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Guernsey 2006
- Thread starter portinfer
- Start date
Thread Status: Hello
, There was no answer in this thread for more than 90 days.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
Andy, an 18lb turbot is the fish of a lifetime, maybe we shouldn't be encouraging you :t ! If the other technisub is rear handled it's probably a "Jeans" and don't think you can get spare parts any more. Pistons and spears were steel and tend to suffer the ravages of time (as do all us oldies).
Re flats, had a quick look tonight after work. Not ideal as neap tides but good vis and most important no swell, hence no bottom surge to upset the flatties. Saw a few marks but only got the one sole and one plaice. Sole was 2lb 14 oz though.
Loops, Ed ordered 4 mambas direct last year from Maorisub. One each for himself, me, Foxfish and Steve W. Spearo Dave now sells them, but didn't then. 4 guns and 6 spears (2 spares) cost £600 delivered, but was quite a lot of hassle and involved a long wait. PM Mart if you want some advice as there are some options re spear length and diameter etc. We got standard length x 6.5mm dia. spears. Wouldn't have bothered ordering the extra spears if had known Spearo Dave was gonna stock them.
Weathers good
Dave.
Re flats, had a quick look tonight after work. Not ideal as neap tides but good vis and most important no swell, hence no bottom surge to upset the flatties. Saw a few marks but only got the one sole and one plaice. Sole was 2lb 14 oz though.
Loops, Ed ordered 4 mambas direct last year from Maorisub. One each for himself, me, Foxfish and Steve W. Spearo Dave now sells them, but didn't then. 4 guns and 6 spears (2 spares) cost £600 delivered, but was quite a lot of hassle and involved a long wait. PM Mart if you want some advice as there are some options re spear length and diameter etc. We got standard length x 6.5mm dia. spears. Wouldn't have bothered ordering the extra spears if had known Spearo Dave was gonna stock them.
Weathers good
Dave.
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Hi All,
Got myself a cheap gun today from Micks for £17 odd, cheap but seems to shot in a forwards direction... Don't ask me what it is, I know it's a 750 something or other if that means anything...
Had my first swim/snorkel of the year today in my thin shortie, water is warm as long as you stay in the first 2feet from the surface...
Saw quite a few mullet including a biggie estimate around 5lb, missed it. They all seemed to take one look at me and scarper at top whack
Found it a bit cold and started to get cramp in my calfs so had to call it a day after a bit over an hour (I think?).
Found a few problems with the mask being really unclear after about 5 minutes of wearing, is this just a naff mask or something I am doing wrong as I found I couldn't see much after a while.
Andy
Got myself a cheap gun today from Micks for £17 odd, cheap but seems to shot in a forwards direction... Don't ask me what it is, I know it's a 750 something or other if that means anything...
Had my first swim/snorkel of the year today in my thin shortie, water is warm as long as you stay in the first 2feet from the surface...
Saw quite a few mullet including a biggie estimate around 5lb, missed it. They all seemed to take one look at me and scarper at top whack
Found it a bit cold and started to get cramp in my calfs so had to call it a day after a bit over an hour (I think?).
Found a few problems with the mask being really unclear after about 5 minutes of wearing, is this just a naff mask or something I am doing wrong as I found I couldn't see much after a while.
Andy
Was it misting up mate? If so just spit in it, rub it in, give it a quick rinse and that should do it. If it doesn't try scrubbing the inside of the glass with some toothpaste, that is supposed to get rid of some of the residue that starts the misting.
You've got to go quiet and slow if you don't want them to scarper, barely moving is best.
You've got to go quiet and slow if you don't want them to scarper, barely moving is best.
This has got nothing to do with diving (does involve catching fish though) but I though someone might be interested in what i was doing today.
Well after over 40 years of serious fishing I at last made my first visit to the famous Schole sand bank today. I had never caught a turbot or brill on a rod. Spent a few hundred hours over the years dragging bottom at the point with no luck whatsoever. I have caught a few hundreds (thousands?) of big flatties in my time by various methods, just never on a rod.
So decided to make the 15 mile run to the schole following some expert advice that this was the place to lose my flatfish virginity while playing with me rod. My boat ain't small or light but she makes 20 knot cruise, trouble is it takes a 370 hp Cummins turbo diesel to do it. Would have been cheaper to take the lid off the diesel can and pour it over the side :waterwork .
Anyway 45 minutes run time saw the track plotter give a proximity warning to show we'd arrived. Perfect weather, very calm and all day the tide run was between 1.2 and 2.1 knots which I thought was good but then what do I know???
They said "follow the English charter boats". Well it might have been the world cup or maybe they knew something I didn't (quite likely) but there weren't any. To start with there were 2 private boats and by the end of the day there was maybe 5 of us.
What an amazing place. The tide run creates a ridge of standing water on the western edge of the bank that looks so surreal. Anyhow no time for admiring the view time to fish. Used some bait we'd brought with us but soon started catching some launce and later on found the mackerel as well. 3 of us fished for 3 hours and caught very little. Apart from the launce and mackerel on the feathers we managed 2 bass (1 small one returned and one 4 lb-er in the fish box) plus a 5lb pollack that was destined to end its days as fish cakes by tomorrow night. Nothing else, none of the fabled flatties, not even a doggie or gurnard.
We fished on, right over high tide and worked the changing tides with long drifts over the gravel waves. At half tide down the tide slackened and ran north along the edge of the bank. It seemed perfect and so it proved. Dan felt a "weight" on his line and wound in his first ever rod caught tubby. A 4 lb-er . The boat near us was next and we watched their excitement as the netted a flatty just 20 yards away. Next drift it was yours truly's turn. I felt the tugging, gave some line and then gradually the weight of a 5.5lb tubby came on the line. Safely netted by Dan it was the one that broke my duck.
An hour later the tide turned southwest and so did we. 40 minutes later we were back on the mooring in the pool. One bass, 2 turbot, a dozen large mackerel, some small mackerel and some launce for bait for next time and minus 25+gallons of diesel.
Nice day, great experience, but not in a hurry to go again. Well not until I explain it to the little woman and the bank manager anyway.
Dave
Well after over 40 years of serious fishing I at last made my first visit to the famous Schole sand bank today. I had never caught a turbot or brill on a rod. Spent a few hundred hours over the years dragging bottom at the point with no luck whatsoever. I have caught a few hundreds (thousands?) of big flatties in my time by various methods, just never on a rod.
So decided to make the 15 mile run to the schole following some expert advice that this was the place to lose my flatfish virginity while playing with me rod. My boat ain't small or light but she makes 20 knot cruise, trouble is it takes a 370 hp Cummins turbo diesel to do it. Would have been cheaper to take the lid off the diesel can and pour it over the side :waterwork .
Anyway 45 minutes run time saw the track plotter give a proximity warning to show we'd arrived. Perfect weather, very calm and all day the tide run was between 1.2 and 2.1 knots which I thought was good but then what do I know???
They said "follow the English charter boats". Well it might have been the world cup or maybe they knew something I didn't (quite likely) but there weren't any. To start with there were 2 private boats and by the end of the day there was maybe 5 of us.
What an amazing place. The tide run creates a ridge of standing water on the western edge of the bank that looks so surreal. Anyhow no time for admiring the view time to fish. Used some bait we'd brought with us but soon started catching some launce and later on found the mackerel as well. 3 of us fished for 3 hours and caught very little. Apart from the launce and mackerel on the feathers we managed 2 bass (1 small one returned and one 4 lb-er in the fish box) plus a 5lb pollack that was destined to end its days as fish cakes by tomorrow night. Nothing else, none of the fabled flatties, not even a doggie or gurnard.
We fished on, right over high tide and worked the changing tides with long drifts over the gravel waves. At half tide down the tide slackened and ran north along the edge of the bank. It seemed perfect and so it proved. Dan felt a "weight" on his line and wound in his first ever rod caught tubby. A 4 lb-er
. The boat near us was next and we watched their excitement as the netted a flatty just 20 yards away. Next drift it was yours truly's turn. I felt the tugging, gave some line and then gradually the weight of a 5.5lb tubby came on the line. Safely netted by Dan it was the one that broke my duck.An hour later the tide turned southwest and so did we. 40 minutes later we were back on the mooring in the pool. One bass, 2 turbot, a dozen large mackerel, some small mackerel and some launce for bait for next time and minus 25+gallons of diesel.
Nice day, great experience, but not in a hurry to go again. Well not until I explain it to the little woman and the bank manager anyway.
Dave
It wasn't really misting up, just not clear?? Will try the toothpaste. Didn't have much gob today, something to do with the 28c temp maybe rofl .Magpie said:
Drank plenty of sea water getting myself remembering to breath with my mouth not my nose, pretty carfeul going today as it's been a while, felt OK when the legs weren't cramping, might be I am not used to the fins on the end of my legs, had a problem with my "ankle muscles" cramping a bit then my calf went and that was that... sinking feeling coming on so nearest rockfor a sit down for 5 minutes warming it up in the sun so I could move back inshore. I float abit too much to be stealthy, I just knew my feet were out of the water, guess I need to make myself a bracelet out of half a dozen fishing leads and strap to the ankles eh!
Oh yeah, was down near the Red Lion btw, Close to home.
ADM,Some suggest using a lighter to burn off silicone for from the inside of the mask - never tried it though. They reckon white colgate-type toothpaste is the thing to use - not blue gel (perhaps the mica is too fine for the task). It didn't make any difference for me, so I haven't bothered with my current mask, yet. I leave a little water into the mask to swish around & clear the mask while diving - quite effective but a little more awkward (& uncomfortable around the nose) with the new 2-lens, low-profile masks. I find it a good idea to wash the lenses with washing up liquid occasionally too - that works (if misting is not the problem then this might help). You can use a tiny drop of glycerol rubbed inside the lens as an anti-mist too (alternative to saliva) - seems to last for a couple of dives, although I haven't bothered with it with my current mask yet.ADM said:
BTW ADM, I am looking for a plugging/spinning (/general purpose) rod at the moment-- any suggestions? 8-11ft seem the norm over here. 'Was wondering about the new, small (7 ft or less) US-style baitcasters but they seem more aimed at US freshwater bass (& often used from small boats).
OMD, my sympathy on the fuel bill
...time to add a mast?! 
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Mr X, don't get a US style short rod, they haven't got the casting range or control over a fish that something with a bit of length has got.
You would do a lot worse than to look for a cheap 2lbs test curve carp rod, 12ft or so. I prefer a light carp rod for plugging over "spinning" rods. Just don't get one above 2.5lbs test curve or it'll be too powerful.
You would do a lot worse than to look for a cheap 2lbs test curve carp rod, 12ft or so. I prefer a light carp rod for plugging over "spinning" rods. Just don't get one above 2.5lbs test curve or it'll be too powerful.
Thanks Magpie. In that case, I'm currently leaning toward a 10ft Shakespeare Royalty (10g-60g - seems like it ought to cover all the bases & £27 + shipping) & a 9 or 10ft Distinction (10g-40g £19 + shipping) - missed a Daiwa Whisker going cheap recently (hi end rod at half normal price). [In the USA I would have just popped into K-mart (pre-bust)/Costco/Wallmart/sportstore & picked up a complete Shimano/Basspro rod & reel spinning/lure package for $25 in 10 minutes and been done with it!Magpie said:
]. The Veals Daiwa-made Mike Ladle SureSpin seems to be mutts nuts for this sort of thing but out of my price range at £80. Was thinking a baitcaster might double as a kayak/boat rod. Could pos. use knick knacks spinning rod for that tho'. The homemade handline had been working ok for that so far though.
I did wonder about the pos. of using another type of rod (there are so many different types these days). My big bro' was talking about barbel rods the other day too.
Wasn't sure what to make of this one, £19.99 American-style but UK size: Shakespeare Contender 9ft Jerkbait Spin Rod 10-60gm. The Mike Ladle is supposed to a have fairly stiff action too.
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I sometimes use a barbel type rod (1-1.5lbs TC) for spinning but its only ok with light plugs and spinners, anything over 20grams you can't really spank, its ok, but for big bass plugs its a bit undergunned.
For Yak fishing I'd recommend a telescopic job. Much more compact and easy to stow away than a normal rod of any type.
For Yak fishing I'd recommend a telescopic job. Much more compact and easy to stow away than a normal rod of any type.
My friend Steve is in Guernsey for the weekend & we have just had a fantastic dive. We went in at Foxys spot over the high tide, & swam out to the pond (oversley 20' under water at high tide) Steve saw a nice bass & I fired & missed one as well. It all looked good & promising for a few fish when I spotted something that looked about 300lb in the distance! I swam across to Steve's side for security in numbers! Need not of worried though because the SEAL was very polite & friendly
This was our first underwater incounter with a seal & I must say I hope it is not my last. Beautiful creature although a bit sad looking. The seal seemed to favor Steve & he had some real fun with it. Funny thing was Steve was very concerned about its seemingly paralyzed right flipper (I think he would of liked to apply some professional treatment
This was our first underwater incounter with a seal & I must say I hope it is not my last. Beautiful creature although a bit sad looking. The seal seemed to favor Steve & he had some real fun with it. Funny thing was Steve was very concerned about its seemingly paralyzed right flipper (I think he would of liked to apply some professional treatment
Mr. X said:
The baitcaster things I have seen seen a bit flimsy and too short, much more designed for standing in a boat drifting down a small river type thing like to see Rex Hunt on the telly doing with his.
I personally prefer more length here and normally go for an 11ft job. Magpies idea of a carp rod works as well as they can often double as a bass rod for freelining or light bait fishing better than a specialist spinning rod. Glasgow Angling can be quite good for deals and I have used them before. They have 2 kits on their spinning page which look OK. last 2 are the ones. One is a 7 piece (11 foot one) which might be good for on a yak to get to the marks etc but both are in the better end of rods. the second being designed for salmon is better for Bass than mackerel and gars and such and will be a bit heavier I guess. I am not so put off by multipiece rods anymore as they seem much better quality than 7 years ago with new materials etc (unless you go for the really cheap ones). Veals normally have a load of stuff to choose from as well, but I would always say to go for the better rod as the cheaper ones really do feel it, £10 can make all the difference (from £30 to £40 say) in spinning rods. The reel also can't be cheap as the really cheap fixed spool aren't worth it and you end up with really twisted line. Some of the better ones have an anti twist thingy so the roller on the bail arm actually rolls to help prevent twist which can be a real nightmare in lower b/s lines with a spinner or plug. £80 should be fine to get all this though.
Old Man Dave said:Popped in today for a quick hunt. Mainly went to try my new float, which I need to carry my new neoprene shoes, which I need to go over my new 5mm socks, which I need for use with my new Ice 3 fins. Phew!
I'm in non slaughter bass mode at present. Caught a few and have max'ed out on sea food from a couple of boat trips and some spearo'ing. So went for a species hunt and a strict regime of large bass only plus head shots on everything.
Did okay in the end. Only saw about 6 bass but got a 6.5 lb-er with a head shot. Also got a couple of thick lipped (common) mullet and a golden grey, plus a big wrasse as well. Oh! and the float worked well.
Mart took a piccy but has a problem downloading it so maybe later ... maybe not!
Dave
Got a new card reader so here is the pic.
Nice catch Dave.
