from the ferry to Bournmouth to see if there are a few plaice about. Will depend on the weather and hopefully, some informative information from those out on Wednesday. Just a nice few hours out in the bay hopefully, with some sun and a few fish.Crew required if anyone interested. Allan.

Tony May be worth giving Mick Pike a call (Marechelle). He was originally coming with me, but due to a communication problem I am now full. Not sure if he still wants to go. Allan.

Is anyone out this Sunday or next week if the weather holds? Neaps so thinking of about 5 or 6 miles out and then maybe off Swanage and if time, a few drifts for plaice. Has anyone heard any recent reports from Charters/other boats? Allan.

I have one of these and several spare spools. It was very good in it's day and was, I believe the first fixed spool to cast over two hundred yards. Compared to today's reels, the spool is deep and narrow and the retrieve is slow. It is well engineered, but the later models were, in my opinion, pretty cheap and nasty and sold, if I remember correctly for 30 plus pounds. If it was an original French made one, then it may be of interest to a collector or someone who likes using traditional gear, I don't think it is of any great value, it is a shame, as it could have cost someone a lot of money in it's day.That's what I think without looking it up so I stand to be corrected.

Fisheagle will be venturing out for a short trip on Saturday, mainly to blow the cobwebs away and to check every thing is OK after a few months ashore. Can't see any real fishing being done and will be keeping a sharp eye out for debris. Roll on some decent weather. Allan.

Great news, see you out there soon. Allan.

Absolutely brilliant ! , Just what the live bait pump is for. Allan.

Sick! Allan.

Just confirmed with Dave that he is up for it. Fisheagle will be venturing out with Dave and Allan on board. Again, not an early start. Will be out just before 9am. Know of three other boats that are going to give it a go (two Club and one none Club). So there should be a few out there.Will be on Ch 6. Let's hope a few Cod show. Tony, if you see this and don't fancy going on your own or no crew available, give me a ring on 07758356474. Allan.

Hopefully, third time lucky. At least one crew member available, boat available, full of fuel and frozen bait already in Dave's freezer. The way the weather is going it could be the first trip of the New Year. Allan.

Nige was just on my way out when I caught you news. As I said earlier, I am gutted for you and lost for words. I am sure you will get plenty of offers, but you will always be welcome out on Fisheagle any time.. Hope everything gets sorted ASAP. Allan.

Nige Gutted for you. Really lost for words. Allan.

The same here Adam. They have held off the launch until early Monday as some work is being done on her and she is currently in one of the workshops where she is nice and dry and well sheltered. I may live to regret it, but she wil be staying ashore until the weather picks up, hopefully in the early New Year when those less fortunate than myself have to go back to work. Alan.

Had a similar letter saying he would have a word with the Fisheries Minister about sustainable stocks. Don't know if it will do any good, but as Stuie says we have to keep trying. Allan.

Need to decide tomorrow if Fisheagle is going on a pontoon till the 2nd January or staying ashore on her dry birth as the yard shuts for launching. Would love to fish the Cod Comp. on the 29th. Bait etc all in freezer, boat has plenty of fuel, crew available. Given the weather on Monday, I have reservations. Need to make a decision as yard not open again 'till 2nd Jan. Pontoon 'till 2nd Jan. given the current forcasts? Decisions ,decisions. Alan.

1) Fisheagle.

Thanks Neal, Looks like the Squid etc. that was bought for this weekend will have to be stored in someone elses freezer to make some room for the good ladies Christmas purchases. Many thanks for the kind offer Coddy. Allan.

I could manage one to one French Lessons. Allan.

Looks like the Sherry has been opened early this year! Allan.

Happy Birthday Neal. Hope you enjoyed it more than flounder fishing. Allan.

Sent and awaiting reply. Allan.

Rich on Warren was second with a fish of 3lbs. 8ozs. or so and I even got a very nice Chrismas Pudding-Tesco's finest no less -for just turning up at the weigh in. Thought the format and the additional prizes created a more jovial atmosphere and people lingered, mixed and talked more giving a festive feel. The two Juniors also seemed over the moon with their rod and reel each. Well done everyone. Should be some great photos. Allan.