plaicemat

I have no problems with other mediums but I use and at present like Edge. Presumably everyone will eventually get up to speed with the new Microsoft operating system.

I posed the question some time ago, nobody seems to know. Rob, it's on the p.c., not mobile. Just tried again, the smiley was inserted but it wouldn't post.

So, how many are intending to try for the end of April for the first attempt, skippers and potential crew?

With regard to our Minister's published views regarding having received lots of letters from RA's saying they should be allowed to keep what they catch, am I the only one who thinks this is somewhat disingenuous. I'm pretty sure most of the letters are saying that anglers are not against bag limits but are against the inequality of measures that hit the sector that has the least effect on the bass and virtually reward the ones that have the most. I am personally content with one fish per trip until things improve although I think the arbitrary ban for the first six months is OTT but, if it is to be so, it should be necessary for all sectors. It's not even that I find it unfair, it is that I find it unfathomable that things are bad enough to ban one sector and not the other. Come on chaps, get a grip!!

Other countries seem to do more than just make laws, they actually enforce them AND get the public on board. In the U.S, if you speed in roadworks thus endangering the lives of the workers, any fines are automatically doubled. Seems effective. Also in the States, I have many times seen uniformed members of the Fish and Wildlife Service making themselves visible at boat landing stations, beaches, piers and popular hunting areas and they are assisted to a great extent by members of the public raising concerns to which they attend. And not three months later. To be taken seriously, investment must be made to ensure an adequate and mobile force that is ready to act. Hope you're enjoying your winter break Ian and getting some fishing in.

................and can somebody tell me why, when I insert a smiley, it won't post?

Will any fish kept and returned to them come off my daily limit?

Happy birthday Tom. Have you had your surgery yet?

Congratulations, you've caught Tony up; I'm your next target. There's a bottle of red with your name on it for tonight.

Have a good one, Brian. Cake and wine are recommended, nay, obligatory.

For those who are interested in writing, the Ministers address is: George Eustace, M.P., Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR. I have also appended a personal preface to the letter which I think is important to avoid the 'snowstorm' approach; it actually has to be read. Here is mine: Dear Sir, I would be obliged if you could answer the following points for me please. This stems from my personal disgust at the way that the Government in particular and the EU in general have treated the matter of bass stocks around our shores. It has been stated that they are in a state of serious decline yet absolutely nothing will be achieved by the new regulations to change this. As a recreational angler who spends a lot of money on his hobby, I feel that we are being forced to limit our catches, which I have no problem with, to ensure greater catches by the fishing industry. Not fair, not justifiable and definitely not in the interests of bass stocks!

So can I!

O/k, update. I have spoken to the marine director at Indespension and he informs me that I can get the complete kit, which includes side and front marker lights (these have to be included to keep the integrity of the wiring loom). It will, apparently, utilise the threaded hole that at present holds the bolt with the round handle that clamps the lighting board brackets. So far, all good. Downside, £320 plus v.a.t! As I can get a set of submersible lights, loom etc (without marker lights which I have managed without so far) for about £65, I think I am probably back to manufacturing my own system. More to follow.

Done, awaiting replies.

The petition has failed. Well, there's a surprise then! Apparently, we've all got it wrong and everything is o/k. Phew, that's a relief.

I'll see what I can do Rob.

Thanks for that info Sam, I am now looking at making plastic brackets attached with S/S fixings. I'll keep you informed how I get on, others may be interested.

Thanks for your input Ian, very informative. I am now going to check to see if the square number plates that used to be used on vans quite a lot are still legal, I think one of these would be easier to fit than the usual rectangular one. TrailerTek seem to do a kit that would answer, about £65.00 for the kit.

Thanks for the input Sam. Rob, what I'm trying to avoid is just another trailer board which I have to remove. The ones I am talking about are permanent brackets that bolt to the trailer and then tuck out of the way when launching.

O/k, I'm probably the last to work this out but I've just discovered there are LED lights for trailers which you leave on the trailer when launching/retrieving. I wonder if these can be fitted retrospectively to my older Indespension trailer as Indespension sell them on a board which will presumably have to be removed for launching. On their new trailers they are fitted to a bracket which tucks away when launching http://www.indespension.co.uk/25-boat-trailers. I can't seem to get any sense out of Indespension as to whether or not I can fit these. Can I get something made and galvanised?

There has always been legislation to stop these buggers, to sell fish, one's boat has to be licenced so they are breaking the law. I wait with baited breath to see if the authorities stop every recreational fishing boat (or even a few of them) going into Christchurch harbour to check how many bass they have. I would imagine that the first person who spots them checking will broadcast this on the marine band so any wrongdoers will just ditch their catch.

You have to come to the Fishermen's Christmas Party to learn those sort of secrets, Dave.

I could be tempted Martin except for the fact I've got a throat lurgie which I'm sure our esteemed chairman's wife, Lorraine, passed on to me. Thanks!! Keep me informed.

A very merry Christmas to all you folks who are members of the forum but not the club (why not?). You will have missed the jollity of the members part of the forum but you're not forgotten. Have a great day.

And combined with pureed chestnuts, hyperfart! It's worth it though and the effects soon pass (as it were).