So my plans to get out a bit more since my last blog haven't really come to fruition. But that's ok. Oddly. The main reason being I am preparing for my favourite fishing season and what is most probabilistically going to be pure, unadulterated fishing mayhem over the next few months. I mean serious, intense fishing times ahead. Let me elaborate.
This month, Dougal Martindale and I will be escaping the clutches of the Isle of Wight to fish with a couple of friends at Purbecks. Paul Swainston and Nick Bevis will kindly be escorting us to the mark and fishing with us. Its always exciting to get off the Island for a spell and fish somewhere completely new . If the fish come out to play, bonus! I hope that we get sufficient information and pictures to present a feature to Barns too.
Later this month is the time I like to hit the back-o-the-Wight, as in my opinion this is when things pick up a bit more. It's perfect, I just wish the damned flies / gnats / beach bugs would leave already. Sitting with your headlight on you just as well be wearing an Acme Bug Magnet...I cannot express how infuriating I find them.
Atherfield, one of my favourite places to be this time of year
Next month is going to be a very exciting time for me, as I am off to Herm Island near Guernsey. Quite literally, I cannot wait and have been rig making, servicing reels, preparing gear all in readiness for the trip. In preparation I have bought a pair of VASS waders which I have to say, based on appearances and initial feel, I am very pleased with. They need a 'field test' as it were, but I am sure they will be quality through and through. The waders quite ingeniously came with a catalogue of other VASS products, which naturally I now feel I cannot possibly live without, especially with winter looming...
The Vass Tex 740 Super Nova waders with studded soles, my little treat...
Now I will only be back from Herm for a couple of days before I take part in Browners Cod Comp on Chesil. Another new venue for me and I am very excited about it. I know Chesil is a real species hotspot and if I am truthful, I am looking forward to a variety of fish. It wont win the comp, but in all honesty I am going because I think it will be fun, its a new location and I love catching a wide spectrum of different species. The competition is aimed at raising money for the RNLI, which to any sea angler is a worthwhile cause. I hope to meet as many new people there and just generally have a good time!
All for a worthy cause, the RNLI
Then my last big trip of the year is a week in Dungeness, with the Cod-father Alan Brown, another new location! If I get my first shore cod, even if miniscule by others standards, I will be delighted. Cod are a fish I intend to put some serious hours into this winter, it may be in vain, but I am willing to put the effort in to get one from my home shores.
Trusty ol' Trust
As was available through the Facebook Group (Wight Lines) I have had my responses from the Angling Trust and the Chief Executive, in the most courteous way possible, commented that there will not be a reply to a tertiary round of questions. In fairness, Mr Lloyd was more open and forthcoming than any of the previous respondents; however, I cannot help but feel there is still a gaping void between what sea anglers want to know and what they are having shared with them. The crux of it is join the Angling Trust or don't have a say; however, people won't join the Angling Trust because of a lack of faith around distribution of resources and true prioritisation between angling disciplines. Its a situation which will undoubtedly remain at status quo. Unless something changes, it looks as though neither party is likely to budge and unless remediation takes place, never the twain shall meet.
Tackle Awards 2013
As we (frighteningly) approach the end of another year, the TSF Tackle Awards are upon us, with a survey being collated to represent the views of the angling community. There is a chance to fish with one of the TSF Team and feature in the magazine, just by completing the online survey or posting an entry in. The website has full details on entering, also it has been posted to the Wight Lines group. Be in it to win it!
Angling Answers.com
I have to say I have found AnglingAnswers.com hugely helpful! I am still learning new things all the time, as any angler should do, and the website has been a real help with advice, information and support from my peers, especially Barns, Mike Thrussell and my competition nemesis John Popplewell! Pop on over to the website and have a mooch around, sign up is £5 for lifetime membership...
Marine Litter
Well I am still adhering to the "Just Take 5" campaign, but of late no matter where I go that could be "just take 500 items" and it wouldn't make a dent. OK, so that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it does seem to be getting worse. Perhaps its predominantly down to the summer holiday makers, time will tell, but I do get the impression its more complacency by locals.
Great Wight Shark
There seems to be quite a bit of Shark activity off the IoW at present, with a sizeable fish (Thresher) being caught by the Totally Awesome guys (reported through Boat Fishing Monthly magazine). Not too long ago I got hit into by something huge on the shore, I didn't hook it but it was strong enough and quick enough to strip about 50 yards of line off the reel and return a whole mackerel no more than 5mm thick. That had to be a member of the shark family, and I get the impression that it wont be too long before a shore angler gets the catch of a lifetime.
Video cap courtesy of the Daily Mail website, accessed 05/09/2013 at (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2409697/Largest-shark-UK-waters-Anglers-reel-14ft-shark-17ft-dinghy.html)
You can view the video at Totally Awesome Thresher video or visit Boat Fishing Monthly's Facebook page (BFM Facebook Page).
Tight Lines one and all,
Adz
