plaicemat

Came down bright and early Saturday morning for a day that promised light winds and calm to slight sea. Lying sods. I brought a new crew with me, a very old friend who wanted to try sea fishing and I had planned to go across to the Island and try for some of these bass that seem to have thrown caution to the winds recently. However, as we couldn't see the Island and it was a very lumpy sea that greeted us, a change of plan seemed appropriate. First stop, my little hole off Hengitsbury Head that never fails with the mackerel and then off to xray, which was also lumpy, where we met Paul D and his host skipper already fishing. We anchored nearby and, having put a couple of lines out, settled back with cups of tea waiting for the dogfish to strike our half mackerel fillets. withing 5 minutes, my rod bent over most satisfyingly and after a dogged tug of war, up came an 11lb thornback, a most emphatic PB for me. After that, there was a slow procession of doggies which were accompanied by regular groundbaiting by my crew. As he was looking decidedly green, I decided to draw stumps and headed back to Hegitbury, which was no great improvement for him so, when Paul turned up he suggested trying in the harbour and was kind enough to show us a couple of spots on the way in. However, the fish weren't playing and it was very dull so we hauled out and went home at about 3pm. A short day but, as always, very enjoyable and made worthwhile by the thorny, which went back to fight another day.

Doh!

Alun, I see you're back from your hols. How was the fishing in Canada; up to your expectations? You will notice that I have upheld my practice of picking the worst days for my trips.

Am going away on holiday Sunday so have been planning fishing Saturday for bass ex Christchurch for some while. However, with the forecast, chickened out and went to Poole instead - at least there is somewhere to run to! Mackerel tally - 2. Tried Ballard, Old Harry and various spots between there and Bournemouth with just a few pollock and bream to show. By that time, things had really got lumpy so made for Brownsea and drifted along the shoreline. Had good sport with wrasse which really went well with the biggest 2lb11oz, a PB for me. When the rain really got pissistant, we ran away, I'm afraid, and headed back to Baiter and home. Chiily, very wet but content with our day all the same. We'll be back for another go at the bass after the hols. Hope they are still around.

Thanx for that, Rich. The knowledge base increases apace. Just so I'm sure, who are the correct authorities for this sort of behaviour, the Coastguard?

I was really looking forward to this one having discussed it with Maverick. HOWEVER, it clashes with our trip to Cyprus. B*gger.

I assume you're delighted with the new purchase but that your wallet is a little lighter!

Thanx, Rich. Would have loved your company and advise. Next time, maybe.

There may be cheaper alternatives, but over many years of trying them on mountain gear, we have found the best to be the Nikwax wash in. It lasts longer and waterproofs the whole material, not just add a layer to the outside which breaks down after a while. At

Yes, I know it's a bit late, but I have been let down by crew for tomorrow. I am hoping to shadow Jimbob bassing and bottom fishing out of Xchurch, leaving around 09.30. Anyone interested?

James, I'm on hols this week and was thinking of coming down Thurs. I could do with a master class on bass. If you are agreeable, what time are you thinking of going out, low water at about 07.30, I believe at Xchurch.

As a matter of interest, where is the bridge?

O/k, just to follow up. My Fladden Maxximus Solid 'C' 20-40lb rod has just arrived via a very nice man at e-bay. Brand new

Although not fishing the competition, Stingray was out and about on Sunday, as mentioned by Dave and Paul. It was good to meet some more of the members and be in such elevated company as the club safety officer! Although we had a slow start on the mackerel with only a few coming over the side, they were of a good size. Of course, we really wanted joeys. When we joined the others on x-ray, things improved no end. Pete seemed to be determined to maintain his reputation as doggie supremo, bringing one up nearly every cast. I, however, didn't have one; the old repellant is still working. I did, however, have a small 5lb'ish thornback and a modest tope, both of which pleased me as they are species that make me seem like a proper angler. Everything went back, except the mackerel. Now I just need something worth photographing. We finished up on the ledge trying to catch some fresh mackerel to take home as I needed fillets for smoking the following day (affishionado, please resist) which has now been done, We look forward to them with horseradish sauce and salad. Simple pleasures! This was the first good day weatherwise we have had this year and we made the most of it. Just wish we'd remembered the suncream!

Can I just say a public 'thank you' to Martin for collecting my fuel tank as promised. This really is a friendly club with helpful members not afraid of putting themselves out.

Unfortunately there is always a down side. Monday to Friday it is only valid from 10.00am 'till midnight. No good for early starts.

You, sir, are a star.

As per Bob's suggestion, if anybody's going near Holes Bay Marine tomorrow, I have a 25ltr fuel tank ready for collection. Any help would be much appreciated.

I bow to your greater experience master.

As a matter of interest, did you get your speed from sat/nav or from the transon fitting on your fishfinder? It makes a difference.

Thanx, mate. I'll call him tomorrow (Weds) and tell him someone may call in.

O/k, will do. Terry

I have ordered and paid for a fuel tank from Holes Bay Marine but unfortunately can only come down Sunday this week and they are not open. Is anybody likely to be going that way between now and Sunday who would kindly pick it up for me. I will then collect from them on Sunday either from their home or, if out, on the water. This is not a desperate plea, just desirable, so don't anybody put themselves out for it.

This has absolutely nothing to do with fishing but has been forwarded to me by a friend in the 'trade'. You may wish to adopt this as it is apparently going to be enacted upon by the emergency services everywhere. Following the recent tragic events and ensuing confusion for the emergency services in London Chris Carney, Chief Exec of the East Anglian Ambulance Service has launched a national "In case of Emergency (ICE)" campaign with the support of Falklands veteran Simon Weston. The idea is that you store the word "I C E " in your mobile phone address book, and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency". In an emergency situation ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out details of your next of kin and be able to contact them. It's so simple that everyone can do it. Please will you also email this to everybody in your address book, it won't take too many 'forwards' before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest For more than one contact name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc