plaicemat

I could be up for Mon or Tues if it looks reasonable. Terry B.

I find my 'Bulldog' is fairly straightforward, provided you keep it well lubricated. It is also, apparently, one of the few recognised by the insurance community. They are not the cheapest but they work and, when you consider the value of your outfit, is

I don't know if it's wishful thinking but Monday and Tuesday are starting to look good. Any comments from those who know Weymouth. Terry B.

Gad, I hadn't realised he was the Mr. Big of the South Coast. What's he into, fish snatching?

Bob, if you go to Nauticus SmartTabs website, they have some videos that explain things quite well. Terry B.

I was very pleased to see your contribution, Jack. You've been very quiet recently, I thought the constabulary had caught up with you! Terry B.

And there was me thinking that sort or unbelievable stuff only happened to me! My faith in human nature is restored. Sometime I'll admit to my escapade at Baiter. My pride is getting a little less fragile and the phone is still working! Terry B.

The most important factor regarding launching at Wick is the tide time at the Mudeford entrance. The sand bar is fairly critical and seems to have shallowed off during the winter; 3 of us had problems on the same day earlier in the year. Being very cautious, I like to allow 2 hours before low water to be clear of the bar so you have to remember you have about 15-20 mins from Wick to the entrance. Launching from Wick is not too much problem but recovery, if you leave it too late can be difficult without a 4x4. There is a drop-off from the slip which your trailer will go over within about 1 hour of low water. Depending on the size of your boat, it takes quite a lot of power and traction to pull a laden trailer over this. I expect others will give differing opinions depending on their skill/bravery but I find this works for me. Terry B.

That's a whole new can of worms, Mike. I don't think my memory is that much behind yours and I remember my parents having far more leisure time, without the advantage of all the 'labour saving' devices we have now. My Father used to go to work at 8.00am, was home soon after 5.00pm because people didn't travel so far for work, and had every weekend to himself. We used to regularly cycle down to Weybourne beach in Norfolk in the evening to catch a few dabs. In recent years, I have considered myself lucky if I have had an hours break between dinner and bed so as to be up at the crack of sparrows to do it all again. However, that is now all over and, by God, I'm going to make the most of it! The 'Gone Fishin' sign will be on my door far more often. Terry B.

Dave, if you go onto the Nauticus Trim Tabs site, you will find a chart that gives the appropriate sizes. These differ from the ones on the ebay site and, probably like Adam, I chose the one from the 'horses mouth'. Nauticus Trim Tabs Chart. Terry B.

Thanx for that, Adam. Mine are now ordered and I await delivery. Easy to fit? Terry B.

Surely if this continues unopposed, there is going to be no period of darkness when we can fish for sole. I don't think I'm ready for this. Terry B.

Adam, what size did you get? Terry B.

Unfortunately, Tom, being in Oxfordshire, we don't have too many sea fishing tackle shops so I tend to rely on mail order. The shops down there are not usually open when I arrive to go fishing, and are closed when I've finished. My last lot of fantastic flattie hooks, which I'd had for about 20 years (I buy in bulk), have all but gone. Gold, fine wire Aberdeens. On my home ground in North Norfolk, we find them perfect for dabs and sole. In 1/0 they are great for plaice, my favourite fun fish.

Who else is good for hooks apart from UK Hooks? They appear to have a minimum order requirement of

Goodbye to you all. I depart at the crack of sparrowfart tomorrow morning for some fun in the snow. See if I can manage not to break anything this time! See you all out on the Shambles on the 2nd April. Please order some plaice for me. Terry B.

As an addendum to this topic, I offer the alternative to the 'coat hanger' method of keeping the bouy away from the bow of the boat. It was one of the few things I got from the Go Fishing Show, courtesy of the AnkaYanka chaps. When you have nearly let all of your warp out, attach another much smaller bouy behind (boat side) the main bouy and attach the same way as the 'coat hanger', i.e., take a bight through the ring and over the bouy which will fix it in position but make it easily removable. Now let out a bit more warp, taking this bouy about 20mtrs, or whatever you prefer, away from the boat. Recovery sees the small bouy coming aboard first followed eventually by the larger bouy and anchor. The small one can either be removed upon retrieval or left in place if you are going to be in a similar depth of water. I hope I have made this clear enough to understand. Obviously, the AnkaYanka chaps were selling this extra at a show price of

Paul, Alun is available first 2 weeks April so either contact him or me when you know your dates. Terry B.

Paul, I have contacted Alun re midweek trip and he is o/k during his early April holiday. Do you want to buddy up? Terry B.

26th no good for me as I return from skiing then. Would be on for following weekend. Terry B.

O/k, got the message. Look forward to a later date. Terry B.

What did he say? Terry B

I have upgraded to the larger (and more expensive) charts so would now like to sell the one I have been using. It has been sealed within the unit and comes in it's original box. It is 9 months old. I have used it out of Poole and Christchurch and never run out of chart. Navions Gold Code: 5G169S. Lyme regis to Christchurch. New price on ebay

In Andover, you won't have to go far. Terry B

Looks about right compared to mine which is due in May, Any change then and I'll let you know. Terry B.