great white

As I said earlier a good thread with the odd tangential comment [Thanks Fred ] The other bit of kit that can help is the echo sounder, if you are running towards a beach at slow speed it may well tell you if you are where you think you are. if going down a channel zig zag slowly to stay close to the deep water in or around the centre. as it shallows alter course 90degrees towards deeper water, [if you alter course but the sounder shows it getting shallow you probably went the wrong way] it should get deeper then shallow before you repeat the process. actually this sounds easier than it is, but it works Charlie

Thanks Paul CU there Charlie

Interesting thread Thanks Going out in fog is something I have done but would rather not do again even with the modern toys and Radar. Going in a small boat without plotter and radar I think I would not go regardless of how good the fishing is. That said like everything there are times and places when you get caught by changing weather [usually not forcasted correctly] and knowing how to use the instruments to get you back, is as important as having them onboard. There is no better way than to learn how to use them and then practise with them even when you do not need them. You may not know but if you have a radar fitted you are obliged to keep it in full working order and operate it correctly. If there was an incident in poor vis with another vessel without radar, the MCA would probably hold you to blame Charlie

Hi Paul Sam's has just gone in his room and as he is saving to change his car he was going to stick with the 14" If it is available I would like to take you up on the offer Charlie

You could use Purbeck Marine Adam 07775 733772 after all their apprentice fitted your engine mate or Paul Albut at Lifeline Marine

First and foremost I am pleased to read that all are OK , although I bet it will be a while before some venture to sea again. I am sure the two Instructors are now wondering about their risk assessment on the day. Charlie

If its right that the radar arch was folded, surely non of the electronics would work. an error made many times in Weymouth no doubt, but in reasonable Vis not a huge problem. Very bad skipper error for a charter boat though, anyone carrying passengers surely has responsibility to check the boats kit is working prior to departure especially on a day of poor vis. glad all got back OK. Charlie

Nice one mate so glad to hear that you have been back out again with little Rob [ Does he fit in the cabin? he was far from little a year agao when I last saw him at the rugby club] Great fish mate and some good whiting too Charlie

Happy birthday George Have a great 16th Charlie

Good luck with the sale mate and with the new boat that has now come out from under wraps very tight lines look forward to seeing her in Braye harbour. Charlie

In the last decade Watching my boys grow into fisherman Then having them help me build our dream boat in the garden. Taking so many friends out on the boat and watching them catch PB or Club record fish of many species. Especially the May Alderney trips with the Boys, Adam, Gordon, Will, and Terry. What a buzz it is to take a boat we fitted out over the channel and get some great fishing with some great friends and family. Although we called the boat Alfresco, none of us expected to experiance the dining onboard we have enjoyed thanks to Wendy, Gordon and of course Will. In 2010 Alderney again A great trip with so many boats to Portland The gathering of club Members boats in Studland and all that fun in the Sun. but top of the list, watching Dan play a big big shark on 30lb tackle for 2 hours, 30 miles offshore. None of the guys on that trip will forget that afternoon. {Especially as Dan tells us about it a lot } Nice thread Nige Charlie Oh and the low point is easy too, having to be towed home last trip and still not knowing what is wrong.

Thanks agian Tom for the offer of assistance still not sure what the problem is although at lunchtime I removed a lot of oil from the bilge, I will charge the remote camera overnight and have another look tomorrow. Glad you got a few fish in the end, the Marks spotted on teh sounder could well be sprats which could explain why Cod are now so hard to get. all the boats we were in contact with were having a quiet day Charlie

I too learnt a lot in the years that I owned a Wilson Flyer a very stable boat for its size at anchor. Initially I had an old 45hp on mine and it was pants, it only planed at WOT. but I upgraded to a 60hp and it was a totally differant craft. Later I took out the back off of the cabin and converted it into a cuddy and the weight reduction made performance even better. Also the ability to tuck back into the cuddy improved the comfort. Sure there are better boats if you have the budget, but a cheap flyer is also a very good fishing craft. Charlie

What a great report Respect to you guys, you certainly put the effort in. We were out yesterday, ducking behind the wheelhouse to avoid the cold wind. its a shame you picked a day when generaly is sounds like the fish were not playing. Well done Charlie

Nice one Dave Glad the maiden voyage/fishing trip went well we had a problem so were on 72 most of the day talking to helpers Look forward to Allans post. Charlie

Thanks Trevor I thought i would have a look at google for it Found this one I have watched it several times but I can not seem to remember the knot enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuYeFIPtHlk&feature=related Charlie

Thanks Trevor Can you give a step by step guide to how it should be done I would hate to try a new idea [i have bought some hooks], but set it up incorrectly and have the wrong outcome. Charlie

Interesting about snelling your hooks Trevor I read a report about semi circle hooks from New Zealand, it was a trial done with long lines to take angling ability out of the equation, so all fish were self hooked. The snelled hooks were a big percentage higher catch rate than normal tied identical hooks, and the semi circles higher than "Normal" shapes. Charlie

Wish I had hooked enough to give expert advice But over the years I have found that using pennels is definately worth it and I tend not to use huge baits. My hooks are now 6/0 or 8/0 Varivas or simular and a sliding pennel. Good thread Hope we see a patern in the replies Charlie

Belated Happy Birthday Rob I hope that you had some nice presents, shame you did not get a cod on Sat to go with them. Charlie

Well done guys Its funny how sometimes one rod gets the cod even though all are doing the same. well done Alun 18lb is a good fish. Sounds like there were more cod towards the island, but the biggest came from the west. Charlie

Well done Colin Great first cod on the boat, a good specimen and a PB Could not do better than that Charlie

Zero cod on Alfresco Well done those that got some, and a really good fish will win it this year, which is great Charlie

Well done Dave Good to hear that you had a couple Nigel/Paul you can not catch them again if you take them home and eat them Lovely day out there today, it was great to be out on the boat again with both boys. We had masses of whiting up to 3lb 1 on the cod baits, a Blonde and the usual pout and dogs , but we blanked on the cod. Charlie

The boys and I will be out on Alfresco