plaicemat

Get using it, Bob, It's great!

John Manser is a no-go, I'm afraid. You put me on to him, Adam, and I contacted him. It appears he just has a large house and put the Burnham boys up as a one off favour. His wife recommended a caravan park that they used to use before they moved down permanently. Unfortunately, I didn't make a note of it, but i'm sure somebody will know of one.

My radio has developed a fault which, I'm pleased to say, Cobra radios are going to sort even though it is just out of guarantee. This has made me think about an emergency alternative and I have therefore bought a handheld radio which can sit in the locker until needed. Now, I know there are some wonderful handhelds out there and I'm sure I probably should have gone for one, but I can't justify a large'ish sum of money for something that may not be needed. I have therefore purchased a Silva Star M-298 for

That's all very clear, thanx. Hopefully see you all there.

'Scuse my ignorance but, not being very local so unable to attend club meetings, I don't know where the Marina Club or Car park is. Can somebody enlighten me please?

I've been using it a little while now and it seems great. I have made up a plastic bin, with lid, (like a very mini dustbin) of 1/2 gallon and I just throw the reels, swivels and other bits and bobs in for about 1/2 hour and they are perfectly clear. Just dry and oil reels. In fact, they claim if you just let the items dry, it leaves a protective film, but I still oil the reels. I have also made up a spray container (the sort used for 'misting' flowers, etc) which I use for various bits on the boat (knives, pliers, external parts on the engine, etc., etc. Also for the rod fittings. I would have to say that it seems to do what it says on the can (platic bottle) Terry B.

Pete and I missed the prize that Adam obviously secured. Unlike some, we launched at 07.30 with me feeling a little nervous about the fog. This is where I find how good I am with the sat nav! Although our original plan was to head for the Needles area, discretion took over as I didn't want to get mown down by a Japanese tanker in the fog. We headed for X-ray and decided to try for the whiting. When we arrived, I said to Pete that if Neo was out here, she wouldn't be too far away. Suddenly, the fog lifter and there, not a hundred yards away was Neo. They hadn't even heard us arrive. We had plenty of fish, mostly barkers and huss, interspersed with quite large pout, some channel whiting and the odd 'various'. We were kept busy all day, not spectacular but a lot of fun. With such a glorious day, it was good to be able to open up the engine and dash about like mad things. All considered, a very enjoyable day with a few dinners provided for. Terry B.

Just to continue the theme of the thread, then. Is this lean time for catch reports due to end tomorrow. Watch this space!

Due to change of plans, I'm up for Sunday. Still trying for the bass, Adam. Terry B.

Likewise me on Saturday. Terry B.

Rich, yes it is. Rain-x and Mist-x, the latter of which is phenomenal. My Disco, being like a greenhouse on wheels, mists up to the extent that after returning from 2 weeks skiiing, I had 1" of water in the vehicle. One application of Mist-X kept it clear for 2 years. Apparently not nearly so long for smokers. I put an old reel, which was decidedly stiff from salt, into the solution and it is now totally free. I'm seriously impressed. And anything that saves the strip down after every trip has got to be a boon. Terry B.

Anybody else tried Salt-X (as advertised in BFM) yet. I have, and it seems to work very well. I have made up a container with about 1/2 gallon of mixture in it and I just dump everything in there for about 15 minutes then just dry. It even leaves a protective film on the surface. I then put a lid on the container and it's ready for use next time. I have made a solution up in a spray bottle and do the rods with it and any susceptable parts on the boat and standing gear. At

Best of luck to everybody. As we in Oxfordshire have the weather coming from Wales, I've decided that it will be best to stay at home. Shame really with such balmy conditions forecast. Hope the fish come out to play. Terry B.

For what it's worth, I'm with Tom on this one. I've used Shimano Baitrunners in various sizes all over the world for many different species and they've never let me down. The baitrunning facility is very useful. I've landed fish up to 46lb on them without a problem. When Alun and I fished for bass in the harbour, he nearly lost his rod to the first fish of the day, I saw it disappearing and grabbed it. With the baitrunner facility, this is not a risk.

A note from one amateur to another, Jack. Last winter I tried groundbaiting for the first time and was amazed at the number of whiting brought up with groundbait in their mouths. It impressed me, and this was just thrown in, albeit in fairly shallow water. Terry.B.

You're in luck, Martin (or otherwise). Stingray has a cb but I haven't used it as I thought nobody else had one. It came with the boat from Burnham; I think they use them for comms. I'll give you a shout next time. It would be a useful addition for anybody else as it would give a lot more freedom and a lot more channels available. Terry B.

Thanx for all this good stuff. I think I'll try and catch up with you on this as it is difficult to visualise details via this medium. I think I may still have your number so will contact you when I'm in your area next.

I'm assuming its a shrimp hokkai style type thingy....rig. Also intrigued to know which channel and inside or outside of harbour. Terry B.

Let me know if you hear anything about it. Just got back from a quick afternoon trout foray so have 4 nice rainbows around the 4 to 5lb mark which would have made very nice smoked fillets!.

Here's another one that I think I may go for Smoker here

Thanx for all those unexpected good wishes. They mean more coming from people who don't have to do it! The only thing I'm not going to get is to go fishing! Why do families always think the thing you would like best is a celebration meal, in a good restaurant, that you'll end up paying for, so they can have a good time? I say I'd rather go fishing and I'm accused of being selfish! Weather permitting, I'm damn well going next week.

I have for sale a 17 pitch prop which has come off my Mariner 60hp big foot. It received slight periferal damage to the blades coming over Mudiford bar; it would still have been ok but I have had it repaired by prop. revolutions in Poole. I have now changed over to a new system so this one will be surplus to requirements. I would like

Now I can see where you're going wrong. You actually have to launch the boat and leave the land to go sea fishing! Go get 'em!

Yes, but what he doesn't say is that he is acting as steward for the real first class passengers.

Alun is being generous when he says we shared 7 fish; actually, he caught six and I had one. He also had the flounder, a nice fish about 2lbs. I did also have a couple of smaller ones that went straight back. I also believe, and I'm sure Alun will back me on this, that I had the lions share of the crabs! This was a new style of fishing for me and I learnt a lot. Next time my contribution will hopefully be more equal. Be assued that by then I will have appropriate gear for the job. I came down with heavier kit for a day on the ocean blue. That's the trouble with travelling, I can't bring everything.