plaicemat

Although not fishing the competition, Stingray was out and about on Sunday, as mentioned by Dave and Paul. It was good to meet some more of the members and be in such elevated company as the club safety officer! Although we had a slow start on the mackerel with only a few coming over the side, they were of a good size. Of course, we really wanted joeys. When we joined the others on x-ray, things improved no end. Pete seemed to be determined to maintain his reputation as doggie supremo, bringing one up nearly every cast. I, however, didn't have one; the old repellant is still working. I did, however, have a small 5lb'ish thornback and a modest tope, both of which pleased me as they are species that make me seem like a proper angler. Everything went back, except the mackerel. Now I just need something worth photographing. We finished up on the ledge trying to catch some fresh mackerel to take home as I needed fillets for smoking the following day (affishionado, please resist) which has now been done, We look forward to them with horseradish sauce and salad. Simple pleasures! This was the first good day weatherwise we have had this year and we made the most of it. Just wish we'd remembered the suncream!

Can I just say a public 'thank you' to Martin for collecting my fuel tank as promised. This really is a friendly club with helpful members not afraid of putting themselves out.

Unfortunately there is always a down side. Monday to Friday it is only valid from 10.00am 'till midnight. No good for early starts.

You, sir, are a star.

As per Bob's suggestion, if anybody's going near Holes Bay Marine tomorrow, I have a 25ltr fuel tank ready for collection. Any help would be much appreciated.

I bow to your greater experience master.

As a matter of interest, did you get your speed from sat/nav or from the transon fitting on your fishfinder? It makes a difference.

Thanx, mate. I'll call him tomorrow (Weds) and tell him someone may call in.

O/k, will do. Terry

I have ordered and paid for a fuel tank from Holes Bay Marine but unfortunately can only come down Sunday this week and they are not open. Is anybody likely to be going that way between now and Sunday who would kindly pick it up for me. I will then collect from them on Sunday either from their home or, if out, on the water. This is not a desperate plea, just desirable, so don't anybody put themselves out for it.

This has absolutely nothing to do with fishing but has been forwarded to me by a friend in the 'trade'. You may wish to adopt this as it is apparently going to be enacted upon by the emergency services everywhere. Following the recent tragic events and ensuing confusion for the emergency services in London Chris Carney, Chief Exec of the East Anglian Ambulance Service has launched a national "In case of Emergency (ICE)" campaign with the support of Falklands veteran Simon Weston. The idea is that you store the word "I C E " in your mobile phone address book, and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency". In an emergency situation ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out details of your next of kin and be able to contact them. It's so simple that everyone can do it. Please will you also email this to everybody in your address book, it won't take too many 'forwards' before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest For more than one contact name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc

I was absolutely desperate to get down this weekend. Everything planned, and what happens; the head gasket has gone on my Disco. 4 days in the Landrover hospital. Can it get worse. Yes, it can! My wife wants me to go furniture shopping as I can't go fishing. I think I can hear the Usk salmon calling.......

Isn't it because only Naval vessels can fly the white ensign?

Thanx for spotting the query, Martin. I have both 20 and 30lb, it was the 40 I was going to get if necessary. You've saved me the outlay with your advise.

Thanx for all that, I knew I could rely on you all to simplify things. So I think the search is on for the best priced ABU conolon and a Daiwa TDX. I think the ABU will go very well with the ABU BG7000NLD reel I acquired recently. Matched with 40lb braid?

Right, thanx for all that, chaps, I think those last comments have made my mind up. I'll come down at the weekend and sort things out.

Access is no problem as I have a Discovery. Does that creek dry out at low water? If not, seems like a good idea to save

Thanx for that, Martin. Expensive, I know, but I think viable if it gives me more time on the water and less hassle launching.

Living a long way from Poole, I am limited as to the number of days I can get down and these seem to be limited even more by the permutation of getting weather and tides right. I have decided to eliminate one of these factors by putting my hand in my pocket and opting for a Cobbs Quay season pass. Just one point, is it suitable for launching anytime or are there limitations? I have been out from there with Martin and it seems straight forward enough.

I'm a bit confused as to the classification of rods (there's a surprise). I am looking for a rod (rods?) for bottom fishing for the heavier species, i.e., rays, tope, conger etc. What should I be looking for please. Incidently on this topic. When I was a child I used to boat fish with a friend of my father's who was considered to be a bit of an expert. So much so that he made a lot of his gear, but don't forget, this was a much less sophsticated age. His 'heavy' rod was made from a golf club handle with rings and reel fittings attached. I remember it seemed to work well for him. For those of you who fancy trying it, I believe it was a 5 iron!

Should have been more patient. I didn't realise you hadn't finished. Soz.

Very nice picture, Adam. Now, I know I'm a bit inept but, where are the others? (as in 'just a few piccies')

Sun fish are not a new phenomenon in Poole Bay. We used to see them fairly regularly, together with basking shark, 30 years ago.

Thanx for HBM, Coddy. Will try them when I come down at the weekend.

Anybody know where I can source a plastic 25ltr quicksilver fuel tank for a Warrior 165. I want a spare for those longer trips. I have tried online but to no avail. An alternative would be 65 or 95ltr but, do they fit?