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Print versionNew Charter Boat for Portishead
The Bristol Channel is famous for uptide fishing. Ports like Watchet, Minehead and Weston Super Mare have a long established charter fleet that chase cod over the winter and small sharks, bass and rays over the summer. But despite the same good fishing, Portishead has never been on the charter angler’s map.
Like many other places around the UK, the last ten years have seen Portishead undergo major redevelopment and part of this was a brand new marina and tidal lock, giving Bristol boat owners moorings and easy access to the upper reaches of the Bristol Channel. For many years, fishing the upper Bristol Channel was mainly done by small private boat anglers but, due this new marina and tidal lock, several charter boats have made a home there and a new charter fishing port has been born.
Dave Kirk is one of many anglers who have fished from Portishead and Weston for much of his life and he knows this area and it’s fishing inside out. Dave has owned many boats but now in his retirement, Dave has decided to do something a little different... Go back to work? Now that might sound mad but when I explain, all will become clear.
Dave has always been self employed and he’s one of those people that can’t sit around doing nothing all day, so “put your feet up” retirement will never be an option for him. Being passionate about fishing, and wanting to see Portishead develop into a thriving charter angling port, Dave has decided to take the helm of a charter boat himself to show anglers just how good Portishead is and what great fishing it can offer. Now that’s more than just a job, it’s a mission to undertake especially after you’ve retired. Dave is 67 years old and has more energy and enthusiasm than many younger anglers I know, and I only hope I can be the same in years to come. But that’s not all, Dave, despite his many years angling experience (which being truthful does leave some stuck in their ways) remains a modern angler, changing with the times, and this was reflected in his choice of boat. Whereas Dave could have chosen any old boat, he didn’t and went the whole hog building a super-modern charter boat, fitted out to his exact specifications.
Different styles of angling suit different styles of boat, and after much deliberation on what would be the best type of vessel to target Portishead waters, Dave finally found the right tool for the right job. He needed a boat that was quick enough to drive against the Bristol Channel’s harsh tides. He needed a boat that would remain stable in the short steep seas that can build in this area all too quickly when wind and tide oppose. And he needed an economical boat, with a large deck, that would be suitable for several anglers to cast from. Enter the Cougar...
Cougar Catamarans built by DP Marine haven’t been around that long but they’re already making a name for themselves amongst skippers who require a specialist boat, for specialist angling. The Cougar 8M has a top speed of around 30knts with a cruise around 20. The Cougar’s high buoyancy cat hulls mean it can push home comfortably in any sea and its deck space (which is more than most mono hulls of a similar size and bigger) is huge for a boat that is only eight meters. And to finish things off, Dave didn’t go for just any old fit-out: “The Enterprise” - Dave’s Cougar cat, was shipped to specialist boat fitters Break Sea Boats for a specialist completion. The end result is a luxuriously fitted catamaran, perfectly equipped to fish the waters of the Bristol Channel. Quite a retirement plan!
The Enterprise was launched a few weeks ago and Dave began his journey to get Portishead recognised, and just this week, I had the chance to jump aboard and see how this new port and new charter operation were coming along. In brief here’s what I found...
Portishead offers some great fishing all-year-round, just like its neighbouring Somerset ports and adjacent Welsh ports (I have a couple of nice cod in my freezer from my trip this week).
With easy motorway access via the M4, M5 & M6, Portishead can be done, there and back, in a day saving money on accommodation.
Full boat charters only cost just upwards of £300 and the Marina has free parking (!!!)
Now that sounds like a good antidote to the Credit Crunch. Portishead Quays Marina also has its own tackle shop ‘Reel Fun’ and another charter boat the ‘Cast-Away’.
Here’s wishing Dave a happy retirement and the best of luck in putting Portishead on the Bristol Channel angling map. With its easy access, good fishing and value-for-money charters... Portishead looks set to go far in these tough times.
The Enterprise
Skipper Dave Kirk
Tel 01275 877177 or 07801 081402
Website www.bristol-channel-charters.co.uk
Email info@bristol-channel-charters.co.uk
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