Report By : Bill Billing
Date : 16th April 2006
Vessel : Seren Y Mor
Trip Type : Ray
Those dangling on the
day were: Ian Philips, James Bentley, John Bentley, Mike Middleton
(Co-ordinator), Dave Frampton, Richard Middleton, Wayne Edwards,
Greg Laycock & Bill Billing (New member)
The
weather was overcast but pleasant and started getting windy and
cooler as we left the coast.
We all met at Swansea Marina, got bait and last minute bits and
pieces. I tagged along in the shop and bought the same as everyone
else, I even bought a new tackle box to take all my fish home.
Dave Axtell eventually got us aboard and off we sailed at approx.
0830.
This was my first trip, the atmosphere was electric and the
adrenalin was pumping around the old veins, me with all these
veterans, (I was certainly going to learn a lot today).
After what seemed hours Dave pulls the boat up and dropped the
'brake' over the side. We had arrived at the Scar Weather Bank. We
fished the down side first until the tide stopped running so fast. I
think every one had a line out before the anchor had even touched
bottom. It wasn't long before the fish started coming aboard. We
then moved and fished the top and finally moved back to where we had
started fishing. It went something like that I think.
My personal best of the day was a 4½lb Small eyed ray, not bad for a
beginner. I did have one terrific bite and after what seemed an age
of playing this fish, Richard asked me for his gear back.
Some nice fish were caught by the other Danglers;
Ray Laycock, sorry I mean Greg, who caught 1 Thornback and 4
Smalleyed, the biggest weighing in at 11¾lbs.
Mike Middleton also came up with a very nice 9lb Smalleyed.
James Bentley caught a Smalleyed. I don't know the weight, although
it was certainly much bigger than mine.
Wayne Edwards caught a Small Eye.
Ian Phillips Blanked on the Ray scenario but surprised everyone when
he boarded a 12lb Conger. Although I heard it called many types of
Ray etc. until it surfaced.
Everyone caught something even if was only some of the numerous
Dogfish.
Dave is a brilliant Skipper, "nice cup of tea Dave". 3 Sugars next
time please. He was that pleased with our efforts he gave us an
extra hour out on the Bank.
Well Gents I don't know about you but I really enjoyed my day and
your company. Sorry if I have missed anything or got any of the
details wrong. I did learn a lot.
Tight Lines
Bill
|