phooey

Found this piccy of a 19lber

I have a spare pair of drysuit bottoms - large size, small hole in sole of one boot I can fix with a cycle patch - let me know if you want them. What speciman says is right - we used buoys to tie up no need for an anchor. If you have a boat, paddle and a rod and a headlight you will be fine. We fish close together anyway. Be good to have you along.

This weekend Richi and phooey are going to go after the BIG Conger and Bass that inhabit the area. Those interested in catching something a bit scary are welcome to join us for this night session, although depending on the weather I might go out twice as there is enough depth for the beasties to feed all day ( 70 feet of water a short way out ). The BCC list this area as a prime site for shore caught BIGGIES - check out this link. http://www.britishcongerclub.org.uk/ As said before parking and launch could not be easier although its a reasonable paddle to the harbour entrance. As for the Bass - we both had circa 70cm fish here last time out

Went congering last night at weymouth, with Hembo & John ( not on my Yak though) Hooked into one mid evening, took about 25 mins to coax him about 6 yards, then my 30Lb mainline snapped, i was gutted. Any chance you might post exactly where ? Not too far if there are decent fish to be had . Your 30lb line parted from pressure ? or did it snag / chafe on something ? I'm gutted for you btw, but its the possibilities that makes us fish is it not ?

Fishing for info... Does anyone on this board know of any conger marks local to Southampton area ? I am off the kayakfishing forum and have tried Portland and Christchurch with some success, just ondering if there are any spots a bit nearer home I can fish off a 'yak'. Any help appreciated. Cheers, Chris.

Great report and pictures - just what I need to see at 7.00am on a sunday morning with a whole day free. Simons pike is a nice fish but I reckon its not far off what your scales lied A TWENTY is a VERY good fish !!

I have a 2 piece drysuit which has a proper hood - I stick a beanie underneath to keep the heat in. Other solutions include sailing overcoats - good in cold weather and they have proper hoods or just acasual lightweight top with a hood. Hats ? - don't get started on hats....

Where do I sign ?

When it livens up a bit ?

Looks fishable to me once you get past that little bit of surf

Portland is ideal. Easy launch, Sheltered, Conger, Big Bass, and Doggies - prolly other stuff as well but that's what I caught.

Paul, sorry we didn't hook up haha last night. Have any luck on the Hamble ? Roles reversed for Richi & me I just had a shed load of Pouting - although I 'lost' 2 bass Kevin caught the biggest of the evening..... A small yacht.

Me personally ? Nope. Not wishing to judge you but you certainly seem to be doing a little judging yourself ? Never fished with Speciman but met him once. He's a nice bloke.

I think ocean kayaks have had plenty of 'publicity' on here - its a double edged sword though, some good, some bad. Ppl here will test the Dorado, maybe buy one and either extoll their virtues or slate them. I think peeps here can work out the difference between a salesman and a consumer and they can listen to who they choose. Or make their own mind up. I'm interested in trying one FWIW and don't think its a problem Speciman - or anyone else who is 'known' on here - sticking up a link. Most of the regulars know Simon anyway. Storm in a teacup.

I use these FLADEN MAXXIMUS SOLID CARBON rods http://www.alderneyangling.com/rods1.htm Have 3 of the 10 - 20 class and a 20 -30 ( for when we go after the porgies ! ) and they're mated to Daiwa 'slosh's . The '20' is enough but I got a '40' as well ( porgies again ) just for line the capacity. They handle tope no problem but are light and bendy so Bass and such like are fun as well

Lovely fish pike - they have 'attitude' wait 'till you get one that 'tailwalks' brilliant ! Can't wait either

Unhooking mat - pike damage easily plus if on your lap its a barrier between the teeth and your 'tackle' . Artery forceps - about 12" not the mini forceps. £4 a pair and you WILL need them to get hooks out. Side cutters the long handled FOX ones are good, or yak near someone who has them. You might have to crop a difficult hook although barbless will help. Never leave hooks in a pike - its a death sentance. ( check someone else has'nt before you release ! ) Forget the glove - most are too rough and will damage the fish / prevent you feeling what you are doing in there. You might get a scratch from the gill rakers but the teeth can mostly be avoided Take a firm grip of the pikes chin between fingers and thumb - they flare their gills and shake their heads when they 'want out' and if you have your hand in there you might be needing a transfusion unless you hold very firmly. There's a 'boney bit' at the front of the lower jaw in the middle just behind the teeth. Don't be timid - hang on to it once you have it and you'll mostly be fine Have a search on the net for some piccys or look in a book. I'll bring some along. They're not that bad really and usually knackered by the time you boat them. They need returning to the water ASAP or you will have a dead fish on your hands.

Ballast ? No, seriously...you must be well miffed I would expect if there is a problem it will be sorted PDQ. This is their flagship is it not ?

Where did you stow a pushbike - in the hatch ?

I would - but that's a helluva paddle from here

I think we're a fairly hardy bunch on here. Some of us fish all year round - just wear the right gear and its bearable. I think if the ice was too thick to smash with the yak I'd prolly give it a miss though

I'd like to see you eat a porgie

There's a few of us just across the way in Hampshire that fish the south coast. To see what we do and where look for posts by Darnsarf, Starvin, Richi, Speciman and me. All the above are 'looney tunes' about yak fishing, and out at every opportunity. This year we've targetted Tope in Wales, Conger in Dorset, Bass just about everywhere and Mullet if you really like a challenge. Personally I like going for something that scares me a bit and there's a few of us planning to go for Porgies next year Oh and welcome.

My working weekend - I'd have deffo come ! Spoke to Nifty about it last night and it sounds like there are some REAL biggies down there Hope you have a nice catch report for us

Done !