Popular Post GPSguru Posted January 23, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted January 23, 2023 (edited) The first decent weather day for a long while just couldn’t be missed. My mate Alan asked me out on his boat, an offshore 25, for a trip out to the 40 mile wrecks. The crew for the day was Alan, his son Brandon, Darren, and me. The sea state at 6:00am was not great, with a real time swell of 1.2m @4 secs, and I pondered whether we should go or not. Alan and myself discussed the situation and the forecast was for the sea to improve, so we decided to give it a go. We headed out of the river at 08:30 intending to fish a wreck at 23 miles, however, that put us into a head sea and our speed was 13knts, so a decision was made to head to a wreck at 28 miles which would put the sea on the port bow and make for a faster trip. Soon we were back up to 22knts. From about midday the sea was improving all the time, and although ‘sloppy’ it was quite tame compared to earlier in the day. Fishing on the wrecks was steady, with Pollock to 7lb coming from most of them. I was slow jigging for the day and had Tub Gurnard, a few Pollock to 9lb, Mackerel, Whiting, and Pout. The other 3 were fishing traditional flying collar rigs and had Pollock, Pout, and Whiting. On the last wreck of the day at about 30 miles, Alan and Darren had a double Pollock hookup of decent fish. Alan’s went 15lb and Darren's 13lb. On the next drift of the same wreck, I was busy talking and not paying attention when a decent fish hit my jig. Unbeknown to me at the time I was tip wrapped and within seconds of the rod bending there was a loud (very loud) ping as the 20lb braid parted, also taking the 3rd from tip rod guide with it. The Temple Reef blank is undamaged and this week I will whip a new ring into place. Today I called Temple Reef, who were absolutely on the ball, they were able to tell me straight off that the rings were single leg Fuji K series size 6 Alconite KTAG, and to replace it with the later size 6 CCKTAG, or titanium torzite size 6 KTTG. They even offered to repair it if I could send it to them. I have ordered a couple of CCKTAG Alconite guides. Tip wrapping on SPJ rods, even with antiwrap K guides, is a common problem when you slack line on a long pitch, and something that I normally look out for. All too soon the day was over and we headed back in at 5pm with a following sea, making good headway at 26knts. The only boats we saw all day were the freighters out in the shipping lanes. A very pleasant way to use 200L+ of fuel. On our way .............. Alan and Darren, 15lb & 13 lb............... Edited January 23, 2023 by GPSguru JDP, thejollysinker, Dicky and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintly Fish Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 Very nice Ian. I thought you were too old now for making school boy errors like that? Shame. Seemed like a top day out though. Why do we not see Alan on here then? Are you like Bruce, and don't want your real friends to see what a cool bunch you hang out with? GPSguru 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GPSguru Posted January 24, 2023 Author Share Posted January 24, 2023 5 hours ago, Saintly Fish said: Why do we not see Alan on here then? Are you like Bruce, and don't want your real friends to see what a cool bunch you hang out with? Alan just doesn't have the time. His business is extremely busy and he is a ‘hands on’ boss. If is difficult enough getting him to answer his phone ! I think he is a very small part of a local closed group on facebook, and that is about all he does on social media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintly Fish Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 3 hours ago, GPSguru said: Alan just doesn't have the time. His business is extremely busy and he is a ‘hands on’ boss. If is difficult enough getting him to answer his phone ! I think he is a very small part of a local closed group on facebook, and that is about all he does on social media. Fury muff. GPSguru 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy135 Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 Good session! Well dangled all. 👍 GPSguru 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonnyswamp Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 A very adequate day ! I've had a few panic stricken moments trying to unwrap mainline from the tip while spj'ing Luckily I haven't been hit by a fish whilst being wrapped GPSguru 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daio web Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 great report bud nice day out GPSguru 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GPSguru Posted January 24, 2023 Author Share Posted January 24, 2023 3 hours ago, Saintly Fish said: Fury muff. Yes, the garage has been super busy since the pandemic. This was his first time out since late June last year, when we took both boats to the skerries. He usually likes to get out about once a month. Currently they are doing a full nut and bolt restoration on a mk1 mustang amongst many other jobs. The bodyshop and garage are fully booked 2 months in advance, he has 2 mot bays, and 9 repair bays, with a staff of 10. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GPSguru Posted January 24, 2023 Author Share Posted January 24, 2023 1 hour ago, jonnyswamp said: A very adequate day ! I've had a few panic stricken moments trying to unwrap mainline from the tip while spj'ing Luckily I haven't been hit by a fish whilst being wrapped It always happens, especially on the high pitch, which gives the jig a long drop. Worse in the wind, but I often manage the issue by either short pitch’s for a tumble motion, or moving the rod tip away from the slack line as I bring it down. Not to worry, I hope to have the ring, thread and varnish here tomorrow, and the rod will be as good as new by the weekend 😉 jonnyswamp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintly Fish Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 3 hours ago, GPSguru said: Yes, the garage has been super busy since the pandemic. This was his first time out since late June last year, when we took both boats to the skerries. He usually likes to get out about once a month. Currently they are doing a full nut and bolt restoration on a mk1 mustang amongst many other jobs. The bodyshop and garage are fully booked 2 months in advance, he has 2 mot bays, and 9 repair bays, with a staff of 10. Screw that, I'd rather be fishing. Life's too short GPSguru and jonnyswamp 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GPSguru Posted January 25, 2023 Author Share Posted January 25, 2023 8 hours ago, jonnyswamp said: A very adequate day ! I've had a few panic stricken moments trying to unwrap mainline from the tip while spj'ing Luckily I haven't been hit by a fish whilst being wrapped I have posted this very informative vid before, but this is one of the reasons why I like Temple Reef SPJ rods ................. jonnyswamp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.