8/9/12 Plaice on 'Samax'

Following on from the successful Plaice trip a couple of days ago, Alex twisted my arm (it didn't take a lot) to join him on 'Samax', his Orkney 'Day Angler 19, for another trip down to the Eastborough bank as he wanted to satisfy his appetite for 'spotties'.

This time the mark was like the Southampton boat show as, by now, everyone had heard about what was going down. Most of the boats were from the west although there were a few L.A locals and the 'usual suspects' were there to be seen. Even Andy, who had intended to do a bass lure trip , was about crewing in Mark Gillen's 'Regis' out of Bognor.

It was actually a very sociable and friendly affair with everyone out to enjoy the weather, which was stunning, and the fishing, which was also pretty good.It also gave me a chance to see, In the flesh, a couple of boats which I'm interested in as an upgrade to Scooby 2. Both a Warrior 175 and a beautiful , and  very expensive looking Orkney 592 were spied showing off their lines,more than adequate beam, and impressive performance.

I was testing out some small circle hooks trying to reduce the number of deep hooked fish but soon changed back to standard  'J' hooks as Alex was conclusively out fishing me.Less hectic fishing than the last trip but good numbers of 'smaller' plaice came aboard with the exception  a really nice 3 1/2 lb fish that fell to the skipper.

Another thoroughly enjoyable trip out with Alex and yet again, more good stuff to eat.

Unfortunately, for my bank account,Alex was using an Abu Suveran rod and after having a bit of a swish with it on the boat, I proceeded to march in to 'Tropicana' the following day with some 'plastic' and buy a couple of the latest 'evo' models for myself -the 12lb and 20lb class versions.

There was nothing particularly wrong with my Sonik rods(sold within an hour on WSF) which have served me well for 70 plus boat trips but,the Suverans are in a different league altogether which, to be fair, they should be at twice the price.If they turn out to be as good as the 'Avet' reels, I'll be very pleased.

6/9/12 Eastborough Plaice

Apart from an early season bash which produced some tiny plaice, this is a new one on me and something I've wanted to have a proper crack at for some time.
The word was out that plaice were showing in good numbers at Eastborough and by the time Andy and me arrrived at around mid day there were quite a few boats in attendance on the big bank.
Drifting with rag baited bead and spoon rigs , I had my biggest plaice ever on the first drop down- a nice fish of around 2lb.Unfortunately, it had swallowed the hook and during the process of trying to retrieve said hook , I managed to slice the top of my thumb off with the bait knife- what a pillock!!!
Trying to stop the bleeding with sticking plasters(note to self- get a decent first aid kit sorted) was particularly difficult and the boat soon looked like a war zone but, eventually with some paper towels that came with a morning cup of service station coffee, and some insulating tape that, thankfully my crew happened to have in his bag ( well done Drew), the deluge was stemmed and I was able to fish on albeit in a slightly awkward fashion.
The plaice continued to come to the boat with some more good'n amongst them and we eventually collated a catch of about 20 by which time we had the mark to ourselves!
With blood still oozing out of my makeshift dressing, i had to call it a day an hour or so early and we headed the ten miles back having only been fishing for about three and a half hours.Never mind. it was good sport and the end result made for some superb eating.

 

5/9/12 A Trip To The Hamble

A rare (for this year anyway) mullet trip for me to the Hamble and Mercury marina which, in the past, has been a big favourite of mine for relaxed mullet fishing due to it being almost like a 'stillwater' venue.
Dave joined me for this one on a cracking day weather wise and the mullet were there in good numbers.We started on the float placing the baits perilously close to the moorings and i managed to score this thickie of a couple of pounds and a lively goldie not that much smaller.
Dave added to the tally with a goldie for himself, I believe his first, before we moved along to 'the beach' swim and set up leger rods. The only action here being a lost fish to me which felt reasonable-who knows.Nice to do a bit of mulleting for a change and probably the only time, this season, I'll fish for them anywhere other than the Arun.
Only four mullet for me this season - the smallest number in a season that I've caught since starting out for them thirteen years ago-how times have changed. I suppose there may be a chance of a few more encounters yet though i have to say, with our annual holiday only days away, and October looming, I'm actually starting to think about pike again.

 

3/9/12 Bass Scratching

A very short trip this one- about three hours fishing . Straight out to the West End of the Ditch and fished with BIG cuttle baits on 6/0 circles in the hope of bass which seem to be a bit scarce here at the moment.Nuisance pout etc hammered the baits but the cuttle held up well and I was actually quite pleased when this modest fish around 3lb ran off with the bait . 
Everybody else out there seemed to be struggling too.