Sinbad

Fletch My true belief, based on little experience, and a lot of theory, is that your chances of catching a COD in the bay or Needles, (yes I was shouting), will be at least 50:1 based on the number of times most members have gone out and recorded cod catches. OK, controversial it may be, but what is your theory on uptiding for them, rather than just plonking a big bait down tide and getting the scent trail going ? I'm keen to understand? Also, its nice to catch one, but you can also get 25lb of whiting with alot less effort, and it cooks and eats wonderfully. I know this is wandering off the point a bit, and others will no doubt give much better advice about rigs and tactics and gear to fish 10oz of lead and up, but there's more chance of one turning up amongst the conger, whiting and dogfish that you will get, so you might as well tackle up for these and enjoy your sport. I've seen a 24lb cod turn up in 12m of water, and the one I caught (12lb) not a monster, was caught on a single squid on a 3/0, 12lb class rod. Best thing about this forum - plenty of things to think about !! Regards Paul

Terry Dont dispair, the grand master harvester got his PB Bass on 1st November off the ledge. And also, after a few 'mass' or a couple of Hefe weissen, who cares whats on the plate ! Paul

Paul At least, you avoided going down to the boat, all ready for a pleasant day afloat, only to find your day ruined by these total wasters. What is most galling is that there is or seems to be a ready market for this type of stuff. I remember the Police descending on one stall holder at Beaulieu one year and removing most of his second hand engines. I'm not sure nowdays that the market is in the UK, as I have read this stuff quickly goes across the channel. I'm not sure the solution lies in security marking, but at least datatag have these transponder thingies which you can hide inside your engine covers, but does anyone check for these ? This must have left you wondering what next ? - I only hope you get it back together and get fully insured. Regards Paul

John Just a thought, but the boat I had was electric start etc, four stroke Yamaha Outboard, but had no charger fitted to the engine. Maybe yours is different, but worth a check. Good Luck Paul

I can just see the look on poor old TomB's face when he has to balance fame at last on TV against 'dropping his trousers'once more for a knock down price. How about it then Tom ??? Paul

OK - time for a plug, again. This is the second time I've been really impressed with the service for ABU reels. I took a photo of my reel (ABU 6500 Mag Elite) and the location of the missing part (handle locking nut and cover+ grub screw) sent it to Pure Fishing at Crewe, and asked if I could also get a new handle, as the stripped thread had probably resulted in the loss of the bits in the first place. I was telephoned within a few days with the price for the lot Counter weighted Handle, handle chrome nut, locking star ring, grub screw -

Also Well done Kam, fantastic looking prime bass from the ledge - at least you look happy ! Paul

Very interesting this thread, at the risk of repeating my question that may have been covered elsewhere.... What is the maximum allowable towing weight for a braked trailer, i.e when does the mondeo become illegal ?? Whilst not ideal for long trips, and accepting all the comments about safety wrt vehicle condition, brakes etc, with over a tonne of boat, what would be permissable ?

Thanks Alun for a great evening sortie.... After a few hours digging with the morning sun on my back I was literally 'boiling'. I spent the rest of the day dodging the sun either inside or in the garage !!! A really nice evening out and some promising sport with the bream- even though its the earliest Ive caught Sole, I'm sure your 2lber will show up soon. Was a tad tired yesterday morning for the drive to work to say the least - but its amazing what you can endure when thoughts turn to fishing. Let me know when you're next out... please.... Cheers Paul

Alun I'd echo all that you said. A fantastic day out on the water under the guidance of the 'grand master harvester'... and thanks for putting us so expertly on the bank and making the right choice between the two potential marks we could have gone for. I also have to thank you for doing the 'burley bomb', as this kept me fishing and you on cooking squad This one is special to me because I didnt actually have a PB before - and it has been a while since I boated a decent anything!! A great way to end the eveningas well, with the barbeque and good company. Roll on next or any weekend. Paul

Terry /Alun Felt very heartened by your offers of crew... and generous boat loan during the week. With the latter, I'd have to get back before the master returned to find I'd only returned a few doggies and pout for a days unleaded ! I'm going to be pretty busy on a home extension at weekends, and only time I can foresee is the odd evening or weekday, hence the sale of the boat. Let Alun and me know when you are next down (dont leave it too late for the bream - last year they were all gone in June) and I'll try to squeek out a pass. Regards Paul

Just sold Sinbad, my Orkney, to a man from Ireland. He went away happy and so did I - albeit as happy as anyone can be when they see their pride and joy disappear. Just got to say how fantastic Boats and Outboards was - advertising cost : Nil. Well over 500 hits within 2 weeks, and sold on week 3, full asking price. Not going to re-invest until later in the year unless I see a real bargain. No doubt will be 'gagging' to get out and temptation will get the better of me after a few months! Paul

Sam Why not make it a competition with Dad - you do really well, he'll be chuffed, and you can name your prize !, do badly, and its the antifouling for evermore ! Paul

In response to the earlier posts (this being my first chance to use my own computer, with a house full of pre-teen internet addicts !) Just like to record my thanks to Simon for an excellent experience on the shambles - My first time out there, even though it reminded me more of my sailing days in Weymouth dinghy competitions - wet , windy and hard work ! Conditions were at the top end of fishable, and quite unpleasant for small boats. Fortunately, Simons Raider18 is a great boat, gives a safe and stable platform to fish from - felt very safe and secure all day - even better when stood inside the cabin! out of the wind. Fishing was rather slow, but might have been down to our novice techniques - took just one launce on hokkais to break our 'duck', then managed a medium plaice of 1lb 9oz - just the one all day. Took a while to get the drift going, with almost no tide at times and the wind taking over, pushing the bows downwind, but an upturned grapnel with the wings cable tied 'closed' and dragged on the sand did the trick. Rigs were a Shortish trace of less than 3ft and some beads, drilled bullet near the hook, and ragworm tipped with squid. Speaking to the Burnham lads, they fished in the company of the charters with " 12ft long flowing traces" and got nothing. The charters seemed to be having a much better day with quite a few fish seen boated. Definitely will consider going back when the weather improves a bit. Paul

I'm not volunteering for the demo but ....Count me in..... for the Shoddy Splicers Splinter Sessions , as my anchor warp is a load of 'long spliced' sections - looks as 'rough as guts' but does the job. Paul

Although I didnt see the news report locally, I heard from a friend of the Incident You may have seen on the local news over the weekend that a yachtsman was lost overboard Friday night/sat morning off a yacht to the south of Portland. His body was found some 3 hours later. Most of the members of his club (Dell Quay SC, Chichester) are shocked as sadly it was one of the cruiser section members. The guy was a help anybody type guy. Much involved as doer rather than an organiser. He was on the House committee which organises and runs events. He was always around in the club often helping behind the bar. He also helped with the Girl Guides locally. Apparently he was helping a friend bring back the friends new boat along the coast to Chichester Harbour. he probably only made a simple mistake and it turned out to be a bad one. Of course, we feel upmost empathy especially for his familly and friends, and the skipper of the yacht involved. Without being at all judgemental, we all understand how dangerous our sport can be at times and whilst being absorbed in what we enjoy, know how easy it is to forget basic safety precautions. A timely reminder to those venturing out before the water warms up. Paul

Adam Thanks...sounds easier said........so would you do it next time yourself in BW ? would it have helped at kimmeridge, or presumably there wasnt anywhere to go ahead of the waves.... Regards Paul

Adam Well done for your thoughtful preparation and avoiding what looked like a very iffy situation! - I'm interested like others, in how the skipper of Aquafresh got on board your boat ? from the RIB ? and was he out on his boat. Was the tactic to steam up the back of the rollers and keep just infront of the following wave ? or did you have yor eyes shut !!! it was this guy who helped out with a yacht run aground in the entrance last year -always seems ready to step in when necessary. Paul

Okay I forgot the camera, to witness Pauls new Engine - but it looked pretty awesome, especially when the throttle was opened up. My comments about the trim Paul - on the following waves you seemed to be 'nose up', whereas I was porpoising slightly - seems to show you were too trimmed out for optimum control, and this might have contributed to the 'upwind slamming' Although by eck it was windy out there ! So, heres a CATCH report....!!!! 3x Dogfish - all femails I was using a 'berley bomb birthday pressie' coutesy of Alun J. I mention this due to the fact that 1. I would probably have blanked without it, as the bites came shortly after the drop 2. Alun would have been proud as I kept busy in the kitchen, sliced like rick stein, approx 5lb of squid and a half dozen mackerel, in the pitching seas, without lopping off a digit. Clan Mcvey and Xray produced nothing, although the conditions inshore were more tolerable, the waves being at the limit of bite detection and comfort. I launched in sub zero, and returned with the temperature not moved from -1.5. Still loads of sprats ? in the water, but no whiting magic this year. Time to pack the boat away, and get the motor serviced, I think !! Thanks to Paul, for showing up and buddy boating, as I wouldnt have wanted to stay out for that long over near the dolphin bank - beware that wind and the wind over tide, for all those who are going tomorrow. Still, a good blast in the conditions, and better fishing than working. Paul

Paul At least you will hopefully have the option to 'throttle back' once on the plane, rather than keep looking at the throttle lever fully depressed, and checking it every so often.....just to make sure you are at full throttle........yup been there... have also been out on those balmy summer days with the sea like glass, and doing a nice 20mph, on my own, and thinking it could easily go another 50% quicker without any bother handling wise. I know its not quite the same as the way a RIB at full speed will plane, but it would be nice to offset the performance loss of two or even three up plus gear. Do you know what fuel economy to expect ? presumably you have the 22L tank - i was thinking it might be a bit small for a days zooming about ? Paul

Aah... reminds me of our short summer break down watching the mackerel boats at Beer. they drive towards the beach at impressive speed, and take the boat right up onto the shingle, with the prop and shaft protected by an enclosed keel. Bit like a long ski.... covered of course with ...... stainless steel !!! I'm thinking of replacing my keel band soon - did you get any quotes Adam? or did you decide it was simple to DIY ? perhaps chat to you at the meeting ? Paul

Hi Paul Sounds really impressive ! - did you ever ascertain the max rating of the hull - is is weight of engine or thrust ? I'd be impressed if you get 22knts or more 2 up. We're all gagging to know how you get on with it. Paul

I'm using you Alun, as a 'Whiting Magnet '- I may go out one last time during the week if you do the prep work and locate the buggers. Just dont get another 24lb Cod, or we'll all be very very peeved Paul

Dan I replaced the whole system on my boat, and it changed the steering experience of two handed manoevering (which btw is potentially dangerous, not being in full control of the throttle....) to being able to spin the wheel with one finger. I'm just illustrating the point, that for me, it was the best

Planned to go out today for the elusive whiting, as weekend fully booked with non-fish related activities - Only did you see the weather forecast - yipes F7 no thanks ! Quick re-think, and spent the day up at Wareham and all points south including Rockley, chasing the even more elusive flounders..... The Only achievement of the day, was the safe re-cycling of a tray of rag, with absolutely no fish hurt in the making of this posting. Actually, we had more than 100 of those alternative green back flatties (with claws) over the side. Water was 8 degrees C ! However nothing more than a F5 in the harbour, no rain, and some good long spells of sunshine, and we found some flat water - so all in all a better than expected day. Was also quite nice not to come back smelling of fish, and recieve the evil eye for 'pongin out the fridge' (although we all know fresh fish doesnt smell fishy). Yes, I know, I have lost the plot Paul