What I have been doing

Okay, to fill in where I'm at after last year or so.

I started fishing with my son last year, a complete know-nothing. I was
actually slightly scared of fish - crtainly didn't want to touch one and NO
WAYstick my fingers behind it's oppercula! Ahgg!!!

Anyway, my son soon made me start touching fish, but I still had no idea
about fish9ing.

Derek, from this group, very kindly took me out one evening to start showing
me the ropes of sea fishing - I'm sure he couldn't quite believe how
ignorant a chap could be. I recall I actually squirmed when I tried to grab
the first fish we landed - a tiddling smelt or something. I grabbed it and
dropped it. trerrified in truth.

But I listened to hat he aid aND started doing the good stuff. Then I went
out my elf to Hengistbury and caught a smallish bass off the beach...woo! I
was hooked. pardon the phrase. I even held it. It was released.

Then I went out with my son and we caught a few 1 - 2 lb trout for the pan.
Very nice and satisfying.

Then I booked a trip on Electric Blue with Rob Thompson and went out for
anything. Over several trips I boated bass, 5lb pollock, Huss and a few
gurnard. The digs got off but the eatables were eaten.

My sea fishing skills were quite competent and growing.

My best to date i the salmon thouigh.

We now have a few rods and reels, though I usually sea fish with the second
hand carp rod I bought for £28 locally (new last year it went for £200. What
do these carp boys smoke???). I still use simple reels though, no
multipliers - because the boat I go on has better rods and reels than I
could justify, simple as that.

I have learned a lot though in a year - shiny kit catches fishermen, not
fish. Fish eat anything - when talking about bait on the boat onece, one
chap said his PB had been caught on...a chewit! I am convinced that hen
fish wabnt to eat they eat. It's when they are half hearted that they need
tempting I guess, and even then they seem to be catholic - lures, worms,
jellies, poppers anbd so on.

I'd love my own little boat so I can pop out more frequently (im in
salisbury) and test my own pet ideas and get real practice) but I don't have
one so I'm happy to charter or shore fish.

I don't regard my self as an "angler", that's insulting to anglers - I'm
just a chap who likes to catch fish sometimes. But I do take it seriously
when I do go out - I'm not happy with a no-bite day and hate to lose the
fish because I havemnt done my homework - i.e. if I end up fishing where
there simply won't be fish.

I enjoy it though, and the mor so because of the great teaching some people
have given me. I want to do more beach work this year (this week looks good)
and some more boat work too.

My son (he's 9) is loving it too, when school allows. He caught three big
salmon - had to hold him in the boat when he fought them in - and is quite a
good little river fisherman. He's too small really for the shore, but like
all kids, he enjoys emulating dad (so empty hooks are great news for him!!).

I still need a decent kit bag to lug my reels and knives and stuff round,
and I'd love to try fly fishing, but all in good time.

If anyone wants a partner sometime...email me.

Thats me guys. Thanks for all the input over the year...it aint over yet.


David

Hi David
Thanks for the update, very interesting and if you aren't an angler then
neither am I and neither are the rest of this n.g. so don't put your self
down.
Re a good tackle bag ,I use a ruck sack. Padded back and a waist strap to
stop it bouncing about when I walk.
A well fitted 'sack makes a heavy load seem indescribably ( big word for an
angler) light.

Dont be shy.
Pack all your kit and a bit of clothing into a bag or 3 and go to Millets.
Tell them thet you want a 'sack "to take this lot".
Pack a few different types, get them on your back and give them a try..
Make sure that the smelly things - hand towel, bait box, knife etc. are
clean tho'.
You dont need the luxury of a metal frame - and it corrodes but make sure
that it has a well padded back and that your large flat bits and bobs box
( a B&Q multi compartment screw box thing) is the first thing in, at the
back.
You will have two free hands, no aching shoulders or back and will ba able
to walk for miles if the urge takes you.
Tight lines
Keith M

"david" wrote in message
...
Okay, to fill in where I'm at after last year or so.

I started fishing with my son last year, a complete know-nothing. I was
actually slightly scared of fish - crtainly didn't want to touch one and
NO WAYstick my fingers behind it's oppercula! Ahgg!!!

Anyway, my son soon made me start touching fish, but I still had no idea
about fish9ing.

Derek, from this group, very kindly took me out one evening to start
showing me the ropes of sea fishing - I'm sure he couldn't quite believe
how ignorant a chap could be. I recall I actually squirmed when I tried to
grab the first fish we landed - a tiddling smelt or something. I grabbed
it and dropped it. trerrified in truth.

But I listened to hat he aid aND started doing the good stuff. Then I went
out my elf to Hengistbury and caught a smallish bass off the beach...woo!
I was hooked. pardon the phrase. I even held it. It was released.

Then I went out with my son and we caught a few 1 - 2 lb trout for the
pan. Very nice and satisfying.

Then I booked a trip on Electric Blue with Rob Thompson and went out for
anything. Over several trips I boated bass, 5lb pollock, Huss and a few
gurnard. The digs got off but the eatables were eaten.

My sea fishing skills were quite competent and growing.

My best to date i the salmon thouigh.

We now have a few rods and reels, though I usually sea fish with the
second hand carp rod I bought for £28 locally (new last year it went for
£200. What do these carp boys smoke???). I still use simple reels though,
no multipliers - because the boat I go on has better rods and reels than I
could justify, simple as that.

I have learned a lot though in a year - shiny kit catches fishermen, not
fish. Fish eat anything - when talking about bait on the boat onece, one
chap said his PB had been caught on...a chewit! I am convinced that hen
fish wabnt to eat they eat. It's when they are half hearted that they need
tempting I guess, and even then they seem to be catholic - lures, worms,
jellies, poppers anbd so on.

I'd love my own little boat so I can pop out more frequently (im in
salisbury) and test my own pet ideas and get real practice) but I don't
have one so I'm happy to charter or shore fish.

I don't regard my self as an "angler", that's insulting to anglers - I'm
just a chap who likes to catch fish sometimes. But I do take it seriously
when I do go out - I'm not happy with a no-bite day and hate to lose the
fish because I havemnt done my homework - i.e. if I end up fishing where
there simply won't be fish.

I enjoy it though, and the mor so because of the great teaching some
people have given me. I want to do more beach work this year (this week
looks good) and some more boat work too.

My son (he's 9) is loving it too, when school allows. He caught three big
salmon - had to hold him in the boat when he fought them in - and is quite
a good little river fisherman. He's too small really for the shore, but
like all kids, he enjoys emulating dad (so empty hooks are great news for
him!!).

I still need a decent kit bag to lug my reels and knives and stuff round,
and I'd love to try fly fishing, but all in good time.

If anyone wants a partner sometime...email me.

Thats me guys. Thanks for all the input over the year...it aint over yet.


David

In article , Keith M
wrote:
Hi David

Re a good tackle bag ,I use a ruck sack. Padded back and a waist strap to
stop it bouncing about when I walk.
A well fitted 'sack makes a heavy load seem indescribably ( big word for an
angler) light.

Snip sound advice, but leave as much as possible of the kit at home - that
way you have more room for the catch ;-)

"david" wrote in message
...
Okay, to fill in where I'm at after last year or so.

how ignorant a chap could be. I recall I actually squirmed when I tried to
grab the first fish we landed - a tiddling smelt or something. I grabbed
it and dropped it. trerrified in truth.

The fish wasn't too chuffed either...

But I listened to hat he aid aND started doing the good stuff. Then I went

Unsolicited testimonials! My favourite kind (apart from strawberry.)

I don't regard my self as an "angler", that's insulting to anglers - I'm

By now you're an angler.

My son (he's 9) is loving it too, when school allows. He caught three big
salmon - had to hold him in the boat when he fought them in - and is quite
a good little river fisherman. He's too small really for the shore, but
like all kids, he enjoys emulating dad (so empty hooks are great news for
him!!).

Not really too small. Give him a spinning rod no longer than twice his
shoulder height, some 8lb line and a selection of spinners and let him
wade and spin along any of the safer Dorset beaches (NOT chesil. Have to be
pebble/graunchy to avoid swimmers this month.)

Cheerio,

--

Thanks all for the advice. I'll do that. Both!

One thing I left out that I did buy was the Mustad waterproofs. I paid £60
for braced trousers and a big jacket - very warm, very dry, very big. I
thought it was a bargain to be honest and they are fantastic for boat
fishing. Got mine from a shop in the poole area.

David
"Derek.Moody" wrote in message
...
In article , Keith M
wrote:
Hi David

Re a good tackle bag ,I use a ruck sack. Padded back and a waist strap to
stop it bouncing about when I walk.
A well fitted 'sack makes a heavy load seem indescribably ( big word for
an
angler) light.

Snip sound advice, but leave as much as possible of the kit at home - that
way you have more room for the catch ;-)

"david" wrote in message
...
Okay, to fill in where I'm at after last year or so.

how ignorant a chap could be. I recall I actually squirmed when I tried
to
grab the first fish we landed - a tiddling smelt or something. I
grabbed
it and dropped it. trerrified in truth.

The fish wasn't too chuffed either...

But I listened to hat he aid aND started doing the good stuff. Then I
went

Unsolicited testimonials! My favourite kind (apart from strawberry.)

I don't regard my self as an "angler", that's insulting to anglers -
I'm

By now you're an angler.

My son (he's 9) is loving it too, when school allows. He caught three
big
salmon - had to hold him in the boat when he fought them in - and is
quite
a good little river fisherman. He's too small really for the shore, but
like all kids, he enjoys emulating dad (so empty hooks are great news
for
him!!).

Not really too small. Give him a spinning rod no longer than twice his
shoulder height, some 8lb line and a selection of spinners and let him
wade and spin along any of the safer Dorset beaches (NOT chesil. Have to
be
pebble/graunchy to avoid swimmers this month.)

Cheerio,

--

Those suits are brilliant, the're slightly cheaper up here in the North West
though, around £40.00 a set Anyone wanting a matching Mustad Surf Ruck Sack,
Mustad Cool Bag and Mustad Rod Holdall & Rig Wallet totaly free can get a
chance this month, they are up for grabs in this months prize draw at
www.castandcatch.com.


Pete



"david" wrote in message
...
Thanks all for the advice. I'll do that. Both!

One thing I left out that I did buy was the Mustad waterproofs. I paid £60
for braced trousers and a big jacket - very warm, very dry, very big. I
thought it was a bargain to be honest and they are fantastic for boat
fishing. Got mine from a shop in the poole area.

David
"Derek.Moody" wrote in message
...
In article , Keith M
wrote:
Hi David

Re a good tackle bag ,I use a ruck sack. Padded back and a waist strap
to
stop it bouncing about when I walk.
A well fitted 'sack makes a heavy load seem indescribably ( big word
for
an
angler) light.

Snip sound advice, but leave as much as possible of the kit at home -
that
way you have more room for the catch ;-)

"david" wrote in message
...
Okay, to fill in where I'm at after last year or so.

how ignorant a chap could be. I recall I actually squirmed when I
tried
to
grab the first fish we landed - a tiddling smelt or something. I
grabbed
it and dropped it. trerrified in truth.

The fish wasn't too chuffed either...

But I listened to hat he aid aND started doing the good stuff. Then I
went

Unsolicited testimonials! My favourite kind (apart from strawberry.)

I don't regard my self as an "angler", that's insulting to anglers -
I'm

By now you're an angler.

My son (he's 9) is loving it too, when school allows. He caught three
big
salmon - had to hold him in the boat when he fought them in - and is
quite
a good little river fisherman. He's too small really for the shore,
but
like all kids, he enjoys emulating dad (so empty hooks are great news
for
him!!).

Not really too small. Give him a spinning rod no longer than twice his
shoulder height, some 8lb line and a selection of spinners and let him
wade and spin along any of the safer Dorset beaches (NOT chesil. Have
to
be
pebble/graunchy to avoid swimmers this month.)

Cheerio,

--

"Derek.Moody" wrote in message
...
In article , Keith M
wrote:
Hi David

Re a good tackle bag ,I use a ruck sack. Padded back and a waist strap to
stop it bouncing about when I walk.
A well fitted 'sack makes a heavy load seem indescribably ( big word for
an
angler) light.

Snip sound advice, but leave as much as possible of the kit at home - that
way you have more room for the catch ;-)


snip

IMHO you can't go wrong with a Shakespeare beta box with a Breakaway seatbox
conversion.

http://www.veals.co.uk/acatalog/Veal..._Boxes_69.html
http://www.breakaway-tackle.co.uk/sh...hFor=&PT_ID=71

I've used one for the past 10 years or so and they are brilliant.

You can load them up with enough gear for an all night winter cod session
complete with thermos and grub ;-)

The conversion kit allows the box to be worn on your back and is
surprisingly comfortable - even when fully loaded.

Once on the beach you pop up the back of the seat part and sit on the box
with a comfy back rest.

Inside there is a shelf with holes in so you can store your leads & tools.
Under the lid there are a couple of bungee clips to hold multiplier reels.

A good tip with this setup is to get hold of a couple of bungees so you can
strap your waterproofs onto the lid so you don't boil yourself on the way to
the venue.

Cheers - ETV

Eric/ Anyone interested.
I gave the Beta Box and back rest combo a lot of thought.
'Cos I have a bad neck I noticed that most anglers sit on their boxes (as
you might expect) but they have their heads tilted upwards loking at the rod
tip.

This is a most un-comfortable long term position and at the same time it is
NOT good for the neck.

Instead I use a lightweight metal framed folding canvas / nylon seat and
back chair which has a high enough back to support the head..
(This is not to be confused with the fold into a bag, nylon jointed type of
chair).
On the beach I can dig in the back leg (the back legs are a continuous item
forming an inverted flat bottomed U (and the front ones are the same) into
the sand / shingle to achieve a super comfortable semi reclined position, no
stress, no neck ache and I've been known to nod off.
Light and easy to carry, no probs.
A bonus is that you don't have to get up off the box to get out the next
trace / whatever cos its all in yous 'sac right beside you.
I also bought a Shakespear "Beach Buddy" but gave that up as too big,
heavy and clumsy after I saw and bought a small open fronted bivvy with
fitted ground sheet. ( you see them now with the Leeder badge but look in
any camping shop @ about a tenner.
4 of 5 Tesco carrier bags full of sand / shingle and nothing moves it!
And you can leave the full bags for the next guy to use.

Sorry tht this post so so long
Tight Lines
Keith M



"Eric The Viking" wrote in message
news:4303c8b8.0@entanet...

"Derek.Moody" wrote in message
...
In article , Keith M
wrote:
Hi David

Re a good tackle bag ,I use a ruck sack. Padded back and a waist strap
to
stop it bouncing about when I walk.
A well fitted 'sack makes a heavy load seem indescribably ( big word for
an
angler) light.

Snip sound advice, but leave as much as possible of the kit at home -
that
way you have more room for the catch ;-)


snip

IMHO you can't go wrong with a Shakespeare beta box with a Breakaway
seatbox conversion.

http://www.veals.co.uk/acatalog/Veal..._Boxes_69.html
http://www.breakaway-tackle.co.uk/sh...hFor=&PT_ID=71

I've used one for the past 10 years or so and they are brilliant.

You can load them up with enough gear for an all night winter cod session
complete with thermos and grub ;-)

The conversion kit allows the box to be worn on your back and is
surprisingly comfortable - even when fully loaded.

Once on the beach you pop up the back of the seat part and sit on the box
with a comfy back rest.

Inside there is a shelf with holes in so you can store your leads & tools.
Under the lid there are a couple of bungee clips to hold multiplier reels.

A good tip with this setup is to get hold of a couple of bungees so you
can strap your waterproofs onto the lid so you don't boil yourself on the
way to the venue.

Cheers - ETV

"Keith M" wrote in message
...
Eric/ Anyone interested.
I gave the Beta Box and back rest combo a lot of thought.
'Cos I have a bad neck I noticed that most anglers sit on their boxes (as
you might expect) but they have their heads tilted upwards loking at the
rod tip.

This is a most un-comfortable long term position and at the same time it
is NOT good for the neck.

Depends where you fish I suppose. I spend a lot of time on Chesil in
Dorset, where the beach is shingle you can dig the box in at a backwards
angle - you just sit back and you're looking at your rod tip. When it's
calm you can have the rods at a lower angle too so your looking straight at
the tip and not up to it.

Instead I use a lightweight metal framed folding canvas / nylon seat and

snip

I also bought a Shakespear "Beach Buddy" but gave that up as too big,
heavy and clumsy after I saw and bought a small open fronted bivvy with
fitted ground sheet. ( you see them now with the Leeder badge but look in
any camping shop @ about a tenner.
4 of 5 Tesco carrier bags full of sand / shingle and nothing moves it!
And you can leave the full bags for the next guy to use.

snip

Takes different strokes ;-) I also swear by beach buddies, though mine is
an original "John Holden" - cost £125.00 six or seven years ago and was
worth every penny! It is a bit bulky and heavy but I have a large rod bag
and once its slotted in there I don't really notice the extra weight.

Mind you all this talk of seat boxes and beach buddies is really hardcore
winter cod fishing stuff - better not wish away the remainder of the summer
;-)

ETV

Talking of winter cod fishin, time to stock up on those disposable barbies
from Tesco.
Nice toasty Beach Buddies etc. (once they are lit and have stopped smokin')
Use a bit of common by standing them on sand / shingle and remember they get
a bit hot so dont try pickin them up with naked fingers!
Keith M
"Eric The Viking" wrote in message
news:43051100.0@entanet...

"Keith M" wrote in message
...
Eric/ Anyone interested.
I gave the Beta Box and back rest combo a lot of thought.
'Cos I have a bad neck I noticed that most anglers sit on their boxes (as
you might expect) but they have their heads tilted upwards loking at the
rod tip.

This is a most un-comfortable long term position and at the same time it
is NOT good for the neck.

Depends where you fish I suppose. I spend a lot of time on Chesil in
Dorset, where the beach is shingle you can dig the box in at a backwards
angle - you just sit back and you're looking at your rod tip. When it's
calm you can have the rods at a lower angle too so your looking straight
at the tip and not up to it.

Instead I use a lightweight metal framed folding canvas / nylon seat and

snip

I also bought a Shakespear "Beach Buddy" but gave that up as too big,
heavy and clumsy after I saw and bought a small open fronted bivvy with
fitted ground sheet. ( you see them now with the Leeder badge but look in
any camping shop @ about a tenner.
4 of 5 Tesco carrier bags full of sand / shingle and nothing moves it!
And you can leave the full bags for the next guy to use.

snip

Takes different strokes ;-) I also swear by beach buddies, though mine
is an original "John Holden" - cost £125.00 six or seven years ago and was
worth every penny! It is a bit bulky and heavy but I have a large rod bag
and once its slotted in there I don't really notice the extra weight.

Mind you all this talk of seat boxes and beach buddies is really hardcore
winter cod fishing stuff - better not wish away the remainder of the
summer ;-)

ETV

"Keith M" wrote in message
...
Talking of winter cod fishin, time to stock up on those disposable barbies
from Tesco.
Nice toasty Beach Buddies etc. (once they are lit and have stopped
smokin')
Use a bit of common by standing them on sand / shingle and remember they
get a bit hot so dont try pickin them up with naked fingers!
Keith M

snip

Have you ever tried to boil a kettle on a disposable barbie? Might be handy
for the winter if it worked...

ETV