great white

I could not get all the pictures I wanted too on one report so I have added a few more, that I put on the gallery last night. I hope I left room for others to add some bits of their own memories of the trip [Happy Hooker??] and pictures Ben's first taste of Alderney Tope fishing Craig giving one some stick Specimen Huss Double hook ups Quest 2 close up Joint Venture on her way back up the banks Six Club boats , a long way from home on one wreck. White Magic fish on Starting to get my energy back now Charlie

Nice one Mate, what a great part of an excellent trip When do the big ones arrive, and are we going?? get some bigger scales I know Adam did Charlie

well the weather settled into a pattern and the trip was on, tides a little earlier so it was an early gathering at Aunt Betty 0530. then push on for the various plans. Ours was a 35 mile non stop run to wreck 1, then its feathers for macs and flying collars. success with both species Fishing slowed and we thought a little anchor time. sat uptide of the wreck at the right spot but only small eels. up sticks and more off course to mark no 2 some deep spots, run along at 60 metres , it drops to 63, Dan says thats not much of a hole Dad just as it dropped like a stone to 79metres. Hoping for cod /ling we drift, plenty of pollack but little else. We set off for a rocky spot punching some tide just as the first of many excellent lunches was ready, as we had 3 knots against we ate at a slow speed rather than stop, as Tope were calling. Clean plates, push the throttle and off to join the others We arrived just as Craig was into his first by the time he had that onboard [after some encouragement from Will} Ben was also enjoying the fun. we had a few on the drift, but as the anchor was ready we put it in, then came the most hectic session of the trip, many double hook ups Terry first ever tope Dans 37lb fought well Its good to be back Then Dan had the first PB of the trip [also beating Mine and Sams best ever] 46lb we run out of mackeral so change to squid, some tope but mostly Huss including another PB to dan at 11lb All too soon the time comes to run to Braye Its been a long Day, but we haul ourselves to various digs then up the hill to the Marais Hall. for story's and steaks. Day 2 0630 Breakfast onboard in nice weather Off to the schole 1st stop for mackeral, instant success arrive at bank turbot gear deployed, smaller feathers attached we started to get launce the two turbot in 10 mins To be honest it was a great start, but the fishing slowed. we had far too many dogs and the odd flatty But in excellent weather, some great banter with our crew and others, another great lunch of chicken curry, we could not resist a play following a call for a photo shoot and fly pasts. by 1500 we had six turbots and half a bucket of mackeral, as had others so guess what its Tope time, lets go North at 25 knots Fishing was great again, several fish to all, including that boy again beating his best at 47lb. A Call from Adam that the moorings was booked for 1930 saw a late arrival in braye and a rushed shower. More tales to swap and beer to swill. Day 3 Poorer weather slower start with a shopping trip to Marks caravan, place the Duty Free order then Toping This time we struggled on the drift, at a differant stage of the tide, a couple of fish were not enough to keep us from the banks closer to Braye. We had three fish before a very cold fog arrived and the wind over tide really had some seas going. I had picked up a cold and was struggling, but could see others on teh boat also looked cold and Glum so we called time and headed in. a slow Run to the inner harbour for fuel and fresh water. we then warmed up in the Sun and were totaly spoilt by Will's Salmon Salad with honey mustard dressing, Strawberries and Cream and cold beer from the cooler. It may not have been fishing but it was fun, in the now sunny harbour. Other boats had more fish, before our meeting in the Harbour lights for a nice meal, nice to have Mark join us to discuss the finer points of life on the Island and his struggle with burocracy. Day 4 Plan was to skip breakfast to make early tide. I awoke at 0600 to white horses in the harbour and thick fog a quick word to dan to stay in bed and a call to Will not to miss breakfast in the B and B Then its the first of many gatherings to discuss ever changing plans. Moral was not high but the teapot stayed hot. Steve Porter was taking his cew home anyway and called Dave to say that outside the weather was good, so just before 10 we nosed out to the swinge, For the first time I can ever remember it was calmer than the harbour. I had decided to look for a big lump to the west, we found it then I found that all six had the same plan and it got a little busy.we had a few small fish Off to No 2 This was better more fish and a few good ones heading for doubles, Then Terry had the best one I have seen for a while later weighed after bleeding it went 16lb 8 I had a PB on Alfresco 14lb We were on the pollack so at slack went to another to try slack for ling. we joined three of our boats, we landed and saw them land more pollack but no Ling/cod for us [ Back to No 2 for the start of the ebb more pollack mark 4 more pollack then a last few drifts on a favorite cod mark blanked. We had done some miles and some hours to make up for Thursday so at about 1900 Quest 2 and Alfresco headed for home Tired but happy with some good fish from the trip, some tales to tell It has been a good one all six boats helping each other, with help also from friends on Weymouth and Poole charter boats . We boosted business for Mainbrayce, Alderney Angling, Marais Hall, Moorings Hotel, various B and B's and the Harbour lights to name but a few. I believe that we spent a fair bit on the island between us and hope that this could be used by Mark as an example in his struggle to get the powers that be in the islands, to recognise the value of RSA's to their economy. Thanks to all that came Those at home wishing us well and especially Dan Will and Terry for making it another great trip. Will your cooking is worth the trip on its own and I probably bored the other crews telling them so I will edit with pictures later Charlie Charlie

That was busy and a little tiring It may take a time to make full report, we missed a bit of Sat and went for it yesterday. arrived home at about 10 Charlie ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Tight lines ther were a good No of decent fish caught last weekend Charlie

I will be letting everyone know what I do Charlie

I believe Terry has booked the meal for Sat evening which sounds good as it could be the breezy day so a return to fuel and get a chance to shower and change. We are up for the raft BBQ if others are. Fri/Sat not a problem My thoughts to head slightly east on way out, west on the way back. But I will make a call to a few contacts while we are there to check what is caught nearer to home on Thursday. That may alter our return plans but not by much. We are getting keen now, but not on hearing a 4.30 alarm Warning to Alfresco crew, do not expect conversation with Dan at that time in the morning, you may get a grunt if you are lucky Charlie

Best spots for the bigger boys around here are in deep water 35m plus, around to the west. Some anglers get them on the drift, but as Coddy says it would be a fair paddle, needs perfect weather and I suggest need a safety boat for cover hard work in a Kayak But I have had some up to 40lb just outside Dancing ledge Plenty of small ones on the Dolphin Bank, which is where you described I expect. Charlie

Cracking trip on any boat let alone a Kayak What a brute of a fish, well done guys, the big ones always look that bronze colour I have found the comparison between length and girth a good rough guide but not 100% and not easy to measure the buggers as they will not stay still long. No other choice on a Kayak though. Good angling, wish we could get that stamp of fish around here still. we are going accross channel to see if we can find some. Charlie

She is looking good Colin I bet you can not wait for 3rd June LW Poole is at about 0920 so you will be against tide, but its not a huge tide look forward to seeing her afloat Charlie

I agree Adam If it stays like that we will be OK IMHO What do others think? Charlie

As there is such a large number fishing the Bream comp, I need to keep all results in one place as much as possible. Log your catches here please: 1) Little Sal 2lb 2. Sam Chapman Alfresco 2lb 12oz 3. Dan Chapman Alfresco 3lb 1.5 oz 4. Charlie Chapman Alfresco 3lb 10oz

Sounds good Adam but not sure about the 5am start as Terry has a distance to travel. Happy to buddy with you and Tom, up close or at a short distance by radio. I had chatted to Tom before the postponed trip and he was planning a run straight to mid channel and a bit of Mark hopping from there 1 hr earlier tides also puts tope in the frame on day 1, I think a couple more days will allow the weather to be forecast. then I will go through the more accuarate tidal flow books and charts. If we go are you thinking of putting the boat into the marina on wed? Starting to get the buzz back now Charlie

Hi Greg I am sure you would generate some crew if you decided to come. and many offers of advice on some places to fish Charlie

Martin B 2) Dean B 3) Mark (Zippy) 4) Craig & Jackie 5) Neal S 6) John Young 7)Will&Stuart Summerell 8)Graham (Little Sal) 9 ) Dave Evans 10 ) Jim Davies 11 ) Tony O'Callaghan 12) PJ 13) Nigel Allen 14) derek vaines 15) Paul Stapleton (Zed) 16) Gordon & Heidi on Fugazi 17) Dave S 18) Bill Smith 19) Alan Green 20) Ben Allen 21)Derek Taylor 22)Diane Taylor 23) mike toms 24)James (Overrun) 25)Steve Daley 26. Charlie Chapman 27. Sam Chapman 28. Dan Chapman

Alfresco All 4 please, as anticipated. When are we thinking of discussing/finalising plans/ times/ buddy boats etc? I do not think with all the travelers that we need a meeting. to start the ball rolling. After I got back home last night, I looked at the tides and see they are about an hour earlier than on the 6th. Charlie

Hi Tom It sounds like a problem with the isolating switch would be a good place to start try taking it out of line ie take it off, take the wires off and connect the two heavy wires together [put two on the same connector on the back of the switch for a quick test] If you are stuck give me a call, I will bring a test meter over Charlie

I have just heard that Stuart can not get time off to make the trip So I now have a space available on Alfresco for the trip. But it will mean sleeping ashore on Alderney. I have had a few contacts from Mark at Alderney Angling for B&B,s as he is already full on these new dates If anyone who was going on the original dates has lost a ride or if anyone else fancy's the trip , Thursday - Sunday weather permitting please get in touch. Sounds like the fish are there Charlie

I have just heard that Stuart can not get time off to make the trip So I now have a space available on Alfresco for the trip. But it will mean sleeping ashore on Alderney. I have had a few contacts from Mark at Alderney Angling for B&B,s as he is already full on these new dates If anyone who was going on the original dates has lost a ride or if anyone else fancy's the trip , Thursday - Sunday weather permitting please get in touch. Sounds like the fish are there Charlie

Just seen this on the WSF site We have just come back from Alderney after 5 cracking days with skipper Rob on his 38 foot CAT Shogun. the weather was nothing like forecast with most days flat calm. first day crossing we had cod and pollack to 21.5lbs, second day turbot to 12lbs, third day more turbot and in the afternoon we went toping and I got a new pb of 45lbs, forth day yet more turbot to 11lbs and fifth day more cod and pollack on the way home. had a fantastic time, great skipper, great boat, great fishing and great company White Lancer BRING IT ON

Mark you can fish the Club one under normal Club rules Ie tell someone that you are going to enter and when you are going to fish. No need to book in at the angling centre. Apart from the kayakers, others may want to consider their options. We fished just the Club comp last year as we had guests onboard. Dan had a fish big enough to win our comp, and the open if he had entered it. He got the trophy but not the open prize of over

Well done Nige lovely specimen Ray and nice picture. Those dolphins sure are busy at the moment Charlie

Nice guys. I bet you get a real buzz out of that. nothing like getting close to a good one in a small boat at night, and you don't get smaller than a kayak. Charlie

Martin at Haywood technical used to have portable equipment I have his number at work, give me a call on Maonday if you are still looking Charlie

1.) JV - Adam and Alun, space for 1 more 2.) Quest II - Tom, Chris and Pete 3.) Abode keen May need crew ? 4.) Phaeton - Duncan 5.) Wight Magic - Dave , Dean and Gordon 6.] Alfresco Charlie, Dan, Will plus Stuart [if he can get time off]