Newboy

Somehow I don't think there will be many takers ...... The forecast isn't too good at the moment, 15 knots going up to 18, with sw to southernly wind.

Compare to my old boat, she handles very well, at least I don't have to worry about waves from other boat/ships Sweet Honey suffers a little from cross wind maybe due to her height and lighter weight. Could do with a little more sturdiness like Maverick in heavier sea, but them I wouldn't be able to get her up the slip with my car. Mike, you're on, just get better and I'm ready.

I used to think my wheel clamp was pretty strong, until a half awake moi had a small accident this morning.

You're probably sick of me saying thank you, but thank you I have to say To the rest of you, the day went like this. 1) I arrived at the wrong slip, not a good start. 2) Slipped the boat and out of Poole harbour by about 10:00, the bridge at high water is a little low, and only just managed to clear it 3) Adam showed me how to retrieve the anchor using an anchor buoy. 4) I did a couple of retrieve and I think I have the hang of it now. 5) We did a little bit of fishing but didn't catch much, never the less it was fun. 6) The outboard drinks petrol like water at full(ish) throttle. 7) Came back at around 2:00 and I'm many more time more confident than I was in the morning.

If that means no pair trawlers within 12 miles inshore, at least it will give the fish some breathing/breeding space. Have to agree with Charlie tho, it ain't doing much good to the dolphins

Come on guys (or gals). We don't bite, unless you want us to

I've a book on hull repair, very simple yet lots of background info. Probably not as helpful as Mike, but make very interesting reading on general maintenence.

So, it's settled then, 8:30am - 9:00am, in the harbour to try out the boat, engine, anchor etc. A spot of light fishing if time allow, I'll bring a bass rod and spinning rod, plus couple of block of squids.

So generally in this type of situation, what is the best course of action? Do we stay just off land and wait for the swell to die down?

At least everyone are safe and sound. Better luck next time. I would be gutted if my boat took such a battering, but at least it shouldn't be too difficult to fix.

Adam, I will be at Cobbs at around 8:30 and and should have the fee etc sorted out by 9:00. Are we to take any tackles with us in case we do go outside the harbour?

How about if I say 9:00am? Mike do you want to tack along? I'll provide refreshments, nothing special, just sandwiches and drinks.

When I lived in HK when I was a lad, we used to go squid fishing at night. All we needed was a treble hook with a white sleeve, some mono with a small weigh. Just chuck the weigh and hook as far out as you can and retrieve at pace, with charp tucks. The squid will latch on to anything whiteish and we just pull it in. Only good for the small one tho, the larger ones just ain't interested.

Don't know about Paul, I'm confused already.

Adam is right, almost all squids are for human consumtion. If they are from MJ seafoods then they are definitely for human consumtion. I think the best way to cook them is shallow fry them whole, in oliver oil with a hint of sea salt and black pepper, just let the juice run down your chin... hmmmm, yummy. Not sure if you can get them fresh locally, the only place I ever saw them fresh was in Billingate fish market in london.

Paul I should have mentioned to check that the plugs (Therfore the electrics and all that) are working. Take out both plugs and leave one connected to its HT lead. With a pair of INSULATED pliers hold the plugs threaded bit on a bit of unpainted engine (bolt head usualy) Get Hels to pull the starter chord (this will be easy as both plugs are out) WHat you are looking for is a nice fat spark as the engine turns over. Do one then the other. This wont nessesarily make the engine go, but it will eliminate one of the potential problems. If both spark well then it must be fuel. Mad Mike Who needs gloves or insulated pliers? They are for wimp ...... just hold it barehand.

That I can handle. It's "Now you're in trouble ......" is what I'm worry about.

Cos you are welcome to come Mike, there shouldn't be any heavy lifting, . Let me check the tide and come back to you guys. Anyhow it will be early morning(ish).

Mike's hurt his shoulder and can't come out to play.

I tried the prawns they weren't very good, only manage to catch doggies and doggies and more doggies. Anyway, I've ask my 2 suppliers to quote for 5lbs and 1 lbs block and I shall get a price by Sunday. Personally I prefer the 1 lb block, cos unless you are codding, a 5 lb block of squids is alot to use.

Not being funny, but how much are the 5lb and 1 lb blocks of squids? I've never bought one in my life, all my squids are given to me by the 'prawn man' (supplier of king Prawns to my shop). I can ask how much they charge for a box (or more) if you like.

Just realised how expensive it is to launch in Poole area Most of the slips charge something like

I will be on my own, so I'll need crew. Unless Rich would like to accompany me?!

That would be great. I even drove down to Cobbs Quay today, so that I know where it is. It was quite easy to fine, not bad at all. It was windy on the road tho. I definitely will go out next Tuesday unless it throw out a force 6+ then I will reconsider.

Weather looking bad at the moment, just hope it will improve in the next 7 days.