Rob

So, this was our reserve date and the window on Sunday was there, it disappeared and Friday finally looked stable. Saturday we towed JoJo to near Falmouth, and went for real accommodation instead of camper van plus tent for me. We scoped out a new slip near where we stayed (about 1/2 a mile). All looked ok and the yard were relaxed. £8 to launch with parking! Minds you, trailer storage was across a little bay (on an island!), and if the tide was in you had to pull it through knee deep water for 100yds. That was the days exercise sorted! Sunday, we woke to still trees and the odd break of sun. We prepped the boat - removing cover and stowing gear etc before we headed to the slip. The water was glass flat and oily looking, perfect! We shot out to our known 'hot spot' which was the most pleasant trip yet. 20 knots all the way, amazing! We did our thing and set the traps. 2 baits, one shallow-ish and the other a little deeper. Within 20mins, a reel was screaming. The fish fish aboard was angry, I was just setting the go-pro on a pole when I saw the tip of the rod by me bounce. We brought her aboard and was probably around 60lb (having brought aboard fish to 76lb last time we fished here). We had a pup and another around the boat, I had not seen such small blues before. My biggest was very interested in the boat, cruising around and so close we could have grabber her. I upped the gear for this fish, it was dwarfing the '50s'. So TLD20, 80lb braid, 30lb class rod. The drag was set to 'I can't pull any line out' and I tried to lower the bait infront of her, trying to avoid a smaller fish. She would not touch the bait by the boat or under it. I saw her mouth the bait 15ft down under the boat, very delicate and inquisitive. So, I put a float on and drifted it 15ft from us. Within a couple of minutes, it was game on! Wow, such power, good runs, but short bursts with lulls where is could bring her close to only go again. She is the one smiling (I think, there were a few!): It was a hectic session, 15 sharks with the biggest heading to 150lb. 3 were certainly well over 100lb. 5 hrs averaging one shark every 20mins, I think we have got the technique right, at 17:00 the pub was calling! We could have got 20, we could have fished more rods with double hook ups, as often a hook shark will have a 'follower'. But from a handling and unhooking point of view, we bring the second rod in once one is on. We only missed 2 bites that didn't hookup as we like to hit early so no gut hooking. I had a follow on a rapala, which was exciting, but no hit! Now that would have been fun. My crew Nick had his 100+ as did I with my other one on the Ugly Stick 20/30 gx2, great rods and paired with some Daiwa 6000 size fixed spools was ace sport! Nick's went ballistic with 4 really good runs and the spool was getting hot! (Didn't quite get to pouring water on the reel!). We saw dolphins (always goes quiet when they are about). There were bait balls of small sprat sized fish, being balled up to the surface by mackerel. With such a clam day, you could hear the bait balls approaching from 400yds! We saw something jump, maybe a thresher or perhaps a tuna in our scent trail, which was a good 1/2 mile long, what it was we will never know. An awesome day and I will be back, that's for sure! Rob

I'm interested! Skate, halibut, 6 gill, something else?

Last year we saw a super pod with hundreds of birds above, thinking it was a bait ball from afar, a little disappointing when we got close but still great to see. See you out there!

I have walked around Hengisbury this morning, i can assure you the wind was present! Highcliffe sailing club on Mudeford have a good anemometer with history: https://weatherfile.com/?loc_id=GBR00004

Enjoy both! Rob

Olivia really enjoyed the day - especially the capture of a "rare" cuckoo wrasse where Ruben caught another one not 30 seconds later! Shame it wasnt the male but i certainly had never seen one in the flesh before.

All, detailedn results are in for those who like to see what was caught: http://www.pbsbac.co.uk/ipb/topic/19414-junior-comp-results/ There were some very close results - 1st place and 2nd plus 3rd and 4th for the over 11s! Those few fish that drop off at the boat can make all the difference. Enjoy, Rob

We had a great prize table. Thanks to Poole Sea Angling Centre for a great discount on 2 rods and 3 reels for the winners and second place (only 1 prize for specimen comp) Thanks to Christchurch Angling Centre for a great discount on tackle boxes, feathers, float rigs and a donation of a Shimano cap for all Thanks to Sakuma Redgill for packs of lures, hats and a load of stickers! Thanks to Tom Smith and Greg Toms for donating PSAC vouchers - these were split between the 2 x 3rd place competitors So after the main prizes ALL competitors came away with: Trophy Tackle box Shimano cap Pack of lures Pack of feathers Float rig Large bag of sweets Thanks to the behind the scene support i had on the day - especially for BBQ etc - namely ChrisW, Kev, Tony and Martin (and esp their better halves!). Rob

This was the final result - each competitior takes their best days score through. This means you can fish 1 day or all 3 and have the same chance to win.

What you have all been waiting for i am sure: Results from the last comp day:

Thanks to all that fished, weather was good and seas forgiving. BbQ was ace and a good location. Thanks to those who helped. I hope to get the results breakdown up tomorrow. Rob

Weather looking good to fish so we are on. Time wise, fishing till 15:00 then in, so i expect people to start gathering at Cobbs from 16:00. BBQ and presentation will be about 17:00 best guess. If any member who aren't fishing with juniors would like to attend please arrive from 16:30. Other parents and siblings welcome. Rob

You mean you found a new mark!

Already did Tony, her name is in the middle of the list! R

Madness - Sunday - MartinB, DeanB & RobF

Forgot pic of Coleman funnel/filter, these come with the stoves and are really good!