[paullynam]

After a very successful trip a couple of weeks ago around Christchurch Bay targeting sea bream, we decided to head east of the island targeting bass yesterday.

Stunning conditions to start with. Loads of school bass, mackerel and scad inside and off the island. Bait and lunch well sorted.

Usual bass mark was slow but was rammed with mackerel. Even live mackerel didn’t really work. The bass had too much east natural prey to feast upon. Lots of action including mackerel being hounded to the surface and jumping to get away. Ended up with a few, best about 4lb.

Saw a few naval ships whilst we were out. Conditions meant it was a great few hours afloat.

 

[Wreck fisher]

Good haul Paul, looks like the mackerel shoals have moved your way now - a struggle for most this way. The naval probably looking after The PoW which seems to have sprung a leak or something requiring divers again.

 

[boyscott]

Nice day out
You should have offered them a tow - the salvage must be £££!

 

[paullynam]

She came past us at 15kts. Without a single escort ship. Now anchored off Stokes Bay. The red dot.

 

[Norm B]

She came past us at 15kts. Without a single escort ship. Now anchored off Stokes Bay. The red dot.

Those ships have had problems since day one .A waste of money. Not enough ships to form a carrier escort group for both ships and manning both properly leaves the rest of the fleet short staffed. Ambitions beyond their budget..

 

[garrydog]

Sounds a lovely day even though nothing huge. Got to enjoy the end of summer!