great white

The build up was busy as usual, made worse by two boats having to drop out with mechanical issues. Thanks to Dave and Jerry for making room for myself and Steve to join their crews. Accommodation was booked for all of us and fuel arranged for a single top up on Monday morning. Multiple weather checks, it seemed to be OK for at least three good days, so its thumbs up and off we go. 0530 bumped into Jerry in the car park at Cobbs as I loaded trolley with kit for the 4 days [Why do I take so much ??] After a quick check of plans and good luck messages its off to the boats, kit on, kettle on and off to Swanage A brief stop saw a few fresh mackerel added to the bait cooler.😁 Off we go again 25 miles to the first wreck for us, with Jerry choosing another a couple of miles away. Great expectation but fishing was slow with just a couple of pollack. Loobie 4 joined us as their wreck was dead. The usual couple of stops followed as the breeze started to increase and boat speed cut back a bit as we motored past the caskets lighthouse towards Dave's favourite bank. Lures changed to traces baited with mackeral and we started the first of many drifts, my rod nodded very slightly and its fish on, the first turbot that was just in size and off to the bait tank. There were a few more dogfish than we wanted to see, but we did have four flatty's including one of 7lb 8 oz for Craig. We were getting a few mackerel and Launch right on top of the Bank where it was a little choppy. !600 its off to the moorings in Braye Harbour. a quick clean up of the boats and change . Call the water taxi and its off ashore to the Moorings Hotel for a beer or three. We grabbed a burger then walked up the hill to book in the Bonjour and have a shower. before hiking about 15 yards to the next pub. Day 2 Up at 0700, grab the pack breakfast and stroll off down the hill for the first water taxi at 0800. The breeze had dropped so the two boats headed back to the same banks. Fishing seemed even slower today, with more dogs and just a few flatties and gurnard Mark had a lovely fish that was a PB just short of double figures at 9lb 8oz. Best of 5 today. The lads on Looby 4 were getting a few more flatties than us, but it was tough going. at 1700 we packed up for the run back to Braye usual routine, water Taxi ride and a stroll to the bar in the Moorings. For planning over a couple of pints. Craig called his new mate Bill, for a taxi ride up the hill, he did not fancy that walk again. Shower and change then off to our new local next door for dinner, before being joined by the Jerry's and Steve later Checking the forecasts in did not look great for Sunday. Day 3 Woke up and checked the forecast, which if anything were worse with a fairly stiff NE breeze. We all decided to head down to the Harbour and taxi to the boats. Good job we did as Looby was a little close to a French Yacht, the crew of which had not enjoyed their night in a choppy harbour and were too ill to move. Our mooring buoy was hitting the anchor so adjustments were made. We had a coffee then decided to go for a walk around the island [ Mainly to stop us going into the bar too early] As we Past our buddy boat they were all having a fish , so we wished them luck as we tried to stay dry on the taxi boat. We learned later that Steve also went walking Jerry retired to the hotel and Jerry 2 took a spinning rod ashore to try his luck on the rocks at Fort Clonque. We strolled slowly around to the southern end of the Island, seeing some interesting sights on the way After a stop on the way, when a friendly local gave us a tour of some German buildings from WW2 we arrived at the Gannet sanctuary that looked fishable if you could endure the rough ride to get there. We arrived in town at 1330, just too late for lunch which was an error as our food was all on the boats. A quick pint with Jerry in the Marais Hall, then its back to the guest house for a quiet afternoon, before all meeting up for dinner at 1800.

May have to see what is on the calendar, and check with my crew

Top marks for not saying where, but your picture gives it away mate

Not much care for the community there. they are to busy so are closing??

Sorry he did tell me which Island, but I forget. He flew from Bristol as it was a big saving on London. He also told me that he has two days boat fishing booked at 600 Euro a trip. Probably worth talking to him when he gets back in a weeks time.

Fuel Bowser now booked for Looby 4 and Reel Magic, 0900 Monday to give us time to get the boats to the pier.

I have spoken to the guest house all is confirmed for Fri. Sat Sunday. Arranging the fuel delivery for Monday morning 0900. Well would be if they would answer their damn phone. Lol

I have not been, but I did research it a while ago. Made a booking for a live aboard, But we had to drop out as Norway was on offer. Ben is on his way out there this afternoon, I think it is his 5th or 6th time

Have a look at Cape Verde mate Dependent on your budget and how big a fish you want to target you should find something. and I believe its very warm and sunny. Hope that helps

Thanks all Just going to the pub for lunch with Wendy Dan and Christine. Happy Birthday Dave, Hope that you have a great day

Just been over to collect the parts for Alfresco's engine. but with painting then rebuilding the Volvo I will not get it back together and re installed in time. Hence crewing with Dave again. Sorry that Steve is in the same place with his drive rebuild, which means you cannot go Alun, can you not talk Adam into bringing JV2?

I hope that the decision to sell Tiddler is so that you can both do something enjoyable in your retirement Jim. Always welcome for a day out on Alfresco mate. Someone will get a nice boat, good luck with the sale.

Hi all I have checked with the accommodation They have our booking, which now is one twin bed room more than is required, they also have Alun's booking for a twin double room. The extra room can be cancelled but that does not need to be done yet, if anyone else was thinking of going, please let me know.

Hi guys It looks like I have lost my crew for this one due to unforeseen issues. To be honest with the engine out of my boat and still being covid positive that may take some pressure off. I have phoned a friend and will now crew with Dave again instead. I will need to call Mel at the accommodation, but before reducing the numbers we have booked does anyone want to take any available spaces? Reply , or PM me ASAP please

Thanks Steve I have a different problem at the moment, the engine is out, my bell housing is awaiting machining for a new liner sleeve again. Delayed by Easter and the fact that I am off work with covid. I intended to have all the preps done ready and the engine de rusted and painted by now, but am still awaiting negative tests. I hope others are enjoying the sunny weather and getting out,

If it comes to a new shaft Steve, I presume that you can get trade discount. If not let me have the details and I will get you a quote. If you do where do you use, as my engine is out for repairs and another quote may be required.

I have done that job in the past for a shaft on an outboard. But using chemical metal instead of ceramic. But it was a small old 20 hp unit. The engine was not worth the cost of a new shaft. So it was that option or scrap. It lasted the rest of time that Rick had the boat. Is there an option to skim the shaft to fit differant seals with slightly smaller ID seals? Do not know who could do that for you mate. Sorry. If it was skimming there are plenty of options.

After dropping anchor I have my rope up to the bow and dropped over the bollard and over the bow roller. Then attached to the stbd side midships cleat. When we want to go the rope is cast off at the front and we back off, the bow goes to port and we can see the rope and drive off at 90 degrees to it, before swinging up tide. when the anchor is under the buoy we set up to drift back towards it whilst recovering rope. This system is great for the larger boats, but not recommended for smaller boats to be tide side on to the tide.

Thanks Lofty.

Thanks Brian That why we could keep a nice brace last time out. When did our Bass become European Seabass?

Cheeky bugger.😜

Happy Birthday Buddy I hope that you have a great day, take it easy on the booze [Not] 🍻

Thanks Lofty and Jim One very Happy angler in the photo

A Brace for the cooler

Happy Birthday Dean Have a great day , no doubt a couple of beers may be consumed😃