The glorious weather we enjoyed yesterday had not quite vanished, the sea was not as smooth but it was dry and the sun shone. We were joined today by another lovely group of anglers who were new to wreck fishing and were eager to learn the ropes and catch fish.
We left the marina as usual at around 7.30am and headed out to a wreck close to where we were fishing yesterday. On board 2 lovely girls and 5 guys who were from far and wide joined today us. Grey Viking II today was a melody of accents.
Whilst steaming out it was the perfect opportunity to show the crew how to set up their rigs and a lot of fun was had teaching them how to tie the knots. The girls getting to grips with it quickly and the guys getting there eventually after many attempts – I am sure all the giggling wasn’t helping! The crew had acquired a paper Viking hat (courtesy of a McDonald’s breakfast I think) that became the dunce’s hat and was worn by each lad who failed to get his knots rights.
So the theme was set for the day!
In fact I decided to upgrade the paper Viking hat with the one that lives on the boat and with the help of a black marker pen and a few elastic bands tied together it would be perfect for the job.
During the trip out we also had a chance to show them from our camera what was caught yesterday and that really got them excited and eager to catch some of the same fish for themselves.
On arrival at the wreck Ray set to lining up the first drift. We had arrived at slack water so we were expecting a bit of a wait before the fishing really kicked in. Today this was not to be the case as all morning showed a steady flow of fish being lifted aboard.
Matt and Tracey got us started on the 2nd drift over the wreck with two Pollack.
On the next drift James lifted the first Cod of the day a lovely fish in perfect spring condition weighing in at 10lb. Next to him Lisa had landed a Pouting, which was labelled for the morning as the ugly fish.
This title was taken over during the afternoon by one of the guys whom we won’t mention by name so as not to embarrass him caught this……….
Matt was next with a Pollack another nice Pollack a little smaller this time and Simon landed the second 10lb Cod. Ben who had a good fish on his line lost it on the way up. (Guess who’s now wearing the dunce’s hat?)
A little later Craig also reeled in a nice Pollack again around the 8lb mark and Matt netted his third Pollack – another 8lb fish.
The steady flow of fish coming aboard slowed right down so Ray took this time to move us on to another couple of wrecks. We headed a bit closer inshore to a wreck about half way home to see what we could pick up before returning to port.
Next in line were Craig and Matt (again). Craig with a 7.5lb Pollack and at the same time Matt with a splendid Starfish. It’s certainly the nicest one I have seen caught on a sidewinder and everyone enjoyed its short visit on board.
Tracey was not about to let the boys out do her on the number of catches and she reeled in a splendid Pollack. She followed this by a tiny Pollack, which was returned, to be caught again another day as it did not meet with the minimum landing size. Within minutes a baby pouting which although returned to the sea didn’t make it.
Tracey also took the glory of the last catch of the day with a very pleasing Pollack.
On the way back to port we ended the day with the final lesson – Gutting and Filleting the catch. Those who gave it a go proved to be very good at this and it’s a task not easily done on a boat that is motoring on a choppy sea at 15 knots well all except for one of you who should not consider a career as a Fishmonger but would be more suited to becoming a Butcher.
Well done Guys on your achievements today. 😀
You will all be delighted to know that I did not once mention the amount of tangles you got yourselves into. Despite thinking on several occasions that you had hired the boat for knitting lessons you all proved to be an excellent crew and the fish you’ve caught today go to show that.
Brilliant article and thanks for the amazing day out. You guys were excellent hosts. I will be sure to pursue a career in the butchery field. Craig
It was a great pleasure to have you guys on board. I will be keeping the Dunce’s hat safe and sound until you guys return for round 2.
Mick, this report is fantastic. I just want to reiterate craig’s sentiments, thanks to both you and Ray for the awesome day. A great days fishing followed-up with a great finishing touch, courtesy of the catch report. You guys really go the extra mile.
Look forward to joining you again soon, and all the best for completing the necessities for the captaincy program. Simon.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Mick replies bowing down in appreciation of the lovely comments!!
We are both very pleased that you enjoyed the day as to us that is the most important part of the job,
See you soon and if you arrive and I am wearing the hat then you will know I failed with the studies – but I can’t see that happening it is a hat to be worn by the boys only I think! 😮
Nice report Mick and as always great photos. Just stop uping the stakes – my skills are at their limit! Cant compete! We waved as we passed you inshore on the Thompson – not sure you knew who the crew were!
Its good have have a target to work for ……. consider this your target 😮
I didn’t see you otherwise I would have waved – you should have given us a shout on the radio.
Hiya Peter, I did see you pass us and I did wave as I knew your crew were aboard with John. We stopped on the way in for a drift not expecting much if anything that far inshore and caught the smallest 2 Pollack ever lol !! It did round off a lovely day afloat though !!