scotsgun

A few pics....only just worked out how to work the new fangled phone: The one i couldn't put back The new sexy trolley The loaded yak....my almost submarine Hollan on Sea

Hey Codshead, wasn't a bad day at all and we managed to avoid getting another parking ticket. Well, to fill in the gaps: I foolishly played poker the night before so was definitely worse for wear in the morning and then i made the cardinal sin of leaving the winnings on the breakfast table Met up with Codshead and EssexCaper in the car park, sought out the single ticket machine in the massive park and loaded up the yaks. Fist big of kit was my sexy new trolley that actually worked! Couldn't have been worse than my DIY effort that collapsed but I was surprised how good the effort from Decathlon Sports was. The weather was glorious and very few boats or jet skis to contend with. My fish finder even started working...a cause for celebration in itself. Short ½ mile paddle out to the mark and tackled up with lug tipped with herring on one and a whole squid on the other. Both rods started knocking almost immediately with suicidal codling, which soon became tiresome. They really were barely bigger than the jack herring I was using for bait! After an hour of codling bashing i decided to lift anchor and paddle over to Codshead and EssexCaper , however the anchor wouldn't budge - very strange as the bed was pretty much flat sand. I decided to give it a heave in the hope of tripping the plastic tie. It succeeded but i had foolishly pulled too hard, the yak tipped and water flooded into the partly open hatch. I did manage to not fall in but my confidence had taken a major blow and the paddle back to shore seemed to take an age all the water in the hull. Once on shore I emptied the yak and had a sit down to calm my nerves and let the spare kit dry out. A short nap later and I was ready to get back out – just as CodsHead and EssexCaper were coming in for lunch. However I needed to get back out to reassure myself so I headed approx 400yds further SE and had a real careful look on the finder before dropping the anchor. After only 5 mins, the rod with whole squid bent over and stayed there for 5 secs or so. CodsHead had warned me that there were thornies in the area so I left it be. After another 30 secs or so, the rod again dived and I lifted into a decent thornie. I lifted into 3 decent sized fish and managed to return 2. One had swallowed the hook too far so that made breakfast this morning. I missed the final thornie which must have been a wopper. It took off like a train, stayed deep regardless of what I tried to raise it and then snapped the line after some time. Only then did I notice that the wind had picked up and the waves had ridden. Normally I’d have stayed out longer but I had a decent thornie and a couple of cod……that and my confidence had gone. So I headed in just as CodsHead and EssexCaper were coming back out. Back home to wash down the gear and see what clothes the wife and daughter had bought with my winnings Cod – how long did you stay out. Also, I’ve been thinking – have you ever tried 2-tree island for flatties? Those mud banks are regularly dug for lug so I figure may well be worth a try in a few weeks or so…what do you think?

Oh, but you're a harsh man! What kayak would you suggest?

5'10", 50 inch chest, size 19 collar and approx 18stone - ex rugby prop. My wetsuit is XXXL and is still tight across the back. I'm a big boy....just ask codshed

gilbo, I was thinking of getting a couple of those in the hope of a few crab however worried about them being easily wrecked. Are they pretty good and what did you use as bait? Also, i noted you have a Drifter that's supposed to be for bigger blokes. I'm thinking of getting one - what do you think of yours? Marc

guys, i've just read the info on the site.....are channels 16 and 9 also used for hailing in the Uk?

thanks guy...info appreciated.

Folks, I want to buy one of those VHF radios (walkie talkie type) for safety. However, i don't have a clue what i'm looking for. What spec should i get, e.g. is 136-174MHz VHF frequency band sufficient? Also, what are the riles on it's usage? Can i use it to contact a mate who's fishing nearby or is its useage restricted, etc?

Jesus man...don't you ever stop? Taking me out on Fri, down to kent today and time for posting threads too ! Seriously - cheers mate. I enjoyed myself and learnt alot...although you didn't show me that fishy voodoo you were practicing - you obviously sent the minnows over to me and kept the big'uns to yourself. I'll have to watch you closer next time. Things i learnt: 1. don't lean over to look for the anchor whilst pulling up! 2. don't carry so much bloody kit. 3. It's alot easier paddling with the tide and wind in your favour. I'll def be returning there next week (weather and tide permitting). Also - took the wife, kid and dog down to a little cove in kent that has a sweet beach today. Set them up with windbreaker, tent etc and then promptly buggered off in the yak. Great little beach hemmed in on both sides with rocks. I did alot better using your uptiding techniques and even managed a few fighting fish by using some mackerel care of sainsburys. Lug ans squid attracted a few better cod. The car park above was pay and display but the machine had been removed....you just know i was jittery leaving the old bus there after yesterday Marc

OK, i'll sort something out.....i have some old cable ties somewhere. My mobile is 07957116211. Feel free to send a blank text or something and then we can arrange a meet-up location. Lastly....gripper weights required? Marc

here you go: http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/Product_arbo...bags/index.html

mostly mounted the finder....just have to work out something for the transducer so should be fine. Care to tell me more about the location.....depth, equipment needed, etc?

If i can get my fishfinder mounted and you don't mind a slow coach following in your wake (i've been told that my caper angler won't keep up with a prowler). Can do fri, sat & sun.....off to the continent on mon for some hunting.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info...i now have a clearer idea.

I know basically nothing about fishfinders but what i can say is: I bought mine from the states because is was so damn cheap and the current exchange rate is excellent. The Garmin 140 cost me £52 including postage and took 3 days to deliver.. I chose it because is has some fancy wide angle detection system and a big screen.

Cod, I hear what your saying and generally i would agree, however i use solar panels all the time in work and it couldn't be simpler. A 5W panel would take approx 25-30 hours to charge that battery of yours so mounting one on your yak would mean that you'd practically never charge it and you can still trickle charge it with the unit off. There's a guy in Brighton who sells solar units salvaged from Russian battle tanks. 15w units - £30 approx. I have a couple on my hut and couldn't be happier with them.

Guys, i need help. I've just bought myself a Garmin Fishfinder 140 and need advice on how to install it. I've read some reports from the states but i can't work it out....what the hell is the vaseline and clingfilm for???? keep it clean! Specific questions: 1. How do i mount the transducer on the inside of the hull? 2. I wish to put the battery inside the hull, between the footwells. So, what type of battery should i get - motorbike battery, closed cell gel type used for burglar alarms??? 3. Do any of you use a solar panel to trickle charge the battery and if so, what wattage do you use (i was thinking 5w should be sufficient). Thanks

Folks, i need your help. I've just bought myself a Garmin Fishfinder 140 and need advice on how to set it up in my yak. I'm particularly confused by the following: Transducer - how do i mount it in the interior of the hull. A yank site mentioned vaseline and clingfilm ???? Battery - I intend to wedge it within the hull, between the feet wells and directly underneath where i'll mount the unit. However, what battery should i get - the closed cell gell type used in burgular alarm systems, motorcycle battery, etc ???? Also, do any of you mount a solar panel on the yak to trickle charge the battery? Any advice would be a great help. Thanks

I buy alot of gear from the US and Canada. UPS : You will definately have to pay tax. They always declare. Cabelas mostly use UPS so just accept it and be content with the favourable exchange rate. DHL : It's pretty much the luck of the draw. Mostly i've got away with it, but sometimes your stung. Remember to ask the vendor to not post the value on the invoice and not to post it on the outside of the parcel. They know what you're asking and are generally willing to oblige.

Varp...huh? What am i missing?

Folks, From Fri 31st i'll be on holiday for a fortnight. Now the wife has a list of jobs as long as my arm so i thought i'd take a few days off to get the kayak wet. My fishfinder is on it's way and the wetsuit works fine...so....you're advice please: Where sould i go in the Essex, Kent, Suffolk area? Just somewhere where i can launch from, catch a few fish and park the truck nearby.

Now my kind of people (please excuse us if the rest of you have fallen asleep A few pics for you...... First, my best mate. Charlie - Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Great gun dog and totally fearless. Now a few toys. And lastly Charlie and I - i'm the one in some rubber for the kinky faction

Great idea! I already have a collapsible hide arranged to mount on the yak. I am a BASC member but only for the insurance. Do you stalk too (not necessarily from a yak ) ?

pics please marcgcallaghan@btinternet.com

lol...thinking along similar lines. I intend to wildfowl off my yak in the winter. Now ideally what you need is a puntgun. Something along the 1 - 1.5 bore would be ideal.