tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3299383288719431482024-03-05T16:34:09.057+00:00Salar's Fishing BlogA blog of fishing and boat related thoughts. This blog is linked to my web site www.boat-angling.co.ukNeville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-5872345324765156232012-02-03T18:16:00.000+00:002012-02-03T18:16:22.604+00:00Digging Holes in Portsmouth HarbourThis will affect small boats going in and out of Portsmouth harbour entrance during February and March 2012. QHM Notice is as follows:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4.5pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth that borehole works in support of the Capital Dredge programme for the new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers will commence on the 04 February 2012 within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4.5pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27 borehole samples will be taken in the Approach Channel, Harbour Entrance and Harbour (Annex A).<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4.5pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DEEP DIVER a Jackup barge (40m Length by 20m Beam) will conduct the borehole operations. Each bore hole will require DEEP DIVER to remain on station for approximately 48hrs. DEEP DIVER will display the appropriate signals in compliance with the COLREGS when conducting borehole operations.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4.5pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first five boreholes will be sunk in the approaches to the harbour in order to familiarise local mariners with the rig.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4.5pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whilst works are being carried out in the harbour entrance the small boat channel (GD 07/10 Refers) will be closed. Traffic management during this period will be enhanced by the Ministry of Defence Police supported by the Volunteer Harbour Patrol.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4.5pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mariners are required to contact harbour control for traffic clearance on VHF Ch11 before transiting in and out of the harbour when the rig is working in the harbour entrance. Priority will be given to large vessels that have to commit early to passing through the entrance.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4.5pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mariners are to keep a good lookout and pass DEEP DIVER where possible at reduced speed whilst borehole operations are being conducted. DEEP DIVER will maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch11.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4.5pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whilst the barge is being jacked-up or refloated mariners will need to pay particular care when passing. To avoid mandatory speed limit reductions, the repositioning of rig in the harbour entrance and on the Hamilton bank will occur, when practicable, when moves of large vessels are not scheduled.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4.5pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">QHM Harbour Control will be kept informed of the work in progress and may be contacted on VHF Ch 11 or by telephoning 023 92 723689 for the latest information.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It is envisaged that the works will last approximately 7 weeks.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span>Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-37254399363403982092010-09-22T14:26:00.000+01:002010-09-22T14:26:52.576+01:00Big MuthaWould't it be fun if QHM titled their notices like that? We have a warning today that a nuclear sub is visiting on 28th September, details below. It got me wondering what the fuss was about, so a quick visit to Wikipedia throws this up. Our Vanguard class of subs are 491 feet long with a draught of 39 feet. Compare that with our aircraft carriers, not much longer at 686 feet but with a draught of only 26 feet. No wonder QHM is warning us to keep out of the way, squeezing a sub of that size up the Nab Channel will be tricky.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINxsaBfb4ZM-oRwlHKTXrEfQoBYmuygwiZD6LtIqlQQBZpNwlEH9OqtOQ9rXdek94ATSXyrxnlFM9YnwyCcuKY6NfrIodQ2IevXrpqe-EaeImx6h29pKaJsIcO4gkzXlAhCkbZ9pLEY0/s1600/Nuclear+Sub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINxsaBfb4ZM-oRwlHKTXrEfQoBYmuygwiZD6LtIqlQQBZpNwlEH9OqtOQ9rXdek94ATSXyrxnlFM9YnwyCcuKY6NfrIodQ2IevXrpqe-EaeImx6h29pKaJsIcO4gkzXlAhCkbZ9pLEY0/s320/Nuclear+Sub.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth that a Nuclear Powered Submarine will visit Portsmouth Harbour between the 28th September 2010 and the 03rd of October 2010.</div><br />
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2. Timings (including a closed channel) will be promulgated by the usual movements signal.<br />
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3. Mariners are advised that the Submarine whilst on passage between the Nab Tower and its berth is considered “a vessel constrained by her draught” as defined under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Escorting tugs will display the appropriate signals for a vessel constrained by her draught. Vessels are to avoid taking any action that will impede her safe passage. LNTM 40/05 (Dormant Exclusion Zone for Underway Warships) will be enforced for this vessel during her transit into and out of harbour.<br />
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4. Police craft will be in attendance with the Submarine to enforce the requirements of this Local Notice to Mariners. They will be clearly identifiable and will be acting on the authority of the Queens Harbour Master. All vessels are to comply with their instructions. Mariners attention is also drawn to LNTM 28/07 (Keep Clear of Warship Berths) regarding the mandatory 100 metres exclusion zone whilst submarines are alongside in the harbour.<br />
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Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-18270916556866143982010-09-16T20:31:00.000+01:002010-09-16T20:31:58.184+01:00Exercise Solfire East 10 - Solent Disaster Practice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmnq_BPrsS_Vveq9uceRTn_5Kgy06KMwvpH0MpaAtaYttX2yDQo0rymlKHMfBgUpBKJwTL4_zWwwCsG33jZYRrhdGVTzVkzGS_-CrGEW7oRW1BWl4oyKQB-VGhgLyZXw0p892vNpeJb8/s1600/Wightlink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmnq_BPrsS_Vveq9uceRTn_5Kgy06KMwvpH0MpaAtaYttX2yDQo0rymlKHMfBgUpBKJwTL4_zWwwCsG33jZYRrhdGVTzVkzGS_-CrGEW7oRW1BWl4oyKQB-VGhgLyZXw0p892vNpeJb8/s200/Wightlink.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><h2><span style="font-size: small;">NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth that the annual SOLFIRE Exercise, designed to test emergency response procedures in the Solent, will take place on the afternoon of 21 September 2010.</span> </h2><ol><li>This year’s exercise, “SOLFIRE EAST 10” will be run by QHM Portsmouth from a Maritime Response Centre in Semaphore Tower and activities will be concentrated in the Spithead area and the southern part of Portsmouth Harbour. The scenario will include a simulated fire onboard a Wightlink Car Ferry in the Central Solent followed by a collision with a fuelling tanker alongside the Wightlink Moorings near Gunwharf leading to a minor oil pollution incident. The exercise is due to start at 1145 and will be completed by 1700.</li>
<li>Units taking part will include the Wightlink Ferry ST HELEN, the Whitaker’s tanker WHITCHALLENGER, Ministry of Defence Police vessels, Tugs and Marine Services Craft from Serco Denholm and the HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter from Lee on Solent. Disruption to other users of the Harbour will be kept to a minimum however mariners are requested if possible to keep clear of participating vessels during the exercise.</li>
<li>QHM Harbour Control will be kept informed of the progress of the exercise who may be contacted on VHF Channel 11 or by telephone on 02392 723694.</li>
<li>Cancel this Local Notice To Mariners Wed 22nd Sep 2010 (6 days)</li>
</ol>Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-32902613218482934112010-07-14T23:02:00.001+01:002010-07-14T23:03:07.434+01:00Fog in the Solent<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQ38k1mCPI3TVGABSkFfhzznX5idiPc0ngoWqUCY9B8HPPsImdM_Mx8n9VFc2p5LBCStr5GltsgslDEdzaWsEw95anUkiUrxxrTHT8nKpLKlrDSNWSYBxIAPVvp9_Tr65hakVuvpAwaM/s1600/fog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQ38k1mCPI3TVGABSkFfhzznX5idiPc0ngoWqUCY9B8HPPsImdM_Mx8n9VFc2p5LBCStr5GltsgslDEdzaWsEw95anUkiUrxxrTHT8nKpLKlrDSNWSYBxIAPVvp9_Tr65hakVuvpAwaM/s200/fog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday started as a very sunny day, so I took <em>Salar</em> out for a long-overdue fishing trip. Or so I had planned. We left Langstone in bright sunshine and headed to Dean Tail to catch a few mackerel for bait. Within minutes of arriving at the edge of the shipping lane, the Isle of Wight ominously disappeared, followed very quickly by everything more than a few yards away. Very creepy, it all happened in the space of just a few minutes and would have been very scary without my trusty chartplotter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fog can cause total disorientation with no landmarks in sight, but the wind was still at least F2 so I had a constant wave direction to give some sense of direction. However the GPS signal was still spot on so I knew exactly where I was, not in the shipping lane but probably a bit too near to be safe. I was a little concerned about the smaller coasters that may have slightly wobbly navigation. The AIS function is a godsend in these circumstances, and I am now a convert to the Class B signals. I used to be very scathing about the class B leisure craft transponders because we see so many bleeping away from marinas where owners had clearly forgotten to turn them off, and I thought that to fill the Solent with bleeps would hide the ones to really worry about, Class A bleeps from the likes of the <em>Queen Victoria</em>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyhow, back to the fog story - I was keeping a very watchful eye on the plotter and the edge of the fog about 100 metres away when I received an AIS alert for a vessel heading straight for me - outside the shipping lane. Time to skedaddle I thought, then I noticed the speed indicated - 4.4 knots. Even a rusty coaster does twice that. It must be a sailing boat, and sure enough I just managed to glimpse a large yacht in the gloom. I pulled out my Plastimo aerosol foghorn (loud enough and cheap) and gave it a good hoot in the general direction, and it glided by at a safe distance. So Class B does have a place - particularly when I'm fishing in the fog! </span>Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-44403559411098618032010-02-21T21:24:00.002+00:002010-02-21T21:25:46.982+00:00Assist Hooks on Lures?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpgH4rHOPmSbGMe3bNTKa3qmUo4lcl39orcElEu_GUfQowLxasTxISW3zVTbqYA7yeUEy769vtiW8doWO378HiRyxd_Nc0r8Y_ywK8Ksf6E8kYfKuspLib_V4izUv7rLYhVizXLJ-fLM/s1600-h/Assist+Hooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpgH4rHOPmSbGMe3bNTKa3qmUo4lcl39orcElEu_GUfQowLxasTxISW3zVTbqYA7yeUEy769vtiW8doWO378HiRyxd_Nc0r8Y_ywK8Ksf6E8kYfKuspLib_V4izUv7rLYhVizXLJ-fLM/s200/Assist+Hooks.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>My wife brought back some fishing magazines from her work trip to the USA, and this article caught my eye. Plugs and lures sometimes fail to hook up on larger fish, and can come out due to leverage from the rigid lure pulling standard trebles free. This article recommends trying Assist hooks, traditionally used on jigs, as a plug and lure hook. The flexible link resolves the leverage problem and the wide gape hook will do a better job of hooking and holding larger fish. Judging from the state of that orange lure in the picture, it appears to work. To rig a lure with an assist hook, remove all the trebles and make up a short link from a wide gape hook to a split ring, with braid or twisted wire. Let the hook trail at the tail of the lure. Protect the knots or crimps with shrink tube and you are set to go. Click on the picture for a better look.Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-17264642161605350322010-02-01T21:29:00.000+00:002010-02-01T21:29:21.524+00:00It's often not what you think...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAK6XXG1EvJ-uDQMoh4IZMuebJnnWdUSo9R5vTPS9DyGnAhz6G6MaNA9iyzZmPmfxGwCxCgqUpF5Ohpz9WlEqPR2tH4GuW7H65LH1n851Ctp_3rbpnTcCfnhYmNXmUhbJOXRAD7cRy_RA/s1600-h/netting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAK6XXG1EvJ-uDQMoh4IZMuebJnnWdUSo9R5vTPS9DyGnAhz6G6MaNA9iyzZmPmfxGwCxCgqUpF5Ohpz9WlEqPR2tH4GuW7H65LH1n851Ctp_3rbpnTcCfnhYmNXmUhbJOXRAD7cRy_RA/s200/netting.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It's not what actually happens, its the circumstances in which they happen that affect our judgement. Sorry if that sounds heavy, but here's what I mean. Coming back from a day fishing with Arron in <em>Salar</em>, we motored into the marina at tickover speed, did the usual curve into the berth and put the engine into reverse to stop the boat just by the pontoon. Like I have done for the last 15 years - only this time the engine went dead. <em>Salar</em> bumped into the pontoon but luckily no damage done. We tied up and tried to find out what went wrong. She started easily, but as soon as I put her into gear she stalled. Hmmm, gearbox problem, or maybe the in-gear selector switch was shorting? Time to get Scott the engineer to have a look. <br />
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A few days later I got a call from Scott. In his best Kiwi he says "You've got about a metre of fishing net round yer prop mate, jammed tight and the prop won't move". Well there you are, obvious now. If the engine had cut suddenly at sea, I would have looked at the prop immediately as a floating rope or net would be the most likely cause. But two feet from my berth? Not the first thing to spring to mind anyway. Lesson learned - cover all options before attempting a diagnosis!Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-74754263780179629512010-01-13T20:41:00.000+00:002010-01-13T20:41:22.302+00:00Another small war...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeGWCKVY0jREQSc_6E9OtDwNuZp0-X7Mb4q7OqbMMw0VsvdnzDlcM_cXA3jRD-9Fqxa4hWQy7vkZgI-F04Oga2dKkhed0wY1bBCkaDExmcJkwJbM43b3J-0smuvEmFBh2BftDyi_Vl58/s1600-h/chopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeGWCKVY0jREQSc_6E9OtDwNuZp0-X7Mb4q7OqbMMw0VsvdnzDlcM_cXA3jRD-9Fqxa4hWQy7vkZgI-F04Oga2dKkhed0wY1bBCkaDExmcJkwJbM43b3J-0smuvEmFBh2BftDyi_Vl58/s320/chopper.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>....is planned for 19-21 January in Stokes Bay. Nice of the Navy to warn the enemy beforehand. This will put paid to any ideas of fishing on the drop-off in front of Stokes Bay unless you want to get in the way of landing craft and what they call in the Notice to Mariners "Rotary Wing Aircraft". I always thought they were helicopters.Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-58163535047727096212009-12-03T09:08:00.003+00:002009-12-03T09:10:47.350+00:00Cod Vs The Royal Navy<div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIcw6PvrE6HjUNY-MP90mIf8xWbNWRAj0JeHmSwKvuOgxIWUS8aOqrYrQPVahfeEl0FDz9n01h0rqp7aNdiXD2w-v_k-R151E9lGRTPwMabTlhInGxZDb6lE38ghmiv1vz20pzlpLhIQ/s1600-h/navy+assault+craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" er="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIcw6PvrE6HjUNY-MP90mIf8xWbNWRAj0JeHmSwKvuOgxIWUS8aOqrYrQPVahfeEl0FDz9n01h0rqp7aNdiXD2w-v_k-R151E9lGRTPwMabTlhInGxZDb6lE38ghmiv1vz20pzlpLhIQ/s200/navy+assault+craft.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">One of our favourite sheltered cod marks will be in the way of a practice war this weekend...<br />
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1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth that commencing Saturday 5th December through Thursday 10 December 2009 a Naval Amphibious Exercise involving a major Warship and its associated landing craft will be taking place in the Browndown / Stokes Bay areas of the Central Solent<br />
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2. The majority of the Amphibious Exercise will be conducted from the Warship lying at anchor between Spithead Number 10 Anchorage (SW of Gilkicker Point) and the beach at Browndown. The exercise will be conducted by both day and night and will include a number of Landing Craft and other small boats operating between the Warship at anchor and to or from the foreshore at Browndown.<br />
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3. Mariners are reminded of the requirement to remain at least 50 metres clear of any Warship at anchor as stipulated in the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order 2005 and repeated in LNTM 28/07 (Keep Clear of Warship Berths). For the duration of the exercise, this Exclusion Zone is extended to include all Landing Craft and associated Military Vessels transiting between the vessel at anchor and to or from the shoreline.<br />
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4. Extreme care is to be taken when approaching the Area of operations and QHM Harbour Control is to be informed of any immediate concerns<br />
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5. For the duration of the amphibious exercise QHM Harbour Control will be kept informed of the area of operations and may be contacted on VHF Ch 11 or by telephoning 02392723689 for the latest information<br />
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6. Cancel this Local Notice To Mariners Fri 11th Dec 2009 (9 days)Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-71660652774273632009-11-02T14:59:00.007+00:002009-11-02T15:15:00.879+00:00EU Catch Reporting - Facts for Anglers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAf7qaV7SJ6HhjTJuWCDXqyMotFxyIAS0fkW2lz8ZPrwRvWCs9D32-X8z7AnXq9snRRdbOjKt2AFl9e4TuxQqX_7Q-dSvy_35izBQ_xl0rKv8kdXK35w6RKZI6eFV4OKGZSkbhmVSrSFk/s1600-h/cod.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 232px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399522610965800290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAf7qaV7SJ6HhjTJuWCDXqyMotFxyIAS0fkW2lz8ZPrwRvWCs9D32-X8z7AnXq9snRRdbOjKt2AFl9e4TuxQqX_7Q-dSvy_35izBQ_xl0rKv8kdXK35w6RKZI6eFV4OKGZSkbhmVSrSFk/s320/cod.jpg" /></a>Amateur anglers are to be included in tougher controls on EU fishing agreed recently as part of continuing efforts to revive dwindling stocks. A deal in Luxembourg means closer monitoring of licensed fishing boats, stiff penalties on the industry and national authorities for breaching strict annual catch quotas, and the first-ever inclusion of casual fishermen in the Common Fisheries Policy net. However boat anglers will not have to report every fish to the authorities – unless the fish is subject to an EU stock recovery programme, such as cod in the North Sea. So Kevin's 33lb cod caught in 2008 off Hampshire (pictured) would not have to be reported!<br /><br />Sweden’s agriculture minister, Eskil Erlandsson, stated: “Recreational fishermen are not being excluded. There is provision for dealing with them, but we have, as a result of these negotiations, limited the impact of the requirement to report fishing activity to recovery stocks. This in effect applies to cod in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, and Blue Fin Tuna in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic, and any stock subject to recovery plans in future would be affected as well.” But he insisted: “If, as a result of an assessment, the impact of recreational fishing on the stock is small and insignificant, the obligation to report catches will not apply.”<br /><br /><a href="http://boat-angling.blogspot.com/2009/01/eu-article-47-to-limit-sea-angling.html">Earlier plans</a> included counting anglers’ catches against national fishing catch quotas for the industry, and Mr Erlandsson left the prospect open for the future, saying: “For the time being at least, we will not be counting the catches of recreational fishing against quotas, but there will be increased monitoring of the recreational fishery and it may well be that member states would introduce measures to curtail or control recreational fishing activities if they have a significant impact on recovery stocks”.Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-36330122314023756132009-09-11T23:17:00.003+01:002009-09-11T23:25:08.030+01:00Southampton Boat Show<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8RjivfGO1Mn3VTWvR7Ab1d8YBuLIfrvh3Gdb0vWvuKwxf6WXv0NLHZKuB-KVEb6H7We-TMzvPnSjhLE49R3WsDp_2jBLrvkAWlRboBwMQ3hYbN7OT-YVb16ypXQswtQYSNBa_JtxFIY/s1600-h/PSP+SBS2009.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 137px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380339399470473362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8RjivfGO1Mn3VTWvR7Ab1d8YBuLIfrvh3Gdb0vWvuKwxf6WXv0NLHZKuB-KVEb6H7We-TMzvPnSjhLE49R3WsDp_2jBLrvkAWlRboBwMQ3hYbN7OT-YVb16ypXQswtQYSNBa_JtxFIY/s320/PSP+SBS2009.jpg" /></a> Mornings are cooler, days are shorter and the Southampton Boat Show is upon us again. You can mark the seasons with it. From 11th to 20th September you can visit the best boat show of the year (in my opinion). Take a waterproof if the weather looks dodgy, most of it is outdoors.Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-40752021631532496032009-08-25T21:30:00.003+01:002009-08-25T21:45:12.513+01:00A sight for Bank Holiday Monday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDN1ZKRB4wsP1hYWFikcW6VHNKiu5mJH6ZIpRUuQXlB5xF8Bo19Ubn1oWhV47asjCEDXmc9WOvEJittrh4GqChB23IbA6hWBan6B0beP0OzX-me42LFI2knntO5mxpZgkaMGo6PE6Ah4/s1600-h/Clipper.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 136px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374005162602176850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDN1ZKRB4wsP1hYWFikcW6VHNKiu5mJH6ZIpRUuQXlB5xF8Bo19Ubn1oWhV47asjCEDXmc9WOvEJittrh4GqChB23IbA6hWBan6B0beP0OzX-me42LFI2knntO5mxpZgkaMGo6PE6Ah4/s400/Clipper.jpg" /></a> Clipper 09 - 10 Round The World Yacht Race: Departure of Yachts From Portsmouth 31 August 2009<br /><br />1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth that the ten Clipper Yachts participating in the Clipper “Round the World” (RTW) Yacht Race will depart from Portsmouth on Monday 31 August 2009 en-route to the Humber where the race will start on 13th September 2009. To mark the occasion, the Clipper Yachts will be escorted out of Portsmouth Harbour by a supporting Flotilla of yachts and other boats led by the 60 foot Clipper Yacht “SERICA”.<br />2. In order to provide a timely and safe departure of the Clipper Yachts and the escorting Flotilla, the following plan and closed harbour routine will be in force:1330-1400 Clipper Race Yachts depart from Royal Clarence Marina.1415-1430 Supporting Flotilla Boats form up on the south side of the entrance to Fareham Creek upstream from Shell Pier, co-ordinated by “SERICA” (call sign “Clipper Flotilla”). “SERICA” will co-ordinate all movements with “QHM” on VHF Ch 11; Flotilla Boats will be utilising VHF Ch 69 for all private traffic.1425-1530 Portsmouth Main Channel closed to inbound vessels. 1430-1440 Clipper Race Yachts form up on the north side of the entrance to Fareham Creek, N/NW from No 3 Buoy.1447 Clipper Race Yachts commence Formation Departure down Portsmouth Harbour1450 Supporting Flotilla departs holding position and follows in wake of Clipper Race Yachts, led by “SERICA”. 1500 Clipper Race Yachts pass through Harbour Entrance, followed by supporting Flotilla.<br />3. Once through the main entrance, the Clipper Race Yachts and Flotilla will pass close to the Southsea shore line. After passing Southsea Castle (approximately 1530) the Clipper Race Yachts will proceed independently to the Humber whilst the supporting flotilla will disperse and act independently.<br />4. All mariners are to keep a good lookout and remain well clear of the Clipper Yachts and their support craft during their transit and exit of the harbour.<br />5. Cancel this Local Notice To Mariners Tue 1st Sep 2009 (8 days)Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-18339156294500639652009-07-31T22:25:00.009+01:002009-07-31T22:48:16.673+01:00Eyes in the SkyOne of the many great things about fishing is that because you are usually away from everyday goings-on, you often see things you would otherwise miss. That can be nature - kingfishers fishing and porpoises playing are two of my favourites - or out-of-the-ordinary events with a human connection. Today while I was fishing about 8 miles off-shore I was used as a marker by a very fierce looking Navy helicopter on some test or other, which was entertaining while it lasted.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364741214911712818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYB_t31LQnnGPenUTN1WrMQiNkxuL2ONYuoBNKn3EqZnc6HejrPLyNc_RizcguJ20zR15MYp919aMciLjhSiF941ezBeRDwVpD9vwF8XWGGsHhFEBuxllWRskYyAIEenxEx2TUODT__k/s400/chopper2.jpg" /></div><br /><div>Then I was buzzed by racy-looking surveillance plane piloted by someone who had obviously been brought up on Biggles, because he came round again and did a series of low passes (and I mean low!) while he had a good look. Those two events were more memorable than the pesky little tope that seemed to be queuing up for bait that day.</div><div>.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 396px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364742144486871810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKozS4IBdv856uolfHPoKVq_RNj8tl-sth0vbhqcGff9WspCgZJ0edMlWRhz33swoJGyclHyC-HheqMTF7OcdZd65Nv03YfEQ_kswbNLYM5P7MA0ulPwfTD5HApAd2zU1EEgoZqIFG4qI/s400/plane.jpg" /> .Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-78623174513183971092009-07-06T18:43:00.003+01:002009-07-06T19:06:30.782+01:00Damage Control Kit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81Tq8NnUIEuTXyweJwhSvnNWd9VrtYER9Y3S6kRTE0fRycCF6nqYeMwc6P7HjV1TY7_wkDNbQuHxgFIkU9E3UCqwQyBFWu-JeifbD1Gn4_5Q7k2cEEsId6PgqiOO6jHHTnd24TpXhlEE/s1600-h/Seafish.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 256px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355410054917439826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81Tq8NnUIEuTXyweJwhSvnNWd9VrtYER9Y3S6kRTE0fRycCF6nqYeMwc6P7HjV1TY7_wkDNbQuHxgFIkU9E3UCqwQyBFWu-JeifbD1Gn4_5Q7k2cEEsId6PgqiOO6jHHTnd24TpXhlEE/s320/Seafish.jpg" /></a> Seafish, the organisation responsible for much of the safety training for commercial fishermen, has launched an initiative to help prevent an emergency on board turning into a disaster. Apparently most fishing boat losses are as a result of swamping. Seafish have developed a "Damage Control Kit" which is simply a box containing useful stuff that could help prevent a boat that is filling with water from actually sinking. The official list is obviously for bigger craft than most of ours - it contains a tarpaulin, saw, axe, etc. but it did make me think the idea would be useful on a smaller scale for the average angling boat. I have known two people who have very nearly had boats sink under them just because water was going through a broken hatch in the splash-well: simple enough to fix if only you had the necessary!<br /><div></div><br /><div>Here are my suggestions for a small boat damage control kit, to fit in a small lidded plastic box: a square of heavy duty polythene or a rubble sack; assorted stainless jubilee clips, assorted cable ties; self-amalgamating tape for fixing plumbing leaks: insulating tape, gaffer tape; string or strong cord; "instant metal" resin bond; squares and wedges of wood. If you had this and a well-equipped tool box you could fix up quite a variety of problems and get home.</div><br /><div></div>Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-784066371625546602009-06-30T21:33:00.003+01:002009-06-30T21:44:59.295+01:00So, so, so, so wrongFour Wrongs ended up making a very big Right last Sunday. We were out drifting for bass with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sandeels</span> in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Overfalls</span> area, and the first two Wrongs were that we were not using the prescribed bass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tackle</span> of braid and multiplier, our local bass guru had proved to me last year than mono and multipliers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">out-fished</span> braid. So we were fishing mono with multipliers, and catching a few bass too. We decided on a move as the fish were small and not too numerous either. Unfortunately, as we lined up for the new mark the tide died away to nothing and with no wind and no drift we were sitting way off any semblance of fish-holding banks or features. So two more Wrongs: no tide and no mark! We dropped down anyway, and the leads had hardly touched bottom and we were both into fish - good ones. Well, these bass had not read the rule book because they hit the eels like crazy for a manic 15 minutes - until the tide started running. Then the fishing returned to normal - small to medium bass off the banks in a two knot tide. This chance encounter with bigger bass <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">puzzled</span> us until I was cleaning the keepers, and found them stuffed with enormous <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Launce</span>. Presumably they had ambushed a shoal in the open - I guess it was pure luck that we happened to be over them at that point! If fishing was predictable it would be boring.Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-55292050118277948752009-06-29T22:51:00.004+01:002009-06-29T23:01:29.938+01:00Back to sea at last<div>Salar's engine has been misbehaving, or so we thought. It would rev to cruising speed then drop back, then speed up by itself. Even the engineer I usually have great faith in did not come up with a solution, despite trying everything. As a last resort I posted a question on a web forum and a process of fault-finding was suggested - starting right back at the tank. Bingo, there was the problem - not in the engine at all. </div><div> </div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVIKUEqYLPZQBbv-dfVqgSWXSxmoY9zdtMHqclRMPcpBt4nCuQl7CqvR04yu2d_josoNrwr2frcwZ7-rFXypp7PWJqy6rNFszaV-dJUEG2f9nnN7BiBpD8cBgofizxe6WU9sywcdUPeI/s1600-h/oil.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352872751944737266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 249px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVIKUEqYLPZQBbv-dfVqgSWXSxmoY9zdtMHqclRMPcpBt4nCuQl7CqvR04yu2d_josoNrwr2frcwZ7-rFXypp7PWJqy6rNFszaV-dJUEG2f9nnN7BiBpD8cBgofizxe6WU9sywcdUPeI/s320/oil.jpg" border="0" /></a>Salar was once petrol-driven, and the tank still had the gauze petrol filter fitted. Diesel tanks don't have them, any dirt ends up in the pre-filter. Salar had hidden her dirt problem from us, with a nice blob of muck embedded in the feeder pipe. Lesson of the day - start fault-finding at the beginning of the process, not in the middle! That cost me about three months fishing time.Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-65070572752505739922009-06-09T21:40:00.003+01:002009-06-09T21:47:11.283+01:00It's that time again, Round The Island RaceIn summary - watch out for large quantities of our yottie friends all around the Island on Saturday 20th June. If you are fishing in their way, expect some close company! Here are the details from QHM Portsmouth:<br /><p>NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth in conjunction with ABP Southampton(Notice 11 T- 2009)and the Cowes Harbour Master that the ‘Round the Island Race’ will start from Cowes between 0730 - 0910 on Saturday 20th June 2009. About 1700 yachts are expected to take part in the Race. In order to control the congestion that is likely to arise in the Central Solent, during the start period and throughout the day, the following procedures will be adopted.</p><ul><li>The start line will be the Royal Yacht Squadron westerly transit line. The outer distanceMark will be an inflatable orange pillar buoy secured to the Williams Shipping Buoy for the day.</li><li>Due to the number of competitors taking part, the various class starting times will be staggered to take place at 10-minute intervals between 0730hrs and 0910hrs.</li><li>The anti-clockwise course around the Isle of Wight will be from Cowes west-about and back to Cowes. Turning marks for the race are at the Needles Lighthouse, Saint Catherine’s Point and Bembridge Ledge Buoy.</li><li>In order to separate the competitors from any commercial traffic movements intending to pass through the Central Solent, or bound to or from the Port of Southampton, during the starting period, where possible Masters of vessels not directly involved in the event are to arrange to be clear of the start area by 0700hrs and are not to enter the start area until after 0930hrs or when the bulk of competitors have cleared the area.</li><li>It has been agreed with the organisers that all competitors awaiting their class starting time will proceed to designated holding / waiting areas, to avoid congestion in the main navigable channel. All competitors will be equipped with VHF radio and will keep a listening watch on Channel 37, in the event that a recall or postponement becomes necessary, for example, for the passage of a large commercial vessel through the area. </li><li>Whilst the main bulk of the fleet of yachts is expected to pass the Bembridge Ledge Buoy between 1600 and 1900 and the peak finishing time at Cowes is likely to be between 1700and 2100, it should be noted that the earliest finish could be around 1030 and the finish limit time is 2230. Hence, there will be increased levels of recreational activity within the Central Solent area throughout this period.</li><li>Should the weather forecast indicate light airs, the finish line may be adjusted to be in the vicinity of Bembridge Ledge.</li><li>All spectator craft not taking part in the race are to keep well clear of the start area. Further information and updates on the ‘Round the Island Race’, both ahead of and on Race Day, is available at <a href="http://www.roundtheisland.org.uk/">http://www.roundtheisland.org.uk/</a><br /></li></ul>Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-85233779871854388622009-05-18T21:01:00.003+01:002009-05-18T21:08:19.370+01:00Edible SeashoreWith Salar laid up with a poorly fuel supply I have been spending more time reading than fishing. Another great book has come to light, "Edible Seashore" by John Wright. This is a brilliant book if you like the idea of foraging for food on the seashore, and most things that live there appear to be edible. This book will be more useful to shore anglers than boat anglers, but it will be worth the extra walk to find something to go with our fish. Some recipes are truly simple - Kelp Crisps: cut into squares, deep fry, eat. Others are more complex - shore crab soup is one but well worth it to exact revenge on those bait-robbers. John's writing is also very funny, you will find something to make you grin or laugh out loud on every page. Well worth it. Have a look here:<br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=boatangling-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=0747595313&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-82429889706762528272009-05-04T21:33:00.004+01:002009-05-04T21:46:09.035+01:00What Recession?Business is booming according to the second-hand boat dealers and brokers, apparently they can't get enough to satisfy demand. This is probably because everyone has been saying "now is the time to get a good deal on a boat", consequently good deals are harder to come by.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCh52T-78vyqgLZzTvtDVU8sr3REZbQwm0gyzgFa4DAvkyzjuEnQH3AXoA57Dcvz_qxTlw6CwD_qMyPznzAAbzUCR5ZcddebsdV0HxvoDXxO0SR4DKRBTiEUHzzFTjgWxUX18d5YiDQE/s1600-h/Trafalgar+Wharf.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332072279881818434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCh52T-78vyqgLZzTvtDVU8sr3REZbQwm0gyzgFa4DAvkyzjuEnQH3AXoA57Dcvz_qxTlw6CwD_qMyPznzAAbzUCR5ZcddebsdV0HxvoDXxO0SR4DKRBTiEUHzzFTjgWxUX18d5YiDQE/s320/Trafalgar+Wharf.jpg" border="0" /></a>I see the old VT site opposite Port Solent is now in use for leisure marine purposes, with boat launching, storage and a variety of boat businesses. Check out <a href="http://www.trafalgarwharf.com/">Trafalgar Wharf</a>.<br /><br />There will also be a marina built near Lee on Solent some time in the not too distant future. Looks like there is still no shortage of people willing to keep pouring money into their own personal holes in the sea (myself included!)Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-78385747821013001962009-04-22T21:59:00.002+01:002009-04-22T22:12:44.669+01:00Another Great Fish Recipe Book<div align="left">I have great respect for writers of seafood cookery books who are also anglers or fishmongers (preferably all three). These chaps really know about fish, from swimming creatures to bones on a plate. Mitch Tonks is one of those, a self-taught fishmonger who also opened the Fishworks restaurants. His latest book, simply called "Fish", is arranged by species which is very sensible for anglers, as that is where we tend to start - have fish, now how shall we cook it? Highly recommended, and you can order it via this handy link. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=boatangling-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=1862058334&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><br /><br />. </div>Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-78035769786383241122009-04-06T21:40:00.007+01:002009-04-08T15:56:36.820+01:00For the boy in us all<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IWKOsUkAURpsSggpjqt_P32Uw0pzfNMJ_LEqkZPEWtHH7H0dyH-P-WIC07pb6kywdjnJ94bYdWg3wxkIsu975MKousPkpPzQZW5CrSWxS-vFdv5uBNdVM9yyTPMcAUjTS_poL3NBuQI/s1600-h/QHM+Portsmouth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321681273698574370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 179px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IWKOsUkAURpsSggpjqt_P32Uw0pzfNMJ_LEqkZPEWtHH7H0dyH-P-WIC07pb6kywdjnJ94bYdWg3wxkIsu975MKousPkpPzQZW5CrSWxS-vFdv5uBNdVM9yyTPMcAUjTS_poL3NBuQI/s320/QHM+Portsmouth.jpg" border="0" /></a> There is a lot going on around us and Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth is a great source of news - both of general interest and for navigation and safety. The last three have been particularly interesting for us grown-up boys. Local Notice To Mariners 11/09 tells of a visit of a nuclear submarine from 4th to 8th April - hurry up or you'll miss it. 12/09 advises that HMS Endurance (presumably the one that got mixed up in the start of the Falklands war) is arriving on the back of heavy lift ship MV Target, and will anchor off Spithead to offload her between 8th and 12th April. That will be a sight - it will take up to 20 hours to ballast MV Target down so Endurance can float off (which by then will be over near Sturbridge). Finally there Might Be Something Down There. Reading between the lines of 13/09 someone has picked up an odd echo under the causeway to Fort Blockhouse which might be a thumping great bomb. Seems like they are going to burrow down and find out, and in case it goes bang at the wrong moment there will be a sizable exclusion zone. Fingers in ears between 5th and 10th April! If you want to subscribe to these Notices, visit <a href="http://www.qhmportsmouth.com/">http://www.qhmportsmouth.com/</a><br /><div></div><div>.</div><div>P.S. Nav Warn 13/09 has just been cancelled. Perhaps it was a lump of rock after all.</div><div></div><div>.</div>Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-76702647058028963682009-03-31T08:55:00.005+01:002009-04-22T22:14:13.336+01:00Plaice Places<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskW4qYmy6h1nBuDL6j6xLhcXMoE1w4PYxdP19WtJ_kRyb6mdhMFafWN6dNRR7xmeHVHqL3y0CR03dCREdCCi-TmWahHQGUvgGHSHF-BGbjJZYqdkAbzhnsuuFaRvvum7DRePYfFS5uas/s1600-h/plaiceAda.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319260454342781842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskW4qYmy6h1nBuDL6j6xLhcXMoE1w4PYxdP19WtJ_kRyb6mdhMFafWN6dNRR7xmeHVHqL3y0CR03dCREdCCi-TmWahHQGUvgGHSHF-BGbjJZYqdkAbzhnsuuFaRvvum7DRePYfFS5uas/s320/plaiceAda.jpg" border="0" /></a>My blog has taken a back seat recently as my laptop was stolen and I have had to rebuild my on-line life (that sounds very sad but it is the way we live today). All back to normal now, and time for a quick comment on plaice. We have had one of the best early season plaice catches from The Blocks in a few years, both in size and numbers. Not all will agree, and I am convinced that is because plaice feed in very localised areas. The trouble with The Blocks is that the seabed is almost flat so it is difficult to find a mark with the fishfinder. Plaice feed here on shellfish, and somehow manage to crunch with their mouths shells that are so tough we would have to break them with a hammer. These shellfish live in patches, and if you are lucky enough to find a patch you could catch up to ten a session. Miss a patch and you will just as likely blank. Beads, sequins and jangly stuff all work but it is not essential, my personal best was a plaice of 3lb 9oz on a plain rig intended to find a stray bass. Top fish I heard of was a 4lb 6oz caught by Ada on Arron's boat Aquaholic - see pictureNeville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-33587294695792494682009-03-04T22:24:00.001+00:002009-03-04T22:49:53.292+00:00Free DVD "Serious Fun" Now Available<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_Q96Tt9tKN6UUii2o1ivzAcVifGRjYxbZoKn7xfZLqPIktVbgkZ5OCEpcBxUnbaB5okna_47LwTNNj7VcBVgsqdwJsIxBtq8VIew8lSXkvROeqek-U8z-EEAWq2Sr0y7SdYKaAURTT8/s1600-h/Serious+Fun+DVD.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309462403535966978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_Q96Tt9tKN6UUii2o1ivzAcVifGRjYxbZoKn7xfZLqPIktVbgkZ5OCEpcBxUnbaB5okna_47LwTNNj7VcBVgsqdwJsIxBtq8VIew8lSXkvROeqek-U8z-EEAWq2Sr0y7SdYKaAURTT8/s200/Serious+Fun+DVD.jpg" border="0" /></a>You may remember from earlier posts that <em>Salar, Aquaholic,</em> Arron and I helped last year with the filming of the Sea Angling section of the new DVD from the RNLI. This as now been published and is available free from this link to the <a href="http://www.rnli.org.uk/how_to_support_us/give_money/give_regularly/seriousfun">RNLI web site </a>- just log your details and they will send you a copy.Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-36937110111053621112009-02-16T16:42:00.004+00:002009-02-16T16:49:35.472+00:00QHM Nav Warn: a double warningA bland but helpful statement from QHM Portsmouth today:<br /><strong>Nav Warn 08/09 Nab Outer No:1 Buoy<br /></strong>The Nab Outer no:1 Buoy Pos. 50 38.18N 000 56.88W has a damaged top mark. Mariners navigating in this vicinity should do so with caution.<br /><br />Now have a think about this one. This is a large, well-lit and charted buoy on the main approach channel to Portsmouth. Buoys don't just fall apart on a clear day, something large and blundering must have hit it. Could this be any more of a warning to get the heck out of the way of large ships in the area? They can't always miss a large buoy, let alone a small angling boat.Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-7390135797283607642009-01-22T19:42:00.004+00:002009-01-22T19:59:47.995+00:00EU Article 47 to limit sea angling<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYxNXLckut-_3v5_uvRkpNHHxFFh3HF4II6yYPRd0DWhGe9fQcSvpj3L9VK8_glaLQj18GQssSt3viUvHy7Y_B1Z_HHG1KXXpTtOFGHs_xv9fOQy0-AERwRBjw_K2yBu0nkK_oHEmyxo/s1600-h/Ban+Fishing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294209575250856210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYxNXLckut-_3v5_uvRkpNHHxFFh3HF4II6yYPRd0DWhGe9fQcSvpj3L9VK8_glaLQj18GQssSt3viUvHy7Y_B1Z_HHG1KXXpTtOFGHs_xv9fOQy0-AERwRBjw_K2yBu0nkK_oHEmyxo/s320/Ban+Fishing.jpg" border="0" /></a>In December 2008 the European Commission announced that they intended to regulate sea angling. This represents the biggest threat to our sport we have ever had and we must resist it. The plan is to put sea angling on the same (discredited) quota system as used by commercial fishermen. It will mean that every private boat or kayak that wants to drop a line over the side will need a licence. All fish landed will need to be reported whether caught from boat or shore. Once the quota for angling is used up, any fish taken could result in a fine of £50,000!<br /><div></div><div>If you want our protests to be heard, please sign the petition (and confirm the subsequent email) at <a title="blocked::http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/rsa-eu-proposal/" href="http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/rsa-eu-proposal/">http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/rsa-eu-proposal/</a></div><br /><div></div><div>Alternatively, or as well, email the UK Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies which you can do through <a href="http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/huw_irranca-davies/ogmore">www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/huw_irranca-davies/ogmore</a> </div><br /><div></div><div>Keep an eye on <a href="http://www.boat-angling.co.uk/">http://www.boat-angling.co.uk/</a> for future news on this.</div>Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-329938328871943148.post-59602153250095323242009-01-08T21:07:00.006+00:002009-01-09T13:57:56.147+00:00Winter Work<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQwd9vvpH9B1fwh63JfD9Bu89E589YViMJv-id1SQuN2JC9ou2-6drXVoO-lukyyxva6kY29gWlQSrwu4JUeN1qqHm_XzdzHTkQTZw2Hg-QWKcofjN-JN8jIGXRAbKkghEzCPXMNOj8w/s1600-h/macky+feathers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289036104165911698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 181px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQwd9vvpH9B1fwh63JfD9Bu89E589YViMJv-id1SQuN2JC9ou2-6drXVoO-lukyyxva6kY29gWlQSrwu4JUeN1qqHm_XzdzHTkQTZw2Hg-QWKcofjN-JN8jIGXRAbKkghEzCPXMNOj8w/s320/macky+feathers.jpg" border="0" /></a>Winter fishing can be great when the weather is bearable but the last two weeks have had mostly cold northerlies and to be honest I just haven't fancied it. Instead I have been fiddling about with my tackle box and discovered just what a mess it can be after a season!<br /><br />After a good tidy it is a lot better, although I had to throw out all the used mackerel traces. The problem with the cheap, bought traces is the knots are less than perfect and after a few fish you may find there are less hooks attached than you thought. Also, the ones I have been buying have very thick mono, so I rescued the rubber faces from the Hokkai lures, took some good strong O'Shaughnessey hooks and made up a few of my own with 30lb mono. All it takes is a bit if Christmas tinsel, silvery ribbon and some fur, and tie the lot on with a wrapping of cotton. Seal the cotton with varnish (or even borrow some nail varnish) and the whole job will cost next to nothing, will be tied properly and has created some fishing-related time at home you weren't expecting. One tip - don't cut the fur from anywhere on the cat where it will be noticed.Neville Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02373165223741462229noreply@blogger.com0