Adam F

Pretty good day all in all for James and I on Blue Warrior. Fortunatly we had had a bit of a recie on Thurs, so we knew exactly where we were heading. We also had an early start - just to get on the mark more than anything, as we expected it to be busy - how right we were! - I counted 32 boats fishing in about a 2 x 2 mile square at one point - add to this the idiots cruising between us at 30 knots and it was fun! Anyway, the fishing was sporadic all day really, with 2/3 fish then a quiet spell for 20 mins. Final tally was over 30 bream between James and I, with James' best going 3lb 4oz, and mine going 2lb 14oz. The majority of the fish were about 1.75lb - 2.5lb. Pretty good, and fantastic sport on the light gear. Last cast of the day for me, and I snag the bottom.....at least thats what I thought until it starts to move!!!!!.......Big fish! - Strap conger was the call, but it turned to be a new Club Record Small Eyed Ray - 11lb!! On 12lb class gear, 12lb hook lengths, 4oz lead and a bit of squid and rag as bait! We then moved out of the ledge into deeper water, where we found string fulls of mackeral every drop. Summers here!!! Then off to our old faithful mark, where we found the Sally Anne, scouring the sea bead for miles around - is it any surprise fish stocks are low inshore with boats like her? An exclusion zone of 5 miles would be a sensible idea? - But then the powers that be dont understand sensible........ James then began to walk the dogs! and finished with another ray of 6lb. What a cracking day - just got home, sun burnt, but happy! Adam

Force 1 all day Sun. Cloud and Sun! Cant wait - bring on the bream!!!!

James wouldnt know - he just goes ploughing through!!!

No Bob! - You are forgetting! - You have Cod your 40 year quota - now you have to wait another 40 years!

Not too sure on this one Mike - I dont think it will work at all. However all you need is a transformer, and youll be away! - Where to get one, well thats another question!

Worth a try - however look at how small the breams mouth is - not very big. The way they feed is very much smash and grab - steaming in at the bait and smashing it off the rock, weed, bottom, hook etc. 2 thoughts you might like to consider (giving away all my secret bream tactics for sunday here! ) 1.) James fishes his rods in the holders - he only strikes when the rod is hooped right over and the fish is very clearly hooked. Striking bream can be fruitless and very frustrating. This way the bait stays still until one hooks itself. 2.) My method is similar - but I use long shank circle hooks. These are wonderful inventions and I think seem to self hook more fish due to their shape. If you wish to try a pennel, maybe 2x size 8's or 10's (freshwater hooks) would be an idea.

Maybe.... No...just 'basic' 2 hook rigs either patenoster or running. Really rough ground so simple as poss - keep the tackle costs down! Just re-checked, and I was right 1st time - It is a Goldsinney Wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris) and guess what???? It was only 4 drams off the British Record! . Caught in 1992 off Portland Bill, by Mr I Wellington - 0lb 3oz 4drms. James's fish went 3oz - but weighed on 30lb scales, would it have been bigger on smaller - more accurate scales?????

Very clever!!

...Couldnt be better! Force 1's all weekend! We are slap bang in the middle of a big high at the moment, sunny, no wind - perfect! Better break out the sun lotion! Off on a corporate sailing event tomorrow - one of the rare occasions I am going to sea and praying for some wind! I need to see what all the fuss is about re. these boats with no engines!

Tis a very good point! and now I'm well confused! Many of you swear that 2 batts are a must, and have very valid arguments Others see no need, and would rather not risk damaging the system. My main reason for wanting to fit the 2nd is as a back-up. The battery that is fitted at present has held its charge very well to date and I have had no problems at all. The previous owner has very neatly fitted a Solar charger into the Tonneau canopy. I plug this in whenever Im not using the boat, so it gets at least a weeks charge each time. 2 Questions: 1.) How will I know weather I have a 1/2 watt or a 5 watt unit? 2.) What position should I have the batt isolator on when charging via the solar panel? - I usually have it in 'OFF' I think the approach I will take is to fit a 12v Gauge. I will then monitor the batteries condition and make a decision from there.

No - only babies really - 4lb the biggest. James has had them to 12 though (club record)

sorry, try this: http://www.nautequipe.co.uk/ Go to stainless deck fittings for more details.

www.nautiquipe.co.uk They do them for

Just checked my fish book, and I think it was in fact a Corkwing. Black spot just on the tail lobe. Ill post the picture 2moro.

Yep, cracking session - especially for an after work! 8 species in total - however I managed to sneak the crown of biggest bream - practising for Sun! - James just couldnt get near me!!! He did manage a Gold Sinney Wrasse though - 1st Ive ever seen. only 3oz though and was dead when he put it back - I reckon he caught it in a rockpool in Alderney and bought it home in his pocket! All from our secret 'Undisclosed South Coast Mark'

The batteries wont cost

I already have the switch fitted to the boat - it just runs the one batt at the moment though. Where do I wire the meter though? If I have 2 batts, I need to monitor both of them?

I know this has been covered loads in the past - but I being lazy, and just have 2 quick questions. 1.) I have a isolation switch fitted already, so if I fit a 2nd Batt - do I just run the +ve and -ve from the batt to the switch?? 2.) How do I fit a Volt Meter to my boat, and how easy is to do? - Where do I get one? Thanks Adam

The club has already run a VHF course last year - it was very popular from memory. I couldnt make it though. If anyone is interested - let me know, as I need to do it. BTW: East Dorset Council learning leaflet thingy came through the post this morning. I had a little browse, and noticed that I can book to do my VHF licence through here and it only costs

I did a 'buy it now' option on Ebay. (fixed price - no bidding) and Paid

Newboy - where did you do it, and how much? I havent done one yet - really must. Kicking myself for not doing the club one! Adam

Wow! - clicked your link and in under 2 mins I had bought a set! Was pretty pleased with Martins ones on the Alderney trip. They dont really give you a choice like when using spring balances - just 1 figure. Adam

Correct - Just not enough hours in the week! Well May 22/23 offers small tides - hw - 1.8m and lw - 1.2m may 29/30th hw1.8m lw 1m How does this sound?

Okay - the week after then - give the tides a chance to calm down?

So: Blue Warrior Splash Out Maverick Loyal Royal I think that should do it...unless anyone else wants to join the party? That is 8 fishing. Now all we need is the weather. Shall we pencil June 5/6th in the diary? Anyone know what the tides are for then?