richardlawrence

Stack rocks is a nice paddle from St Brides Haven with good fishing as well. If you enjoy a bit of wildlife spotting, Codshead saw a turtle in that area last summer. Regarding the number of places to fish around here we are just spoilt for choice. So many places to go so little time. Still the list of 'To do's' grows

Hi Woot, The reason for not keeping your yak outside is because the plastic will deteriorate when exposed to UV light. As Tom says, the best thing is to throw a tarpaulin or something over it to keep the direct sunlight off. I see that you fish in Pembs. Are you based down here in God's own country or just enjoy visiting. Which ever, if you fancy some company give a shout when your next going out, there are a few of us on here in the area. Rich.

Hi Tom, Yes we trolled and fished most of the way back up river from the Burton jetty. The water was very muddy though with visibility less than a foot. You literally couldn't see the lure till it was at the surface. We tried jointed plugs, poppers, noisy divers the lot just to make as much disturbance / vibration as possible but not a sniff. At the end of the day it was great just to have a good paddle and explore the river a bit. Rich.

Thanks. You couldn't really go wrong, the conditions were perfect, nice light a bit of mist and no wind. The credit must therefore go to a higher being than me. Rich.

Met with GB and Stu this morning at Black Tarr for a paddle down river with the falling tide. Unfortunately GB was a bit the worst for wear so didn't paddle with us, just came down for a chat. Nice to see you though Gareth. It was a gorgeous morning with no wind and clear skies. The paddle down stream was about as easy as it gets on a strong ebb tide. We were in Pembroke Dock in no time at all. After a quick stretch of the legs at Hobbs Point we wet a few lures on the drift down to Carr Rocks. This looks like a great place for a bit of summer bass fishing but nothing was showing today. Stu throwing some bits of plastic at a very muddy river. After a ferry glide across the river for lunch in Neyland (now there's living the high life for you!) we headed back up river with the first of the flood. By this time a brisk easterly breeze had set in which made going a bit tough. Once past rudder boat yard however we were in shelter. We trolled back up river with no sucess (unless you count Stu's Stone which he caught. Apparently it was a very big stone in the peak of condition ) No fish today but it was a good paddle. We covered about 13 miles all together. Roll on summer. Thanks for a great day Stu. It was good to have some company. GB, sorry you weren't up to the trip, hopefully you'll be sorted for the next outing. One idea was to arrange a tope meet here in West Wales. When do you reccon the season will be underway? Rich

Yup, I think it'll be a case of travel light for me. See you there. One day I'll get the hang of this posting lark!! I seem to have inserted a load of text in the middle of your post Stu.

Black Tarr is just north of Llangwm on the Western Cleddau. If the attached link works then it is the narrow road which goes to the river past Knapp Farm. When you get into the village from the H'west side turn left up hill just before the Cottage Inn (no jokes please ) http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=19...+Pembrokeshire+[Town]&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srf Yes I'll probably bring my P13. Was thinking of using my sit inside which is a bit quicker so that I could keep up with GB If there are going to be two of us in more sedate craft then GB can just paddle around in circles while we try and keep up! Rich.

The weather is still looking good for the weekend. For Sunday I'm thinking that the best bet for a decent paddle would be to meet up at Black Tarr at say 9 for 9:30 to get kitted up. There is loads of parking there. Paddle down river on the tide towards P'Dock and beyond if the fancy takes us. Then return on the flood with possibly a bit of bass fishing in the side creaks such as Garron Pill. If this is Ok I'll see you there. Let me know if anyone needs directions to Black Tarr. I recon the best bet for doing the top section of the river to H'west or Caneston would be on a high at around mid day as GB suggested before. Maybe one for a balmy summer day Rich.

It's not live but there is a daily photograph at www.newsurf.co.uk this gives a good idea of the sea state in St Brides bay, Pembrokeshire. Rich.

Hi and welcome. Never tried myself but there looks like some great places to kayak fish in the south west. You'll have a ball I'm sure. If you're after kayak fishing photos there's a good picture section on www.anglersafloat.co.uk alternatively try a search for kayak fishing there are loads of sites, particularly in the US. www.bigwatersedge.com Is very American (bless um!) but there are some interesting vids and articles. Cheers Rich.

Tides for Sunday are HW 06:40 LW 13:01 HW 19:03 The tide is only in at H'west for about 45mins either side of high so could be a bit of a paddle back upstream at the end of the day. Alternative start points are Black Tarr (Llangwm) or Picton Point / Landshipping. I'm open to suggestions. Rich

Hi, Nice one. GB and myself and possibly Stu are planning a trip on the river cleddau on Sunday if you want to join in. Start up river and drift down towards P'Dock then return. Could be a chance for a head to head between a Scupper Pro and a Pelican Rich.

Have a look on the Kayak Fishing pages. There are a few guys that fly fish from plastic planks. The general consensus seems to be that the clearer the decks the better to avoid snags. There is also the issue of how far you want to paddle and at what speed you want to go. Hoping to have a go fly fishing this year so can't offer any direct experience. I use an Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 which offers good speed and stability. Rich

Hi GB, I have heard rumour of people making the trip from Stackpole as you hinted at. Not alot to see when you're mid channel though! Maybe you could tack it on as a final leg to your rounds Pembs trip Regarding the trip in a sit on top, my only comment would be that thigh straps would be essential to reduce the risk of being thrown out in rough water should the weather change. I know that they would be a pain in the deriere for fishing but am sure that they would allow better boat control and a more secure feel.

The best bet would be to have a go in each if you can. Personally my P13 is great. I have the angler addition and have not felt the need to make any alterations at all. I have a crate in the tank well and that is it. Having used various other kayaks in the past (sit inside) I would say that the P13 is extremely stable and have never felt at risk of falling out unless messing around by standing up or playing in the surf. The Prowler is easily car topable (no experience of the malibu) and performs very well holding a good straight line whilst being easily manouvered as well. Best of luck but most importantly get yourself out there. Rich.

I picked up a closed cell foam garden knealer thingy from Wilkinsons last week for a quid. It's about an inch thick and is almost exactly the right size for the seat of my P13. Just need chance to try it now.

If you go to grassholm take your hard hat. The gannets will see anyone as fair game.

You won't go far wrong with the Prowler 13. Availability is the luck of the draw. They come up on fleabay every now and then. Clothing depends on when you want to go out. I tend to wear a wetsuit long john in the summer with a windproof over. This is fine when the water and air are fairly warm but I wouldn't do it in winter. Full wetsuit would be reasonable but drysuit seems to be the best option when it's cold. You need to think about the exposure and the likely wind chill if you get wet (from spray as well as falling out.) A normal kayak bouyancy aid is fine. My basic one with no pockets was about £30. Flares. Have a look at the forums on the anglersafloat web site. There is a thread on the topic. They have some other general safety stuff as well. Good luck.

Have you got any pics of the beast then? Had a look of the web site and couldn't find many. Was impressed by the hang glider type sail though, I winder if it flies?

Nice report GB. I guess that you're dead serious about your round Pembs trip then! One question. Will the bass be able to swim fast enough to catch your trolled lures? Look forward to seeing the new boat. Rich.

It'd be one hell of a paddle out to the sharking grounds (no I don't mean Minnies in H'west) Must be a good 40 k's. Better star out early

If you hook a big one you could always earn some brownie points and get the shopping in before paddling back from france (assuming that's the direction you get dragged.) It would be one hell of a rush though!! Forgetting the blues etc what if you hook up with one of our new friendly great whites?

One word..... wetsuit :yucky: .

No offence meant. The beach toy reference was merely concern at the speed you could move against the wind / current. I accept that they would be alright in the right place at the right time. For now though I'll stick to my plastic plank. Cheers.

Yes somewhere. I'm not that skint just at the moment although I'll remember your offer Maybe a fancy dress tope meet is in order! Rich.