Bob F

There's also Mike Wills Marine Services at Unit 2, Cobbs Quay. 01202 679756. Mike provided the Engine Service prize vouchers for our Open comp. Bob F.

Had a cracking day out on Loyal Royal. OK, the fishing wasn't up to much but we did at least christen her maiden voyage with fish. Like Adam said, we had no luck in the Swash, so decided to anchor at Ballard for an hour. Paul J caught an LSD of about 2lb. The fishing obviously wasn't going to be too hot, so Mark decided it was time to play with his new toys. We headed south to a wreck marked on his plotter and found the obligitory charter boat sat near it. So, we made a quick search as we passed by and the wreck sprung on at Mark's FF as clear as a bell (twas the Betsy Anna). Very impressive the way the kit found the wreck straight away, and the displays were beautifully crisp and clear. Seeing that the wreck was "busy" we headed back to a patch of rough ground we passed on the way out. We anchored but caught nothing. Decided to call it a day, but on the way back Mark wanted to try to find another wreck that was on his chart. Well, again the plotter found the wreck first time, with the FF showing the high part of the wreck really well. To one side of the main wreck there was an area of flattened metal plates, and these showed up brilliantly on the FF as a thicker red line. Very impressive. And it showed bunches of fish too, so we decided to drift it for a short while. Mark made 5 or 6 drifts across it during which time we boated about 15-20 pout between us, mostly to Mark on this 3 hook patternoster with full houses each time. During the whole day Loyal Royal behaved impeccably. We had a kind day weather-wise, so we didn't see how she would cope with choppy waters, but none the less the handling and ride were supurb! Mark ran the motor at various speeds to break it in, and did some very brief sprints during which we got up to 28knts. NICE! Back at Cobbs Quay I was expecting trouble with retrieving such a big boat, but it all went very smoothly and was no harder than retrieving a smaller boat from Baiter. Thanks for the trip out, Mark and Paul. It was a fun day. It was good to see Paul D out with us in Neo, and finding his way around with his new plotter and getting more and more adventurous by the minute. He was on the Swash, then out at Ballard, and then over by Bournemouth pier! Pleased that the plotter was working so well. And even better to see her planiing along beautifully. That service on the motor certainly did the trick, Paul. Must have a trip out on her sometime. Perhaps one of the Christchurch trips? cheers Bob F.

Good news, Paul. Phew!!

I hope all our trail aways aren't like this one. We'll run out of web space!!!

Good luck with her, Adam. She's a beautiful boat. I'm not envious, of course.

Rich, See the map here: http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=4...&multimap.y=107 The car park for Baiter Park slip in off Labrador Drive. The entrance is approx where "DR" is for Labrador Dr. cheers Bob F

Adam, so let's go for 9am at Baiter and launch with Martin. Mark B was planning on launching around 9, so that will fit in with him as well. cheers Bob f

Guys, Rich phoned me just now. He says there was a big boat competition around Hayling Island today with 200 competitors. And the catch? 2 plaice and a flounder between them all!!!! Rich phoned up some of his local contacts and they have suggested that we stand a better chance of catching in Poole. So, I have phoned Martin and Adam, and we have decided to cancel the Hayling Island trip and fish out of Poole instead. Mark B will be giving Loyal Royal her maiden voyage from Poole on Sunday, so it is probably appropraite that we should be out there to support him and admire her. Paul D, I know you will be disappointed about this after all the research you have done on the slips, etc, but it is not all in vain, we will still be able to use this information for a future trip from Hayling. Tides in Poole Harbour are: HW 05:18 1.9m LW 08:30 1.1m HW 11:30 1.8m LW 14:00 1.4m HW 17:43 1.9m Martin, I know you want some water to launch from Baiter, so how about a late start and launch at 11:30 and then fish the afternoon till around 5pm. Outside the harbour the tide will be on the flood till around 4-4:30, so we will be fishing the best part of a weak tide??? Boats will be: Maverick - Martin, Dean, Rich Loyal Royal - Mark and Paul J Neo - Paul D and daughter Tara - Adam and Bob Let me know what you think. Bob F

cheers Dave

Mike, No, not yet. Adam has arranged for an engineer to look at the engine on Saturday. Bob F

Thanks Cod. You have a PM. Bob F

All, Mark B has decided, I think wisely, not to have his maiden voyage in Loyal Royal at Hayling Island. He is not familiar with the launching and handling of his new boat, and it he would be launching into unfamiliar waters. So, the boats and crew will be: Maverick - Martin, Dean & Rich JAW Splash-Out - Bob and Adam Neo - Paul D & daughter Everything else remains the same. 06:30 at Roundham Serviices (East bound) on Sunday. Rich, I think we will be relying on you for the marks. Apart from the West Winner Bank we haven't got much to go on. cheers Bob F.

Sounds good Rich. Yes, any mark details will be greatfully accepted. There is a good mark that is supposed to be about 1/2 mile south of Chichester Harbour, but I have been able to get the numbers for this one???? cheers Bob F

Nice one MH. First time I've heard of plaice being caught locally from the beaches this year. When are we having our final match, Adam? Bob F

OK, this is the last attempt. We are planning to give it a try on Saturday. Meeting at Roundhams Service Station at 06:30. Launching at Eastney slip at 08:00. Can everyone confirm if you are attending, please. Please give list of skippers and crew. LW is 08:10 HW is 15:20 If Saturday is bad for weather we will move to Sunday so try to keep both days open. Names we had previously were: Loyal Royal - Mark, Adam, Bob Maverick - Martin, Dean, ???? Neo - Paul, ??? Boat Buddies - Rich?, Dave Mayne?, Paul J?, Peter Russel Snr?? I will bring Splash-Out if we need another boat. cheers Bob F

Yes, I've been meaning to do a write up on my Alaska 500. It's just finding the time!! I'll see what I can do. Bob F.

Just off the crossroads at Sturminster Marshall. But they are only open Fridays and Weekends. They deal in bankrupt and fire damaged stock and seconds, etc, etc. Bob F

Splash-Out VHF - Ranger Communications (who??) RCI 600 GPS - Garmin 125 (combined GPS/FF) FF - Garmin 100 Red VHF is the dogs breath. It's not great but does the job, just. Wouldn't recommend it (if you can still get them). The GPS on the Garmin 125 is the same as the 128. The FF is basic with poor display detail, which is why I also bought the Garmin 100, which has better definition. Bob F

If you are having trouble getting to the page, try this. http://www.daba.eclipse.co.uk/how_fishing.htm

Hmmm Haven't heard that one before. Guess it makes sense. Cheers Cod. Bob F.

I suggest we fill out the forms ready for our April 1st meeting. We can then collect them and send them in together (with the cheques!!) Bob F.

Here's the booking form and competition details. Bob F

There will still be plenty of stuff at 2-3pm, but give me a list of your essentials. So, do I still buy you two tickets? Bob F

I have to confess, I have been thinking about it. Poodle goes first.

And after you have subscribed for a year or two they do even better deals on further subscriptions.