plaicemat

Yet another case of the vehicle's abilities being more sophisticated than the driver's. Probably thought that because it had 4 wheel drive and diff lock, it should get out of anything. Terry.

Just a little postscript to my expensive day. I mentioned that I had broken my Fladen Maxximus Solid C 10-20lb rod to just finish the day off. I have contacted Fladen, via YYS International in Portland, and a very helpful Tina DeBear informed that they do offer a guarantee and to just return the rod to the supplier and he will exchange it. Unfortunately, I had to explain that I had bought the rod on-line, had not kept the receipt and couldn't remember the name of the supplier. This is not as implausible as it sounds as I have 4 of these rods, in different weights, and I think they all came from different sources. No problem. Just send it to her at YYS so they can check for manufacturing faults and she will replace it for a P&P charge of

Brave talk! I assume Abbie doesn't read your posts on here. What's it worth not to alert her? Terry

The last thing I saw was that this could be the last year for red diesel for privately owned boats and after that, usual diesel at usual prices for all. Terry

Apart from the holes, I hardly notice it! Where do Pure fishing live? Terry.

Thanx, that looks interesting, I'll send them an email for cost and turnaround. Terry

Thanx for that. Can't find a listing on the web, will wait for Rich to return. Terry

I come to the knowledge well hoping for a contact who can service an Abu reel for me. Any ideas out there. Preferably someone who comes recommended. Terry B.

I'm afraid that for me it's the old story. 'You should have been here last week'. Terry

I had a quiet day out yesterday with Martin on Maverick, trying to emulate all these bass hauling heroes. The day started with an uneventful run out from Christchurch and then on to the Island. The plans for the day then went slightly t*ts up when I grabbed for my mackereling rod, the boat lurched and I ended up with a fine hokkai hook through the little finger of my right hand. After trying, unsuccessfully, for about 20 minutes to either push it through or get enough of the point through to cut the barb off, I decided to try and straighten it a bit to aid the proceedure. Instead I managed to break off the point and snap the shank and was left with not enough to go either way. Time to stop! I suggested to Martin that we should carry on with the day and I would sort it later (slightly embarrased at spoiling his day) he thought for about 30 seconds and decided we should go around the Island to Yarmouth where I could get medical assistance. Having done this, the Harbour Office arranged a taxi to take me to Newport, 15 - 20 mins away, where I received fantastic and quick treatment, and then a taxi back to Yarmouth. Martin had, by this time, sorted his priorities and found a cafe where he managed a full English breakfast. He didn't bring a takeaway for me! The time scale of all this was fantastic. Hook in 07.00, 20 mins self surgery, travel round to Yarmouth, taxi to Newport, treatment, taxi back and we were pulling out of Yarmouth Harbour at 10.00. That would not be remotely possible with the Oxford hospitals time schedules. From this point, we first struggled for mackerel and then when Adam offered 3 or 4, we suddenly found a shoal and bagged up. We then relentlessly drifted the chosen mark, in the company of Adam and Gordon M, with little to show for our efforts but a hefty contribution to the tackle industry and the breaking in half of a 10 - 20lb Fladen Maxximus Solid C for me. Martin eventually managed to winkle out the daft one at around 3lb which meant HIS day wasn't totally wasted. However, as I was down in the area, I made the monthly committee meeting and got my club pennant from Trevor, many thanx to Mrs. Wedger for her skilled needlework. Thank you to Martin for putting up with me and apologies for cocking up his day. I hate to suggest perhaps we can try again sometime! Terry.

By golly, that lass has some healthy lungs on her! Terry

If you two skippers make up your minds what you want to do, I'll just fall in with whatever is decided. Terry

As I said earlier, Martin, I'm happy to crew; no point in bringing my boat down if others are going out. If Adam's taking Dan, I'll be happy to crew for you. Terry.

Good luck with the op, mate. I'm going in today as well so we'll both need some fishing R & R. Terry

Nice one, Kam. I haven't had the courage to try yet but will most certainly do so with the very next one I catch. Terry

I could fancy a day without too much persuasion. Either crew or see if I can get someone to come with me. Let me know, Adam. Terry.

What a great day, I think I'll have to join you next time. Terry.

Great piccies that give a true record of the day. I look forward to receiving my copies from Brian. Terry

A good day in anyones book. Well done chaps!. I could get used to this type of fishing. Terry

............or were they? Terry

Have a good day, Martin. What will you be targetting. It is great being able to target particular fish rather that having to chuck it and chance it. Tight lines! Rich, I hadn't realised the fisheries people targetted the sport fishermen, I was actually very impressed and reassured that they did. I have no problems with that at all. Wreck fishing has changed somewhat since the early 70's. There's more finesse now, it's more angling than fishing, if you know what I mean. Terry B.

Apologies, cock-up on the communications front. Capt. Tom will be Tom Vendo who developed, produces and markets the KeepAlive system. He is based in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where the water is somewhat warmer than ours. Any facts you need about bait tanks, he's your man. I had intended introducing him but was out yesterday and missed the slot. Terry B.

Forgot to mention that on the way in, we were stopped by the Fisheries Protection RIB and the guy came on board and checked our catch for size and asked what we were going to do with all that fish. Terry B.

Sorry about the spelling of Abbie, it was a 50/50 chance. Terry.

The only good thing that can usually be said about Friday is that the evening sees the start of the weekend. Not this Friday! Tom Bettle generously invited myself, Simon (britboard) and a recent Canadian immigrant, Brian, to a day wrecking in the middle of the channel off Weymouth. But the hospitality started the evening before because Tom invited myself and Simon to spend the night at his flat in Poole with his delightful significant other, Abi. The evening started late as Tom got carried away mid-channel with his Thursday crew and didn't get back until around 21.00, which indiscretion I thought Abi took incredibly well. Of course, we then had to open a bottle or two and try to outdo each other with our tales of derring-do and past triumphs. Funny, nothing ever changes! Bedtime came at far too late o'clock. Morning, on the other hand, came far too early. Having cocked up the alarm on my phone, I was awakened by Tom banging on the bedroom door at half past ridiculous. Simon had been exiled to sleeping on the settee as he foolishly admitted to being a fairly heavy snorer. I can verify this even with a brick wall between us! After a quick cuppa, we made our way, via britboard transport, to collect Brian, who looked decidedly shell shocked at being up as the blushing youthful day made it's way over the chain ferry. Next stop Wemouth, egg and bacon rolls, coffee and a loo, in that order. Boarding the boat was only slightly delayed as Tom had left his keys for accessing the security gate at the moorings and the boat - on the boat. A quick call at the Weymouth Angling Centre for last minute purchases and we were off through the harbour to an open sea, which was the most benign I have seen it this year at Weymouth. Those who have been with me on my plaice trips will be able to attest to this. After a very enjoyable cruise on Toms excellent and well appointed craft, we arrived at our first waypoint, the wreck lying some 185 feet below us. Now, I haven't wreck fished since the early '70's, Simon never nor Brian.Tutor Tom soon put us all right in the mysteries of shad fishing and soon some smallish pollock were coming over the side. Not good enough for the skipper so a change of venue and start again. This was a different story as bigger pollock started coming up, the biggest going, I would have thought, about 11lb. Then things went dull for a while, then one or two more pollock, a ling for me (a first and obviously a PB at around 8lb) and then the cod took over. Much excitement with fish all around the 6 - 8lb mark until Simon went and spoiled things with one of fifteen and a half pounds. Nobody was particularly bothered apart from calling him a jammy git and going green with envy. He also fluked out the biggest pollock, but he didn't catch a ling! Tom and Brian, meanwhile were consistently adding to the catch with good specimens which made up the total for the day of about 32 pollock, 6 cod, a ling and numerous goggle eyed pout. We will be eating fish and chips for weeks to come! From all the happy crew, can I say a heartfelt than-you to Tom for a real quality day and warm hospitality and, yes, can we please come again! Now, back to shallower waters and resume the hunt for the elusive (for some) I.O.W bass. Terry B.