Bob F

But if the blades are stuck the anchor line will start pulling on the end where the tie wraps are. The tie wraps eventually snap and the anochor has tripped allowing the anchor blades to be pulled out backwards. The anchor bouy (not shown) will slide down the anchor line as you keep motoring forward, and will eventually run over the chain and stop at the anchor. Keep motoring forward and the bouy will bring the anchor to the surface. You can usually feel the anchor line rattling as it passes over the chain. This is your signal that the anchor is at the surface. You then throttle back and do a slow about turn and motor slowly back towards the bouy whilst your crew starts pulling in the slack anchor rope.

Passing over the anchor the line will start to tighten. If the anchor isn't stuck it will pull straight out.

The initial move uptide and at a 30-45 degree angle to the port or starboard of the anchor.

And here's the sequence of what happen's to make the anchor trip as you are motoring it out. Lying at anchor.

Here's how to trip a Bruce anchor. I've shown a single tie wrap for clarity. BF

Cable ties for me. Two are usually the correct number. It's a balance between being strong enough to hold in the prevailing conditions whilst at anchor, and being weak enough break out if the anchor gets stuck.

When is Lookfar expecting to get his Pro Angler? It'll be interesting to see the boat. BF

Happy Easter, Alun. BF

Not sure what to make of the new Warrior Pro Angler. Where's it trying to fit into the market? It's sounds like a more expensive version of the 165 but with less fishing space. Is it trying to supercede the 165 or to give an up market version of it? There's some nice storage features and potentially a drier hull, but at the cost of a much heavier outfit. The BFM article on the boat was very big, but I only ended up confused and not sure what to make of it. Seems like a lot of effort by Warrior but I'm not sure how it's going to reap the benefit in terms of greatly increased sales. Is it trying to look at the volume market or just a niche for the top end angler (and hence the Pro title)? I guess it's a case to seeing and trying before you can conclude anything. What do you think? BF

...and also in the same article on p30 of BFM is a nice mention for our good old friend, Mr Swain. Yes Rich, it's been a much discussed topic over a pint at many of the local haunts, and is now official. You are the Weakest Link. Now, Rich will tell you that he was only able to attend a few of the Flamer Friday Species Comps, but in reality he's in with the big boys and flagging in their wake. Top Tip, Rich - you need to get out of those greens and browns, and into the yellows, oranges and reds that BB wears. The results speak for themselves. But for the rest of us, keep an eye on this boy. He's learning fast and is sneaking out the odd

Yep, he's at it again... Take a look at p30 of BFM. Now that's what I call an outfit. We've gotta get Billy on that "What Not To Wear" programme. I showed the photo to my daughter...her response was "Does he have a wife." Remarkably, yes. Top stuff, BB.

Weymouth should be better. BF

Bruce Anchors (also called FHD) are rated as follows: Max boat length 3.5m = 2kg/4.5lb Max boat length 5m = 5kg/11lb Max boat length 6.5m = 7.5kg/17lb Max boat length 7.5m = 10kg/37lb Max boat length 10.5m = 15kg/32lb Max boat length 16m = 20kg/44lb The anchor weight is only given as an indication per length of boat. It doesn't take into account the specific construction of the boat which may affect your choice. For an Warrior 165 or Alaska 500 the 5kg is the right choice. BF

Well done to Billy Boy for getting his mug in this months SA and winning the Catch & Release prize for his 24lb Blonde. Not so nice to see Rich's mug shot for his 4lb plaice but every mag has got to have a horror picture. Pity they were caught on a Charter so can't go into the club book, but well done anyway lads. BF

Welcome, Pat. BF

Go for it Gordon. A list of reclaimed achors and kit would be great. I lost a few anchors but they've got my name imprinted on them. cheers Bruce

Ooops, sorry Trev. I see you've already sorted it. Messages must have passed in the ether. Well done matey. BF

Trevor I know you said the wiring is correct, but can I ask you to confirm which wires you have got attached where? You should have the green (NMEA common) from the 175C attached to the NMEA common on the ICOM. Then the 175C needs to be sending a signal out to the ICOM, so you need the Brown (output) from the 175C to be connected to the NMEA IN on the ICOM. Confirm this first, and then we'll try the next step. Sorry to go back to basics but need to check each step. cheers BF

Thanks Coddy. BF

Nice report Adam. It sounds like the trim tabs do a similar job as the dolfin fins that I have on the outboard. They give you more trim adjustment. Did you notice any difference in the lateral stability? i.e. if you moved the weight onto on side of the boat did the tabs compensate whilst you were on the move? BF

Remember, the form is to join the club so that you can participate in club activities, competitions, talks, training, trips, get details of some good fishing marks, etc, etc. The form has nothing to do with the use of the web page or the forum. The forum and web pages are free and open to use by anyone (except for certain parts of the forum which are restricted for members use only). cheers Bob F Membership sec

I've used mussels with limited success, but never used cockles. The skirts of ????? are supposed to be good. BF

I was thinking along the lines of Dan's idea, too. It's informal and doesn't involve the need for another bunch of club trophies. Boats on moorings would just need to phone into someone to say they are fishing at the arranged time. It could work... Suggest we keep it informal and just try one. BF

Nice explanation Simon. Thanks.