Adam F

I can make the reserve date but not the fri, I have to go on sat and back mon.

Always as to see them go. She looked quite fetching with new anti foul and a wash in the spring sunshine. Also amazed just how much kit came off what I thought was an 'empty' boat!!!

And truly aweful this morning :-(

We still hope to be there, although timings are tight and lots to arrange. Watch this space......

I'm afraid I'm going to have to pull JV out of this year's trip, a shame as so near the off date,but needs must.....

Just do an 'Ian' and have a house and boat over there for the 6 winter months of the year - simple!

I cant make tonight - but I dont think we have done bad waiting until 7 days before the off - before looking at weather sites! Maybe we are just all a bit wiser after going over for several years! I wont really start to take much notice until Sunday when we can see the forecast through until Monday.

So my reading of that is that there is an enticing area of high pressure sat south over France but next weekend would see the jetstream over the southern half of the uk bringing wind?

Well this weekend would be the usual traditional date for the trip has the tide allowed.... A shame as the forecast is actually looking quite decent....

Size 4 or 6 is about right, carp hooks work nice as they are short. It's worth learning the knotless knot as it has 100% knot strength and is so simple and quick

The hair is just a continuation of the trace line. Basically you tie the main hook on and leave a long tag and then tie the flyer to that. However the trick is the knotless knot that enables the flyer to sit neatly and in line.

I was starting to get excited but the new job and new boat plans are rather getting in the way at present! All bad timing!

Royalties! You need to be able to tie 'the knotless knot' which is a knot dervied from carp fishing to mount boiles on a hair rig. I adapted it for turbot. It's very easy, but not to explain. If I can get there next week, I'll bring some kit and show you.

Very smart she looked to, at the marina this week. Have you put her on FAFB? (Www.findafishingboat.co.uk) if not, do it, good place to sell. Will the new targa live at Parkstone?

Can't believe anyone on here doesn't want to crew? We usually have too many crew, not enough boats? Looking forward to it now! 3 weeks today and we'll be stuffed to the gills with pepper steak from the Maris!

You should have floored it... Seen if Manta could outrun the chopper with its new hydrofoils! Lol. Well done guys always good to be involved in these things.

4 days is enough, it's pretty full on and I know I come back shattered! I wouldn't really want to do any longer. The other thing is having a weather window that allows you to stay that long! It's usually an ask to get the 4 days!

Sleeping onboard is fine, I've done it many times now. The facilities in Braye are basic but clean, the showers are hot. As Martin says they are all swinging moorings, most of us moor stern on when sleeping onboard to avoid the bow where you sleep taking the slap all night. However after doing this trip for a number of years even the hardcore are staying on land this year. The novelty seems to have worn off, and a warm comfortable bed that doesn't move isn't a bad shout for around £30 a head. Would be good to have you along. Adam

Hello old buddy! I havent a clue about the rod but great to see you on here again. Have a great holiday. Adam

5 weeks to go!! Surely it's time to start looking at weather forecasts!

Also, I think we should open this up to all juniors, regardless of whether they are a member or not. I know a couple of Reuben's friends would be interested?

My oldest is just about at the age where he's starting to take an interest but not enough to warrant a full year or several month long comp. If it was a one off junior comp I'm sure he'd be up for it. Well done anyway, we need to keep the junior side going, it's how I got into it all! Also, JV would be available should a boat be needed to take a few out.

I'd think that would be fine. The plate on the underside will be more important than the bolt size, it's about spreading the load. Put it another way: how do you manage when anchored in a big tide? A swinging mooring shouldn't be any worse.

Hmmm. It's a long run just on the off chance, strange as Portland is usually underway by now, I've had mackerel in April down there before. I've heard that the pollock on the wrecks have been equally poor this year?

Cheers all, sadly was working today but hope to get out Sat.