Adam F

A number of people now have asked / PM'd me to see how the live well is constructed on BW. Alan Lake (Domino) had a cracking feature on his own website last year, but it isnt hosted anymore, so I though I would post a few piccies to show how I did mine for anyone interrested. To start here is the barrell. It came from here: http://www.smithsofthedean.co.uk/Miscellaneous.htm I have both the inlet and the outlet at the same level. Many choose to have the inlet lower to create better water movement, but for some reason I find this works better. Inlet is 3/4" outlet is 1 1/2" needs to be bigger to keep up with the inlet. The tap at the bottom came from a self brew shop in Ringwood for

Gordon had decided that brownie points are needed so I need crew - Paul J - do you fancy a trip out on BW?

Up at 4am this morning and launched by 5.... Lovely morning to be up again - reason for this - SW5-6...Plan was to fish until wind picked up and then come in about 10ish. Started on a different spot, but lack of tide meant we only had 0.5 knots so canned that idea and steamed to the old faithful. After several blank bass trips, it was Gordons turn today, taking three fish in quick succesion on the last of the ebb tide. We sat it out until the flood and I saved a blank by bagging a 3lber. Best fish was 4lb to Gordon. Wind got up at 11am to a good 4/5 so we headed in. Took me 2 HOURS to drive the 6 miles home to Verwood from Christchurch - rowing regattas, carnivals, Ellingham show and road works - boy, was I not happy! Anyway, thats my fix for the weekend! AF

I have always hooked them top jaw only. Tried the nostral method today, but had problems with the hook spinning, so back to the tried and tested. EVERY bass this year Ive had has hit the baits head first - therfore I would never hook one in the tail root. AF

Correct - they are Tope. Smoothies are fairly common around Poole, but not like we get up the Solent - if you caught 10, my guess would be they were Tope. AF

The long range isnt looking too hot anyway - the weekend looks to be bringing F4,5 and 6's from the SW

Currently we have 3 boats: Neo, Dawn Raider, Maverick and Blue Warrior We have 4 crew: Sheddy, Rich JAW, Sam and Mark B. I was hoping to see some different boats and names this time? If you want to come and are worried as you dont know anyone dont worry, we are a friendly bunch and will welcome you. Same goes if you havent trailed to Weymouth yet. Out of 75 club boats, surely we must have more than 4 who want to come?

Correct - you dont want to chop your hands off!

Great news! So, the system does work.

...could be - stick it into gear and see if the prop turns. Saying that - when my last engine started to do this it went bang shortly after and cost me 6k for a new one

Ill be venturing out Martin - but was going to give the islands a miss due to the small tides. I was thinking of Toping to the west. Sat is the only day I can make. AF

I used to use a spray can jobbie that my local tackle shop sold. I sued it on my brolly - didnt make it good as new, but much better than before. Was about 4-6 quid per can. Cant remember the name, but can was blue, white and red - Bournemouth Fishing Lodge sells it. AF

And Stu's first conger - 15-20lb.

Caught on BW - Tues eve.

A strange night, but productive overall. Took a mate out who desperatley wanted to catch a bass and a conger. Lovely evening to be out, but strangely quiet on the water, saw hardly any other boats? Fishing was slow to start as the tide was dying, but just before dark we had enough tide and I managed to snag two nice fish in two drifts, the best going just over 6lb. Arrived at the conger mark just as the light was failing, and out went the big baits. Didnt have to wait long before Stuart was bent into the first conger of the night - at 15-20lb it wasnt huge, but with a fair bit of tide, the smile on his face said it all! Beats catching coarse fish he said! Things were looking up as it was only 10.00pm - I was just thinking about putting my dinner on the cooker when we heard Marine Boy talking to Solent on 16. He was also out and had engine trouble. I then called Solent and offered assistance - so we cut the evening short and went to meet Paul. A nice slow, unevemtful tow in at 5 knots saw us back on the slip for 11.30pm. Picked up a brand new 2' fender floating free down the river on the way back also. Just goes to highlight the benefits of being in the club Adam

Ive never seen one. It is well marked through the summer, and they move the bouys accordingly.

Had a good play on the Raymarine C120 yesterday. What a piece of kit - IMO it is way better than any of the others we have mentioned inc. the Garmin. The detail on the chart is superb, it is so easy to use I just cracked on with it - and coupled with the sister FF unit makes the ideal piece of kit. Only problem is the unit wouldnt fit on BW - the screen alone is a massive 12.1"!! Have a good time bob.

Wow! She looks superb....and what a beast! Pat could have BW - at least the tender would match the mother boat in colour! A bit of work ahead then for you!

Trev, In a rush now - but I have used a 350 GPH bilge pump for 2 years now and never had a single problem. Mine is as basic, but robust as they come - basically the same as the charter guys use. When I get back tonight Ill do a few piccies for you. Adam

Hi Charlie - Ill also be out - but a change of tack this weekend - Ill be bassing on Bliss II, Ill still bag a doggie and a macky for a few points though. Tight lines to all. AF

wow! What a sight Paul - something I would love to see - altong with the Dolphins.

Nice one Kam! Ill also be interested to hear how the Float rigs were set-up and fished? I also hear that their was an issue with some of our boats fishing the waters around the island? That was what I heard on the radio for most of the day anyway?! Last time I checked the sea was a free place?? Adam

'Tropical Storm Franklin' ...I guess that means that Ill be blamed for the bad weather for the next few days.../???? Sorry chaps!

Youll be lucky for Friday - forecast SW 5-7 at the moment. Any flurocarbon, portland rig and a fine wire 6/0. AF

Taken on live joey - Tues evening.