6/3/13 Jon's Twenty

Jon Cook is a devoted, and expert pike angler who puts a huge amount of effort into his fishing and scores as a result. His tally of big pike is very impressive but, until today, he hadn't managed a river '20'.
Jon has spent a considerable amount of time on my second favourite tidal river this season but for very little return. No one said it would be easy though, on meeting up with him on the bank for this session , i could sense a certain air of despondancy.
I was armed with big trout baits whilst Jon graced his hooks with some outsized bream.We searched a supposed 'hot' area all day without a sniff of a pike and by mid afternoon I was forced to pack up and go to work.
Rather than waste my trout I donated them to Jon's cause, one of which he proceeded to trot under a float downstream in the ebbing, and by now, slowing tide.
I'd just finished packing up when I noticed that finally, my mate was into something, and offered to stay and help with the landing.It was a good job that i did because, although initial impressions were that the short stocky fish, laden with spawn, was a good double, on weighing, she turned out to be just over the magic twenty pound mark.A beautifully coloured pike typical of this river and who's build, again typical, Jon says is apparently due to an initial stocking of reservior fish.
A cracking fish, and well deserved with all the effort that was put in leading to her capture.

You owe me a quid for that trout mate!

4/3/13 Too Much Piking?

Probably yes!
A short session with newly acquired trout baits at upper river H1 reminded me how difficult this stretch is to fish, due to its steep banks and general lack of swim access.Dave has scored the occsional spectacular pike from the area, and i've had some doubles but generally, It disappoints and today was little different to the norm.
With just one other stretch available on my current club ticket , I think it may be time for a complete change of venue for winter piking next season, and some different club waters.My river is controlled by so many clubs that there is plenty of choice and it would take a lifetime (or two) to explore them all.It's times like this that make me wish I'd continued fishing through my twenties, and thirties.

3/3/13 Last Minute Double

I joined Dave today for an all too rare piking session , for this season,on our favourite stretch and spent the majority of the day staring at motionless floats whilst we worked our deadbaits along the river.Conditions were again, perfect but the pike just did not seem to want to feed,or we just didn't come across any pike.
Dave, having had a much earlier start than me (he can get up in the morning)decided , due to lack of action, to call it a day about 4 p.m. Whether it was because I just couldn't summon the energy to pack up my kit, or through just pure stubborness, I elected to stay on until dark and this move did eventually pay off with this nice double of 12-04 on sardine at the top of the tide, and just as I was thinking of finishing.

2/3/13 Eastern Plaice

Continuing with the 'eastern' theme, today I took the Warrior on an exploratory trip to a mark off Shoreham in search of plaice.Fishing was generally slow even though there were plenty of other boats in attendance in the general vicinity including Littlehapton's very own 'Jennifer's Pride'.
I caught a few small plaice on the drift but nothing of any note and really, it was just an excuse to get out in the boat and burn fuel.
In the flat seas I ran her up to about 26kts and then decided that i was going a little too fast for comfort, and throttled back.Nice to know what she's capable of though.

1/3/13 Tiddler pike

'When the wind's in the east,the fish bite least'.

Absolutely true because, despite having two very healthy, and lively roach baits out all day long,and the river in the best shape i've seen it all winter, only one small jack pike of about 4lb decided to show an interest to save a blank session.
The trip was to a rarely visited section of the river tidal reaches, but one that certainly requires much more attention next winter.
I have had a few good pike from here, and Dave's had more, but we've neglected this part of the river in recent seasons, in favour of more reliable options.It will take a whole season to explore the whole length thoroughly but, until we do, we're not going to know what surprises it may hold.
With the most difficult pike season i've had for many years  drawing to a close,plans are already being made for next year's campaign.

21/2/13 Testing Times

One run  from, what I believe was probably a small pike was the only action  on a day when it was so cold that it was a necessity to huddle down behind an umbrella to remain comfortable.Big roach baits were used and this was probably why the run didn't result in a hooked pike.
The river was clear, but i don't think the low temperatures helped. However, the way the weather has been this year, I cannot afford to be too choosy about when i'm on the river bank chasing pike .I'll keep trying -time is running out.
If you're reading this blog don't be afraid to get involved, join as a member, and leave a comment or two, or even tell me about your own fishing experiences. I'd like to know who is reading this.

19/2/13 Brill...iant

I've been hoping to take my mate Alex out in the Warrior for some time especially as I've had so many great days out in his boat-Samax.
Tiny 4.3m tide meant that another run west in search of blonde rays was on the cards but unfortunately today's fishing, wasn't a patch on what I experienced here in January.
Five rays came up and the fishing was quite slow but, Alex was over the moon with this brill-a first for my boat, of about 3 1/2 lb which took a smaller than usual mackerel fillet. we did try scaling down more baits but no more of these stunning looking flat fish turned up.
Still, a fine day to be out and Alex was more than complimentary about the boat.

8/2/13 Not A Sniff.

I went back to the river today for another crack at the pike but did not get a sniff at all despite the river conditions gradually improving.
Jupiter has been out of the river for her first oil change service having completed 20hrs of running. Jack helped me get her out at the slipway and the van retrieved her not inconsiderable bulk with no issues.Good news, beacuse trips to Devon are in the planning stages as I write this.
Unusually for me, and in order to maintain the warranty on her main engine, I'm actually having to open my wallet and pay an approved mechanic to service her!!Perish the thought.
 Adrian , in his defence, tried to get me involved as much as possible which i'm grateful for, and he also furnished me with some valuable tips on how to look after both my motors.I've not yet received the bill!
At the same time I gave her hull another full coat of polish to keep her protected and gleaming and she's now back on the mooring awaiting a window of opportunity in the weather.

7/2/13 Piking With Neil and Mick

My good friends Neil and Mick wanted to go pike fishing neither having caught a pike before. Neil is skipper of 'Spirit Of Arun'-probably the most successful charter boat in the Littlehampton fleet, and his partner, Mick-an extremely successful angler in her own right, usually crews on the boat.
It's always a tall order to provide a 'guiding' service especially for two such experienced anglers but, there is also the fact that these two fully understand angling, and it's foibles.
Unfortunately although both managed to tangle with a pike each on the day, Mick's almost certainly a double, neither fish was landed. To be honest, the river wasn't in the best of shape still being a little bit coloured from recent rainfall, so I was actually quite pleased that two fish decided to take our baits.
Conversation was lively and entertaining and a tremendous insight for me into the workings of a charter boat-they certainly earn their money.
Mick and Neil are off to  Mexico on a fishing holiday(naturally) at the end of the month so, whether another opportunity to visit the river with them again will arise before the end of the season is uncertain. I hope we manage it.

21/1/13 Gentlemen Prefer (Big) Blondes

I nearly didn't go sea fishing today. In fact it was very much a last minute decision once i'd got myself out of bed whether to endure a run out in the boat or,go pike fishing up the river.
Windguru reported  low single figure wind speeds and that, coupled with a very small 4.4 m tide gave an ideal, and rare for winter, combination of conditions to target a specie which i've been wanting to have a crack at for some time-blonde ray.With the recent cold and snowy weather , I will admit that i did stumble a bit, but soon talked myself into it, bit the bullet and decided that I could fish for pike on any day............................well, almost.
Apart from Rusty who had gone wrecking, i was the only boat out from the marina, and indeed the port. All the charters had elected to stay at home today.
Having done my research,mark 21 was the selected venue and, in the flat sea, the boat skimmed out there at just under 20kts sipping the fuel-a pleasure in itself.The view of the snow covered downs in the distance was quite spectacular.
By the time i arrived , the tide was still ebbing and, after a quick scout around to see what lay beneath, I settled down bang in the centre of the mark. Conscious of  recent problems with my anchor slipping, and the fact that , despite fishing over a bank, i was still in 75ft of water, I took my time to lay out the anchor and chain very carefully.This indeed paid dividends , because although i'm still using the 5 kilo bruce,and am reluctant to go any bigger, I didn't slip an inch all day.
However, this could indeed be because of the nature of the sea bed on this mark which is predominently sand, and therefore easy for the anchor to get a secure grip.
Rigging two rods, 20 and 30lb with 6/0 pennels on 40lb Amnesia traces around the 4ft length, bait was my favourite, whole unwashed squid from Malcolm at Tropicana. I have to say that this recent batch of squid are very impressive with some huge specimens up to 8 or 9 inches long.
Rays tend to show very delicate bites sometimes merely settling on the bait without moving off at all and munching it in the process. Hence the need for the relatively short trace to facilitate decent bite indication and avoid deep hooking where possible.
I have experimented with circle hooks when fishing undulates but am not entirely convinced they provide any advantage especially when using such big baits.
8oz of lead seemed to pin the baits down nicely in the flow and first drop down produced small 2-3lb spotted , and blonde ray to each outfit. As different species of ray tend to gather on the same mark this indicated a good start. At least I felt fairly confident that I was in the right place.
Next drop down and after a few minutes the 30lb rod tip rattled a little and i tightened up to something a bit larger-in fact it felt huge and proved quite a handful to get to the boat.Unfortunately the fight was quite subdued and , on reaching the surface, it became apparent why this was the case. I'd indeed hooked into a big blonde, but the trace had wrapped around the fish's tail causing a good deal of resistance in the tide, and also restricting his ability to scrap- he being a fully claspered male weighing 22lb 08oz.-a p.b
Whilst slipping him back, and before i even had a chance to rebait, the 20lb outfit kicked off and this time, the fight was far more lively especially on the lighter rod.Up came a female this time and, at the similar weight of 22lb-04oz these first two fish could have been brother and sister.
Sport continued for the remainder the ebb with a couple of smaller blondes at 18 and 19lb, then a 15lb fish followed by a small single figure thornback ray as the tide slowed down.
A solitary dogfish also showed up-the smallest and only 'fodder' fish of the trip.
Things went a little bit quiet over the slack water which, on the small tide seemed to last for ages but i did manage to let go of  a decent fish whilst answering the bloody phone, followed by a really nice fish of 24lb 08oz-another p.b.
As the tide 'got away' on the flood it became apparent that i was going to need more lead to hold bottom effectively. The 20lb rod was soon dispensed with a the 30lb outfit rigged with the biggest weight on board- i think about 1 1/2lb. I'm really not used to, nor equipped with big weights which is something i must now address especially as I have the capability, with the new boat, of fishing much deeper marks.
I would be glad of the 30lb outfit for the next take as it was again a big ray, and again had become 'tail wrapped'. In the now not inconsiderable flow, i just managed to get the fish to the surface before the trace let go and this was my signal to up the strength of hooklength to 60lb-you live and learn.
Finally, after the initial tide surge had subsided somewhat, a fourth biggun at 23lb-08oz came to the boat, successfully this time, but it was time to call it a day and head back before dark.
What was initially perceived as an engine problem on the return journey, when the dash board oil warning light began to flash,turned out to be nothing more than a first service reminder. How quickly that ten hour running-in period has passed, and it's now time to get the boat out on the trailer for a swift oil change, and possibly a second coat of polish to protect her gelcoat.
The run home was equally smooth and rapid with a noticable reduction in fuel consumption over the flat water. I reckon i've done well over the one Nautical Mile per litre of fuel this time around which is really good news.
.Blonde rays certainly are very impressive creatures and, the word on the street is, that there is a possible record fish to be caught in our local waters. I dont know about that but, more seasoned 'blonde' enthusiasts have recently taken local fish to 34lb.
 All of today's fish were successfully unhooked and returned and with 7 big blondes, four over 20lb on board, probably one of the best boat trips I've had so far.
0900-1500
4.4m tide LW 1233


KIT CHECK: I'll only review good stuff. Bad kit, and there has been plenty, just gets binned or flogged on ebay and forgotten.

Sundridge Crossflow Pro two piece floatation suit.
With the amount of winter boat fishing i'm doing I thought it would be a good idea to get a 'proper' floatation suit.I've used Sundridge kit before-a two piece minus ten suit for winter piking that's survived eight seasons of hard use and , although i 'm on the second pair of salopettes, the first pair are still usable.I'll probably still have it in another eight years time.
I'm a firm believer in buying the best kit you can afford especially if that kit gets 'used'.Cheap kit has never done well for me in the past, the rare exception being a thirty quid , four piece spinning rod of no particular pedigree.
The top of the range Sundridge is still good value for money, particularly when you consider that I paid the same sort of money ,about £150,for a pair of motor bike trousers, or a ski jacket.Fishing kit is still relatively cheap.
In short it's properly breathable, incredibly warm and, does exactly what it says on the tin.I travelled to Poindestres In Southampton for mine which was worth it as they had every size in stock and I got exactly the right fit which is essential with this sort of kit.
With a heavy fleece underneath the whole package does become a little too bulky but still light in weight. Today I swapped between heavy duty fleece and top coat with only a T shirt underneath and stayed extremely comfortable-A light fleece underneath would be perfect and as i tend to feel the heat anyway , the two piece version is essential for me so i can simply slip off the jacket when doing strenuous boat duties-anchoring, mooring etc.
Although it provides extra buoyancy,It is still meant to be worn with a life jacket and my Crewsaver 150 fits well and remains unrestricting.
There's enough good sized pockets with 'fleecy 'handwarmer' options on both jacket and trousers and the knee area is reinforced which is essential for boat use.Oh and there's a whistle included.
'Nuff said really. Its so well made that I'll bet i've still got it in ten years time.

17/1/13 One More Go............

for a cod and a trip out to 'Martin's mark' curiously enough, a set of numbers given to me by pontoon neighbour Martin. a.k.a 'Adventurous' on WSF.
Despite the marks' heritage, once again, i failed to see a cod take my huge cuttle and squid offerings and, as usual, i was plagued by dogs, whiting and pouting some of which actually got themselves hooked on the 6/0 pennel and came to the boat.
I had considered a run out west in search of blondes but was advised by 'those in the know' that the 5.5m tide may be just a little too much to handle on this mark,so i will save that for another day.
I do have one more untried 'ace' up my sleeve. A mark some considerable distance to the east where they do catch cod in better numbers than in our locale.Logged for the future.
Rusty was also about today on the tail and suffered similar results-the general ground fishing becoming quite a challenge at this time of year.
There have been a very small number of bass taken on  inshore marks to lures-possibly too few for me to show an interest and , the airwaves gave away similarly lacklustre efforts by the small number of charters out today trying a bit of drifting on the reefs.The water is still quite warm but visibility could be better.
Personally, i'd still rather try for something that's only available in the winter months, especially as chances to get out are so limited by the weather.

8/1/12 Jupiter Gets Cod.

My good mate Dave has started his own blog.
http://ahookinmytrousers.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/jupiters-moon_8.html

I have a theory about sea sickness in that I'm sure it's a psychological matter. I only get sea sick on other people's boats and, it can be a regular occurance.On my own boat, I'm absolutely fine whatever the sea conditions. I put this down to being in total control of my destiny and my subconcious is telling me that, if i feel a bit 'iffy',I can just head home anytime I want. Its my decision.I would never do this when crewing on other's boats.
I also believe that it may be because, on my own boat, i'm always busy and my mind is kept occupied. I've been keen to get my good mate Dave out boat fishing for some time.Dave formerly ran the Sussex Police boat angling club until, about 15 years ago, he suddenly developed sea sickness.I did get him out bream fishing the season before last but,although he was reluctant to admit it at the time(I'd be the same),he turned a bit of a funny colour when it bumped up a bit. Recently however, I've been pestering him to see a hypnotherapist friend of his who claimed she could possibly cure him.
Today , in perfect sea conditions(look at the picture),we headed out in search of cod, initially trying mark 3 where we were plagued by pout dogs and channels, then after a short and encouraging radio conversation with my mate Brian, relocating five miles further on mark 11.
Here, in addition to the usual suspects up came a couple of small conger until finally this rather nice looking 12lb cod( Jupiter's first) took a fancy to Dave's whole squid-mission accomplished...............
and the sea sickness? O'k it was a flat calm day and the fishing 'busy' with virtually a bite a drop but, I do believe my mate has been cured.
His enthusiasm is certainly regained with talk of buying his own boat gear and more trips out in the future.

4/1/13 A Trick Of The Tail

All of my trips in 'Jupiter' so far have been solo for various reasons. I wanted to spend some time getting acquainted with the boat before taking anyone with me and also, the opportunity to bring someone along , despite a long list of requests which is flattering,hasn't really presented itself.
Today however, Russ came along for the ride and it was immediately apparent how much better the boat was balanced laterally, with 'two up'. The extra weight was barely noticeable, and i would imagine that three could fish quite comfortably with a little bit of discipline.
Neil has got 'Spirit' on dry ground whilst he fits his boat with a matching pair of new, and quite impressively huge and equally impressively named,Ford 'Sabre' diesel engines.I'd met up with him yesterday at the marina and of course the conversation turned to fishing.
We concluded that the 'best bet' for today's outing was, once again, to persevere with the 'tail' as there have been several good cod taken from the mark recently, although the 'going' has been tough.
Today wasn't any different.
Yes, we got a steady stream of dogs, pout, strap conger and channels but as usual, no 'greenbacks' although Russ did haul up a small spotted ray.The sea state wasn't that kind either and , in the relatively deep water the 'pick' repeatedly slipped .It's possible that I might need to up an anchor size to 7.5kg which i'm researching at the moment however, I'm not the only boat to experience this problem on this mark.Today Alex's ex ride,a Fastliner now owned by Juan-'Two Chances' failed to get a grip at all and left for shallower waters, and on my next trip out, Brian on 'Marruig' will also suffer from the same problem.
In the end and,feeling rather disappointed that i hadn't been able to give the mark a fair crack, I decided to give up and bump our way 'inside' skimming the chop at about 17kts, something I'd never be able to do in my little Orkney.
Settling at #23, we had similar results until slack tide produced a take from something with a bit of 'weight', which turned out to be the thornback above, to finish off the day.
Back on the pontoons and most of the other boats had fared similarly, with the exception of  one,who had rather caned some impressive blonde rays-more of which later.

21/12/12 Missed Again

Wind conditions were marginal today with Windguru reporting knots speeds of just under double figures, and much stronger gusts.I'd contacted Neil 'Spirit Of Arun's skipper the night before, seeking advice, and he encouraged me to brave it as chances to get out were few and far between for the near future.
Target mark was,once again, the '*' with cod in mind. I left the harbour and 0715 and was the first boat on the mark.'Spirit' and 'Lynander' followed shortly and 'Sarah Louise' crept in around mid morning so I was in the right place.
Despite clear sunny weather , the sea was bumpy and the fishing was generally slow, especially on the flood,with the usual channels and dogs showing up. However, I did  have a brief moment of excitement when something bigger hit my cuttle bait and put up a good fight. Rather disappointingly, it turned out to be a small conger and not the hoped for, cod.
By mid afternoon I was getting fidgety and although John's crew (S-L)had caught a cod, i decided to head 'inside' and try one of Phil's marks for an hour or so.
Neil on 'Spirit' left for home unfortunately 'codless' ,but the 'big' news was from Dick on 'Lynander' who's patience had indeed paid off when his crew hauled up a cod of close to 30lb. Dick's own words..'the best fish I've had aboard my boat' .
Sticking with big baits myself, the last cast on 'Phil's' produced this nice spotted ray but i was once again slightly disappointed that I missed out on a cod.
I will crack these fish.
Today's sea was at times, quite rough. conditions that would have been quite uncomfortable in my little Orkney and , especially bearing in mind the distance i travelled (probably over 20 N.Ms) slow going.The Warrior however, took it all in it's stride and i was able to maintain quite high speeds over the chop and still feel very safe.I'm liking this boat a lot.

18/12/12 Cod Quest

My last trip out saw some serious cod activity for John on 'Sarah Louise' with two big fish, in the upper twenties,caught from the '*'.
I'd been advised that today's 5.6m tide might be a little too much for the mark as it's around 70-80 ft deep but, having started out near 'black ledge' and been plagued by channels and dogs, i chose to up anchor and head out there over the slack water period.
Having reached the mark John, was again in attendance and picking up a few of the intended target-big ones too.

Naturally, I just managed to catch more whiting(nicer ones this time to about 2lb) and dogs but another piece of the jigsaw falls into place and , with the extended range available with 'Jupiter', its now feesable to fish these 'far off' places.

13/12/12 No Pike Here.

A very slow days piking indeed, in typical Arun river piking fashion, with not a single take despite having top quality baits and covering quite a bit of ground.

The river was in reasonable condition, although most of the session was on the flooding tide, which I'm not particularly fond of. I can only assume that I didn't put a bait near a pike.Nice day to be out and about though.

8/12/12 Dogs and Pins

 

My second run out in the boat and another attempt to tease a cod out of our generally, cod free waters. I joined mates Brian and Allan in the general area of the mud hole, not wishing to venture out too far, and succeeded in catching probably every dogfish and whiting in the sea.
Brian did latch on to a small cod but,it was the same story pretty much everywhere.Even 'Spirit' failed to latch on to a 'greenback' although some neighbours on the 'fishtail' did pick up one or two big cod. It would seem i may need to venture further afield next time.

4/12/12 A Twenty

It's too windy to go and play with boats so , with dog in tow,I decided to investigate the state of the river following the recent rainfall, and whether it was feesable to have a crack at some pike. Stopping off at a convenient bridge on the journey up, it didn't actually look too bad. It was quite high, but the colour was dropping out so, i decided it was worth a try.
Although a crisp N.W wind was blowing in my face, it made a pleasant change for it not to be raining, and i settled back into the routine that is winter pike fishing on the rivers-not expecting too much, but always anticipating.
I chose to ignore the productive stretch from last season and , having had the luxury of finding a new access point afforded by some rather convenient parking, headed instead for the centre of the stretch.
The first take came on a sardine but unfortunately didn't stay attached for long enough for me to get a look- I suspect an upper single was the culprit and, at least it was an indication that they were feeding.
Very little else happened, as I hopped the rods along, until about lunch time, when the float with a big roach underneath it,  began to fidget.A proper run didn't really materialise, but i quickly tightened up anyway, and immedieately knew that I'd connected with something a bit special.
The pike chose to fight very close to the bank and proved quite lively and difficult to control initially.However, after a couple of aborted attempts to get her netted(one of which was thwarted by the dog wanting to play in the net himself)she slid in and was mine.
Definitely big enough to 'tube' and set up a self take shot with the camera, i weighed her in the net and she went 23lb 2oz .
A truly beautiful pike in tip top condition-my fourth '20' from this river and my biggest for quite a while.( I didn't get a twenty last season)
The dog stayed well clear during the quick photo ceremony, and the pike was duly slipped back successfully, and chose not to hang around in the shallows.
I stayed on for a couple more hours but, the temperature started to drop significantly and anyway, It was 'job done'.A few more like this wouldn't go amiss.

2/12/12 The Christening

With Jupiter safely ensconced on her mooring it was time to take advantage of a window in the weather, and take her out fishing.I still hadn't figured out how to work out how to use her chartplotter but, knowing that my mate Alan was out and about with his fishing club taking part in a comp on a due south bearing from the harbour, i headed out to meet them and get some idea of where i was. Once i'd found them on 'Black Ledge' it was a simple task to find my own spot-the general area where i'd caught last week's cod.
Actually I quickly sussed the GPS and although I didn't have the numbers, it was easy to estimate where to drop the pick down. Rather predictably it was a 'dog fest'on this mark, but i couldn't have cared less. The boat felt secure and had handled well-i was pleased.
Having got bored of the dogs, i decided to head over to #5 and drift for a bass on a shad.First drop down and up came this one of about 5-6lb on a 6inch 'manns and home poured jig head,to christen the new boat with a proper fish.
Shortly afterwards, my bass fishing buddy Clive turned up, reporting little success with spikey ones on distant marks. He too found one fish of a similar size on #5 but,  despite drifting together for a while in search of more fish-none were forthcoming and it was time to head home.
Indulging myself a little on the journey, with some playful showing off (because now i can) I 'buzzed'  'Spirit's' stern as we sailed in together through the harbour entrance-boy can this boat motor!

1/12/12 The Launch

With the help of friends Steve, Andy, Simon,Anne, and my ever patient wife, 'Jupiter' was towed to the public slipway in Littlehampton today at high tide for the inaugeral launch, and first sea trial. Although I'll admit to being slightly nervous about the whole operation, I needn't have been.
 After testing whether the VW camper had the ability to drag the boat back UP the steep slipway, which it succeeded in doing, with no issues, the boat was gingerly slid into the river and, low and behold , she floated!
In fact the whole operation went swimmingly well and after parking her up at the mooring, i treated my helpers to a swift cuppa, before venturing out of the harbour for a quick ride on quite a bumpy sea with Jan on board. Tomorrow, we go fishing.

26/11/12 Jupiter's Moon

In late September I visited the Sothampton boat show with the sole intention of getting a test run in a Warrior 175.Choosing which boat to go for had not been easy with so many variations, and differing opinions to consider.Also, taking the plunge buying brand new, with all the obvious financial considerations was a huge step.I was impressed with the test, and took some time on our annual holiday to France to think things over.
With the decision made, back in England in mid October I took my motor bike for a spin up the M6 to the Warrior factory at Leyland in Lancashire,and finalisied the specification.
A few days ago I received the call that the boat was ready, and a date to collect was fixed.
In the meantime,I'd sold my Orkney through WSF-the deal actually taking place only days after I'd visited Warrior's.The new owner bought it on spec and, as he lived in the North East, we arranged to meet when I collected my new boat.
So it was finally time to say goodbye to my trusty Orkney 520 Scooby 2.My son,  Jack joined me for the delivery drive to meet the new owner Andrew at the Warrior factory , and to collect my new boat-a 175 Export  model which I've named 'Jupiter's Moon'.
Bit of an epic journey really, with a total mileage of 540. Seeing the new boat for the first time inside the factory was breathtaking to say the least. She looked stunning............and huge.
Scooby's new owner seemed very pleased with his new acquisition, which was satisfying, as i'd spent quite a bit of time in the preceding days getting her ready. Despite the appalling weather conditions (severe flooding nationwide)the return run home proved uneventful and the boat, considering  it's size, towed easily. This may prove to be useful in the future as i intend to do a bit of travelling with her. Safely on the drive at home, she looks monsterously big and i need to get a couple of coats of teflon polish on her before she's moved to the mooring......

Past Highlights

First Ever Twenty

PbTidal River Pike

Double figure surf bass.

 Tidal River Twenty

First 'big' pike

Arun mullet.

Lured bass 7-13

My original blog was published on the Chelon Labrosus mullet forum which will close on the 1st December. I just hope I've managed to successfully download all my stuff and it's not lost in cyberspace. Anyway, here are a few pics from the past. BTW, If you read this blog, take a little time out to register as a follower and even leave a few remarks if you wish. I'd really like to know who's out there, and that all this one finger typing is not a complete waste of time. Stour Twenty Arun six Hamble six

16/11/12 Scooby's Swansong.

Here's what I posted on WSF

Scooby 2-The Final Episode

  'Today was my final trip out in my trusty Orkney 520 'Scooby 2' before she is delivered to her new owner next week.She's been a cracking little boat. I bought her in October 2010, my first venture into inshore boat fishing, and we have shared over 80 fishing days together, mostly out of Littlehampton.As well as three double figure bass, her decks have seen tope and conger to 40lb plus , some excellent ray,hound, bream and plaice fishing, and a whole heap of fun and learning along the way, as well as one or two slightly 'iffy' moments as is the wont of the 'tyro' boat angler.
However,one specie that has eluded me personally, is decent cod.Last week I took my mate 'Rusty' out on a mission and, in typical fashion, he winkled out two double figure 'greenbacks'-a first for the boat.Despite the fact that I was chuffed to bits for my mate, and for my boat, I needed to get one for myself, and time was running out.
There were very few punters out today. Only a couple of privateers from my marina, and even the charters were a bit thin on the ground though it was reassuring to hear Neil (Spirit Of Arun) on the radio. What a help that guy's been these past couple of years.
Out of the river entrance by 0800 with just enough water over the bar on the huge tide, the selected marks were chosen for their 'heritage' with cod.Whole small cuttle, big cuttle strips and whole squid were the baits , rigged on 6/0 4/0 pennels. First drop down, and before i'd even set up my second rod, up came a pretty spotted ray and within minutes a screaming run resulted in a severed hooklength. I wonder what that was?
A steady procession of the inevitable dogfish throughout the day was punctuated by another 'spottie', a nice thornback and a 5lb bass which took a liking to a whole cuttle until, after the fourth mark move, I was the only boat left out there with only about 30 minutes to go before I'd have to leave to make the tide at the river entrance.There had been a cod reported by one of the boats out today, a nice one by all accounts,so i thought I might still be in with a chance.
I'd been tempted to up anchor and join a mate seen in the distance drifting a nearby reef for bass and, no doubt, baggin' a few and had to sit on my hands to prevent me doing so. I think it was just blind stubborness that made me sit it out.
'Last cast' I told myself out loud. (Why do anglers do that) I even cleared off the spare bait from the baitboard and began to resign myself to the fact that a cod wasn't going to happen along when suddenly, the squid rod gently rattled it's tip.'It's gonna be a ray' I thought as I tightened up but no, it started to bang it's head as Rusty had told me that cod do.....and rays don't!
When It surfaced I shouted out loud and punched the air (what a pillock) Yes it was a cod, and a reasonable one. 11lb she weighed, not a monster but, my first, decent enough and exactly what I wanted on the last cast, on the last trip out in my boat.Chuffed to bits.
The little Orkney seemed to have a bit more 'go' on the run home.Perhaps she was trying to tell me something.'

The cod was subsequently filletted at home,and we had it shallow fried in breadcrumbs with chips and peas for tea-it was after all, a Friday. Even the missus, who by her own admission is not a fish lover, was impressed.It tasted fantastic being only hours from the sea when eaten.

With my mate Alan's help, Scooby 2 was pulled out of the river for the last time today(Saturday 17th) and taken home for a good scrub up.She looks fine and is, this evening, being buffed up by my car valleting mate Alf, at the fire station.The prop will be dressed and painted this week, along with a fresh coat of white antifoul and then she'll be towed up to the Warrior factory where I'll meet up with her new owner, and my new boat.