plaicemat

A very Merry Christmas everyone, I hope Santa's been generous and that 2015 brings less wind and more time afloat.

Unfortunately, nowhere to park my boat at the hotel.

You must be getting old Martin, a nice relaxing day's fishing after a quiet night out is just what the doctor ordered.

I know how you feel, my latest cancellation was the fourth in a row.

Never tried that one, any good?

And there it goes!

Looking at Monday or Tuesday, watch the forecast change.

Well, thank you chaps. I did indeed have a good day with two sets of visitors coming bearing malt whisky. Result! I'm always pleased to have another birthday, it means I'm still here.

Thanks for that, Alun, it's great to have a local guru for the up to date knowledge.

Have the channel buoys been taken in at Mudeford yet? If so, presumably the channel hasn't moved yet.

How come we all missed it? Everyone can't have been busy like me!! Hope you had a great day, Alfie; a sherbet or two?

If the boat still hasn't been moved, I'm happy to oblige.

Absolutely correct, however, the closer you live to a street box, the better your speed. Luckily, I'm only about 100mtrs from a box so, happy days.

I'm another happy BT user, currently getting around 75mbps. No idea when fibre optic is reaching a connection box near you?

All good, decision made.

Getting more positive about my choice, thanks guys.

Thanks for that Brian, personal recommendation always useful.

Any opinions regarding Yellow Penguin for servicing of Suzuki engines? They have to be serviced by authorised agents to satisfy the warranty. My nearest one to home is Windsor so I may as well get it done in Poole and combine with a day's fishing.

Well, I hope all you lot who got out caught some fish, I couldn't find anyone to come out and play. Is it me?

I've noticed the perfect weather and tide for Christchurch coincide tomorrow so, although I know it's a bit late, anybody fancy a day out on Stingray. Send me a pm or call on 07831492264.

O/k, I usually steer clear of hyperbole but in this instance I will make an exception. When you see a line against a product that says 'Worlds Sharpest Knife - guaranteed for life', one's first instinct is to scoff. Well, I bought a set of their knives for £29.95 (I think 5 or 6 different knives) including a Pro Fillet knife and they are brilliant. I did have one that went a little dull and they replaced it without question. The fillet knife has been used a lot, including cutting through bones and it is still as sharp as when I bought it. All I can say is, for £29.95, give it a try and, if you disagree, fell free to tell everyone. Here is the link http://tttradingltd.co.uk/product/kitchenwares/worlds-sharpest-knife-set/.

No Martin but Dillies is, according to Dilys!!! Rob, this will be the first time I will be able to use the half canopy during the dreary cod weather.

Bastard!!!! In fairness, a bit farther north they had more water but we were down to bare bones. Terry.

I have mentioned this in another place so some of you may be aware. I have just had a week of not salmon fishing in Scotland, a lack of water stopped the little rascals running up the rivers. However, everything was not lost as en route I dropped my boat off at Warriors in Leyland, Lancashire, to have a new engine fitted together with new windows. I collected it a week later to find that not only do I now have a new, black and sexy 70hp four stroke Suzuki on the back and new windows, they also replaced the fittings that secure the cover as some were broken, waxed and buffed the complete boat, replaced all the faded decals and threw in a new battery as, apparently, mine was passed it's best. Also, at my request, they fitted a Z step on the transom to aid boarding. The boat looks like a brand new package which has renewed my delight with this craft and I look forward to a few more years pleasure fishing around Poole and Christchurch. The after sales service at Warrior is second to none and the friendly team make parting with one's hard earned almost a pleasure. Well done chaps!

Just got back from salmon fishing in Scotland so couldn't come out to play. More later. Hope you all have a great day.