Overrun

Interested in views on the Angling Trust and what it has achieved for us sea fisherman? Thanks James

Thanks Jim, 1 out 10 for observation on my part, must walked right past it.

Thanks guys, no breakfast available that I could find, will try harder next time. Bit of strange place, the longest High Street in England, 3 miles with 11 pubs Think we've sussed the tide, there must be an eddy back on the rise, like Lynmouth where it seems to only go in one direction.

Acting upon information received regarding big Tope, a plan was hatched to fish Combe Martin. With great timing, we'd arrived simultaneously. Nice easy launch Adam said, certainly was compared to Lynmouth, and car park only

Superb!

Nutters! not me I'm very cautious! Hi Steve, as Rob said, you'll get more from the club if join, always the chance of crewing, especially if you can get out in the week. These guys know a lot about fishing and more importantly when & where to go. In the meantime I'd be only too happy to join you on the water and may even find some fish , sounds like you're doing pretty well already. By all means PM me if you're planning a trip locally and I'll do similarly. Cheers James P.S You might also want to sign-up at at http://anglersafloat.proboards.com/

With the south coast forecast fairly windy, a trip to a more sheltered Lynmouth in search of Tope seemed attractive. Uneventful trip down, arrived around 11:00, couldn't see anyone on the water, or recognisable vehicles, kicked my heels for a bit. Wind gusty and temperature very warm (in between showers), viewed the slippery boulder strew estuary of the Lyn at low water with resignation, it was going to be hot work. No doubt to the amusement of the assembled holiday makers, made my stumbling launch down the Lyn in fits and starts. Getting a bit sweaty by the time I'd made the sea, or to quote a paddling friend

Thanks for your concerns guys, it's all in the research & planning. This is one of those trips where you can only decide on the day if it's safe. Certainly won't be round there in anything other than perfect conditions and lesser tides. Cheers James

Nothing! try to avoid fog at the trip planning stage, but it does happen. Not practical to carry a passive reflector(that's effective) and the active one's are rather expensive. I'm hoping other boats will be travelling slowly if foggy.

Swanage to Dancing Ledge 06/07/10 A trip planned last year, somehow never happened, until now. A little more time would have been beneficial, especially for the fishing. Primary goals were to understand the section of water between Swanage and St Albans, allowing future trips through to Kimmeridge, and access feasibility of fishing marks off Durlston Head and Dancing Ledge in the Kayak. Arrived reasonably early at Swanage, parked in De Moulham road for free, 100 yards to the beach adjacent to the Victoria road breakwater. Launched just after 08:00, unfortunately needed to return by 13:00 latest as a commitment in the afternoon. Conditions were windless and flat, with a little apprehension paddled past the pier and on to Peveril Point. The race quite obvious as mid-ebb, paddled well inside the buoy marking the outer end and through: Looked Bassy and quite benign, you can see how this would kick-up on a bigger tide or southly blow, reminded me of the Beerpan rocks at Hengistbury Head, although smaller. Paddled across Durleston bay, appears to have a nice sandy bottom and worthy of a visit after dark. The next point of interest was Durlston Head, couldn't see a race further out, although a reasonable current around 2 knots flowing close-in. On to Anvil Point. On rounding Anvil, a stunning view along the coast towards St.Albans. Missed most of the wildlife as 800 yards offshore until Dancing Ledge, the seabed claimed two sets of gear, very snaggy. Turned south and on to a kidney shaped bank approx. 1 mile south. View back to Anvil: Further out the seabed cleaned-up, gravel(?) on the chart, paused intermittently to bottom fish, plenty of Bream on the fishfinder, failed to connect with the bites and not exactly feeding hard. Net drifting speed around 0.5 knot at the bank, last of the west going ebb stream. Time getting on, the return journey started just as the east going flood stream began. Felt strangely exposed, an occasional swell reminding me that this would be no place to be in poor conditions. Made good time with a 1.5 knot assist near Anvil and the forecast SW breeze stiring. No race at Peveril, spied a commotion on the surface over the ledge. First thought a sea bird, closer inspection revealed no bird, just a floating cuttle bone, being hit from below . Sadly out of time and no poppers in the tackle box, noted for next visit. On the beach for 12:30, two Mackerel and a tiny Pollock the tally for the day, but it wasn't about fishing. Having completed both ends to St.Albans, next step is to paddle Swanage to Kimmeridge or vice versa, and fish one or two of those marks.

This is our autumn/winter route to the 'carpark' or though Richi the organiser on the day, is well known for pushing further south to the spoil ground when conditions allow. The 8 of us departed Keyhaven at 06:30. Talk about fitness levels, did I miss something, was it a race? They tore off down the Solent, quicker than you can say 'Tope'. Being more accustomed to a gentle drift on the ebb at 2-3knots, bit of shock to the system doing 6 knots most of the way to the Needles. Conditions very pleasant early on, Mackerel almost absent, the fishing dire until the flood began, then a passing Pollock jumped on the parked hokkai: Rod 2 claimed a Starry Smoothound of around 8lb to double Squid on a 6/0, closely followed by a nice Black Bream on the same rig! Around midday the forecast F4 from the SW began to kick-up the sea, soon after we started the return journey. Headed back through the big gap, quite a washing machine (not my pics): Once again, it was paddle all the way :rolleyes although wind behind. Arrived at the Trap, somewhat bigger and rougher than past trips. Worryingly, all the boats were either remaining in the Solent or passing close to Hurst. We ploughed straight into the middle . Have to say it was great fun, the odd wave landing in my lap and swamping the Scupper. Noticed Paul appeared to stop as I shot past, thought he must be having a play. But no, the anchor had deployed itself, right in the middle of the Trap, fortunately not reaching the bottom. No question of recovering it until clear of the rough water, knocked a couple of knots off his progress . Think Ben, Steve & Andy were racing as by the time we entered the last slog along the back-bars, and up to Keyhaven, were well ahead. Arrived back at the launch having paddled pretty much all of the 10 nautical mile round trip. The Trap and Needles were an absolute blast, can't wait for next time. Thanks to all for making such a great day. Cheers James

Copied from AnglersAfloat, posted by Darnsarf who will be known to some from the Kayak fishing presentation last autumn. Please forgive references to Kayak and replace with boat , obviously this affects all of us with an interest in the sea: As you are probably aware Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ) like Finding Sanctuary are being planned not just in the South West but around the UK. Last week we were invited to attend a MCZ meeting in the South West to represent Kayak Fishing interests. Unfortunately, both myself and Starvin were unable to attend due to work but we did have a very capable volunteer go on the forums and sports behalf. Thanks The report back was very positive. The MCZ concept really is about protecting the marine environment and all the stakeholders that use it. To this end the meeting was very constructive with all parties getting behind the project. Recreational Sea Angling is seen as a vital element within the overall plan with both conservationists and the scientists all recognising the vital role it will play in supporting the MCZ idea. Kayak Fishing was also welcomed and seen as a positive development. While we are handing out plaudits this site was also praised for it's responsible attitude to the Marine Environment. (This is not about catch and release and there was also absolutely no intimation that there would be no take zones or that they were ever going to be raised.). However, one area was recognised by all parties as needing URGENT attention. The whole concept of supporting stakeholders like ourselves relies on the collection of accurate, up to date information. The information they have at the moment is at best vague and worst seriously flawed. Even those running the project acknowledge this and are BEGGING everyone with an interest to register their areas. They have launched a new website that shows all the MCZs around the UK and allows you to register your fishing areas on a national scale. Recording is done on a map and allows areas to be designated ,not just spots which is particularly important for us. There is also a category for kayak fishing, time of year fished, the species of interest and the frequency you fish the area. As you can see it is pretty comprehensive and so is not particularly quick but accuracy is key to getting this right. You can duplicate an entry if you want to register more than one species for an area. It pays to read the tutorial first but once you have done it a couple of times it becomes straight forward. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE put an evening and a couple of beers to one side and register your favorite spots. I put on nearly 45 different areas just to test the system. Once you get used to how the mapping system works its quiet enjoyable. The idea is to show the powers that be all the kayak fishing areas so that they can consider our interest when drawing up the final MCZ proposals. You will need to register and once you log on you need to register your interest which is at the top right of the page before you can get to the map to add your fishing areas. It does take a bit of working out but if I can do it I'm sure everyone else can too. The link is http://www.mczmapping.org/ They would like all data to be gathered by September so please do this sooner rather than later. We are hoping to have a permanent chair in the Finding Sanctuary Project. In anyone else would like to get involved in the South Coast; East Coast; Wales etc projects then please contact myself or Starvin and we will try to get you involved. It is really important we take part in this project. It will shape the UKs marine policies for years to come and to be recognised and encouraged to participate is a major step forward for the sport. Please help. Thanks James

Congrats on the PB Mark, that's a quality fish, role-on next visit.

Glorious day at Swanage, the day began warm and still, with thin high cloud taking the edge of the temperatures. Registration and briefing completed within the allotted time-scales, a leisurely launch for the 40 or so competitors ensued. Hoped it would be cool on the water, Frysuit donned at the launch, several opted for T shirt. Out on the water fine, a hint of breeze kept the suit bearable. The bay quite busy with boats and Jet ski's, the tides as expected, imperceptible other than at the extreme ends of the fishing zone. Fishing hard, plenty of small Wrasse over the mixed bottom area's, Mackerel scarce and Garfish amazingly absent from the days final species tally. In all, 16 species caught on the day, including a 5lb Wrasse and 8lb Undulate Ray. My original plan was to fish in around the pier, on realising this off limits, made a slow paddle north in direction of the cliffs under Ballard. Collected a couple of micro Wrasse on the way. More Wrasse at Ballard, visited first by the Safety boat, possibly concerned I was straying out of bounds, then Dorado (Simon of Boat Fishing Monthly) paddling backwards while flyfishing, in search of someone with a catch to photograph. Close-in for Pollock, more Wrasse. Tied-up to a buoy in what tide there was off Ballard and float fished for Gar & Mackerel. Spent an hour there with no catch, chatted to another chap who'd caught Pollock where I'd been earlier. Returned and bagged a tiny Pollock. Headed to the only wreck in the bay, a good 200 yards further north from it's chart position. Beat Lureman(Steve) to the buoy, down-tide of the wreck anyway. First drop and most subsequent drops yielded small Pout. Steve anchored up-tide of the wreck and found Wrasse initially. Time getting on, still hadn't bagged either a Mackerel or Bream, paddled slowly back south, covering any likely looking marks, nothing doing other than big shoals of small bait fish or Sandeels on the FishFinder. Should have stayed near the pier early on. News on shore, 6 the number to beat, and one of the pre-match favourites had adopted a discard policy for Dogfish thrown back without a pic. Congratulations to Hungryfisherman (Amos), unchallenged with 6, while second place more hotly contested and decided on the return timing rule. More pics here: http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee62/jo...mview=slideshow Once again, great to meet old friends and new, many thanks to Andrew, Mark, Paul, Richie, David and all at JO, not forgetting the 'Baywatch' safety boat (sadly no pic !) Cheers James

AnglersAfloat are proud to announce the OK Classic Kayak Fishing Tournament, 5th-6th June 2010, Swanage, Dorset. This Johnson Outdoors Watercraft Ltd sponsored tournament will take place on the 5th June in the beautiful seaside town of Swanage in Dorset. Swanage is a well protected large bay, with easy launching from a sandy beach, ideal for kayak fishermen/women of all levels, in fact Swanage is a superb venue for the whole family, why not make a weekend of it. The event is a species hunt with a top prize of the new Ocean Kayak Prowler Ultra 4.7, second prize a Humminbird 385ci combo kayak Fishfinder and third prize of a Carlisle Magic Plus Paddle. For more details on the venue, where to stay, tides, tournament rules and entry form, visit http://www.johnsonoutdoors.co.uk See you all in June, for what is going to be a true Classic.

Great banter and fishing guys, enjoyed that!

Hi Jim Assuming it's the usual Rotomold plastic like Ocean Kayak, then will need a piece of the same material and a hot air gun as used for welding plastic flooring. Epoxy, Polyester, Silicon & Methylacrylate based adhesives will stick intially, then fail. Bournemouth Canoes should be able to help or indeed, do the whole repair. I'd certainly go to them if it's within a difficult or stressed area, such as the scupper holes. Another point, if it's an Ocean Kayak then may well be covered under warranty (think it's 5 years) PS A paint stripping gun will be too fierce Also, some plastic kayaks such as those made by Bic are vac formed, different material, may be easier to repair, best go back to Bournemouth Canoes for advice etc. Cheers James

Busy weekend on the water, finishing with a trip to Lynmouth. Great turn-out from AnglersAfloat with Adam, RodandReel, Isca, Dizzyfish, Marcel & missus, Nick, and Pugwash, making up the group. We launched down the nearly dry riverbed, bumped and scuffed over the rocks, then set off for Scillery. Beautiful day, conditions flat, with a barely perceptible breeze from the west. Arrived off the beach at Scillery, sea beginning to chop-up towards the headland. Barely anchored and a stiff breeze from the E to NE developed. Sat facing uptide (downwind) and fished with the lines trailing back behind, ..different. Due to a cock-up while buying bait, actually bought the preferred option, namely Bluey's... thought they were Joey's, bit surprised to see I'd purchased 'Pacific Saury'. First drop on the Tope rod, baited with Bluey, and a Huss run. Thought it must be a big Ray at first, until mid water. It was big, bigger than my biggest from Wales, well into double figures, as usual, the pic doesn't do justice. Then the Dogs began, well, perhaps they were small Huss, in any event, there were loads. Moved inshore in search of Rays. Adam went in close off the beach in search of a big Blonde, found one, but not of the fish variety. Naturists out enjoying the sun . Wind both days this weekend : No Dogs, sat back and watched Andy(Pugwash) and Nick banging them out one after another. Marcel and his other half paddled into the shore and landed. Later (and not to Marcel's liking ) to be seen carrying a large lump of twisted driftwood destined for a table lamp. Looked good to me, very arty! Tide turned, Huss back, had 4 or 5, all good sizes, no problem gobbling a whole Bluey and 8/0. Wind dropped out around 4:00PM, had enough by then, and fancied some chips

Thanks all, still buzzing from the weekend, possibly 50lb? Dave, thanks for the link.

Dizzyfish(Ian) PM'ed early in the week, we'd been discussing the possibility of fishing the next available weekend. Both he and Adam were very keen to go on the Thursday, looking at the weather we figured Friday might be OK and by Sunday the wind an issue. I rolled up at 10:45pm Thursday night after driving straight from work. Nifty, Phooey, Adam and Ian were all in Adam's van. Poor Phoo was out for the count, a days Tope fishing in a Sit Inside Kayak had taken it's toll! To his credit, he'd caught and unhooked a 30lber from a SINK . A few cans were dispatched and we headed for bed. Woke-up at 2.00am to the sound of rain drumming on the van roof, continued to daybreak, along with the wind. Didn't sleep much, stuck my head out at 8:00, cold, wet, windy and the sound of the surf pounding on the shore. Into town for a Cambrian Cafe Breakfast , then down to the front to survey the sea: Not very happy , we'd thought Friday would be the best day. Back to the van, sat about and chatted, by lunchtime it was turning into a game of Poker, who would crack first and head home. 3:00PM and the wind suddenly dropped and fell southerly, wandered down to the reef as the rain eased. Sea settling, returned to the van,

Thanks Martin!

Hi Mark, I'm aiming to be around Sunday, back from Wales Saturday. I'm not sure of the comp times but suspect it favours a Swanage launch and use tide both ways.

1) 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)

Well done Mark, a great result down here at this time, roll on the Bream. Are you about at the weekend or going to the Eastern meet? I'm thinking Kimmeridge on Sunday.

Yes Rob, it's Tywyn, there's a town slipway, we fish the reef of Tonfanau where the Dysynni meets the sea. The reef stretches around 4 miles off-shore. Thanks Martin, let's hope the weather holds!