Adam F

I have never tried it, but I know of a few who have. Their are a few dedicated anglers from the IOW who fish in pursuit of these beasts. The numbers are no way as prolific as in the 70's but they do still catch them and 3/4 sharks a day is not completely unheard of. You very much need to know exactly where to go - its not a chuck it and chance it affair. The grounds are not 'between The Needles and St Catherines' but due South of St Catherines by approx 20/30 miles. Im no means an expert on this, but have read a fair bit about it. Adam

Thanks for the input guys. Its not something Im thinking of immediatly, but looking ahead (as we optimistic anglers do!) I would like to upgrage from 16' to something maybe 23/25' in maybe 2/3 years time. Now I could just buy a bigger vessel, or I could buy the mouldings and have a go myself. As I said, not firm plans yet, but just thinking of ideas for the future. Just a really daunting subject thats all - expecially when you have invested maybe 10k in a 'huge fibreglass bathtub!' getting it wrong is a BIG, COSTLY error. Adam

OK - So how does one gain that hands on experiance, or would you recommend just jumping in and learning as you go?

Wind is going to be fair all week, so with big tides and a bit of a breeze the Shambles would probably be unfishable. Wind for Monday and Tues is looking like 3-4 N/NW with smallish tides, ideal to break Gordons conger duck! I think we will aim for an early start on Tues from Poole. Ill keep an eye on the weather though and if it shifts maybe we will go for later in the week. Gordon - Ill call you tomorrow re times and bait etc.. Adam

Just a really random, one off question.... ' How does one learn to build a boat?' Just something I have been thinking about recently. If you want to learn to do wood working you can do a college course, if you want to learn to fish you can buy a magazine, websites etc... But I have now spoken and know of several people that have built (fit out, engine etc etc, basically from bare mouldings) their own boats, many of the club members have infact - but it seems to be, as someone who knows very little about this a real minefield of a subject. Am just interested thats all....maybe in a few years who knows!

I am thinking of taking advantage of the decent forecast this week and getting out one day - does anyone else fancy tagging along? Looking at Tues at the mo - forecast gives NE 3-4 and small tides. Adam

The no feedback system works on a friction principle which is used to give an effect a little like hydraulic steering. Basically the cables run stiffer in the linings, meaning that any 'feedback' from the engine or caused by waves putting the boat offline have minimal effect. It makes the steering a little heavier than normal cables, but not noticably so - as I said I can steer BW with just a couple of fingers. Not too sure on the cost - it comes as std on the Warriors. Adam

I only have a 60 on BW, but have never noticed the pulling to one side. I have the no feedback steering, and would recommend it. I can steer lock to lock with just a couple of fingers even at slow speeds and the boat never deviates. One trip this winter on the way back from the island I never touched the wheel all the way home. Mark had normal cables and upgraded to Telfon coated jobbies to make them smoother.

http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/M...ine_Braids.html 4th braid down - only the 25lb in Ghost green - the others arnt quite so good. Adam

On the contary - I have always used cheap braid (cos im tight!) and have been pretty happy with it. This year I have bought Whiplash for all my rods and to be honest I prefer the cheapish braid from the tackle bargins link. Adam

yep - just give me the time. I wish I could have doen this with BW!!

Yep, Martin is correct, Loyal Royal is a 640. Have a look under 'Members Boats' on the top navigation bar - he has just been added. Adam

dift fish about 300 yards off hengistbury groyne. cut up about 10 mackerel into tiny finger nail sized chunks and chum regulary with these. A 5 weight rod makes good fun of this on a calm day. You will catch mackeral, pollock, scad, bass and garfish using this method

As Newboy suggests...good idea. I dont expect you will see much change from

Happy Birthday - Little Boy Billy!!! 8 today! Have a cracking birthday. Adam

Look here: http://www.pbsbac.co.uk/forum/index.php?sh...55&hl=stainless The contact in Duncan's post would seem to be a good bet. Adam

Thank you Duncan - we got there in the end!! I agree Ofcom's site was useless!!! I gather from all the simple text that it was meant to be user friendly...yeah right!...after 1/2 hour of searching I resorted to my VHF handbook given to me when I did the test - here it advised www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk not such problems here...10 mins and it was payed for and filled in. 10 - 14 days to arrive -

Its Ok - found this: http://www.whale.ltd.uk/documents/Supersub.pdf

Almost complete with putting BW back together.. evrything has gone well, until I came to reconnect the bilge pump - the last item. It wont work anymore. When it did it never worked that well, som Im guessing it was wired incorrectly. It is a Whale SuperSub 500 pump and a Rule Deluxe Auto switch, which opperates off, on (manual) or on (auto) 1.) Is this an automatic pump? 2.) How should the pump and switch be wired? Adam

Kam, That still doesnt tell me where or how I get it? I cant recall from my VHF course who to obtain it. Cheers AF

I have just upgraded to DSC!! I have replaced the Icom M401 Euro with the new DSC version ready for the new season. One question: How do I obtain my MMSI number? Can I use the set without it until it arrives? Adam

Hi Scott, Use the 'Boat Buddies' section. This is specifically designed for this purpose - boat owners looking for crew and crew looking for boats. It is usually a bit quiet this time of the year, but come the spring you should be able to take your pick of boats! With over 60 boats in the club youll have a fair choice! Adam

??? tailor spanola: partial saloon tailor spanola: poll sanatoria tailor spanola: saloon partial tailor spanola: sanatoria poll I dont know?

Dan, why dont you email a few photos to Paul D (webmaster) he can then upload your photos into members boats? Adam

Splendid - Thanks for all your help, Ill go get some tomorrow. AF