[davem2005]

I also agree, the tope are there...you just dont get them on rippers ;)

Tat and I spent a day after them but as he said it was late in the season and we were struggling to catch mackrel for bait on that day.

The reason the proposed ban on landing tope in the NE is important is that it provides a precedent for other areas to follow. Of all the areas in the uk where this proposal is likely to be opposed by commercials , this is the one where it is least likely to come up with any objections. But this does set a precident in the uk and allows other regions to follow suit.

We do need to change our approach to fishing, I dont think anyone would deny that the days of bumper cod catces are gone for the time been. But other species area available.

By changing my way of fishing and experimenting I have managed to catch 5 fish over 50lb and 4 over 100lb this summer. Fish to make this look small are available of our coast ...we just need to change our approach and target them.

I spent a saturday evening drinking guiness with a experienced tope catching charter skipper and a set of ne charts on the bar. He identified 4 areas within 2 miles of hartlepool marina that are worth fishing for tope based on his experience, and when we expanded the charts to include seaburn there were dozens. I know doc is catching them.

We will ave to change our methods and attidudes to fishing, some charter skippers have already made the first steps ( see the post on here about the porgie on shy torque) I have spoken to others and seen pictures of hartlepool caught porgies ( the guy preferes not to publish them)

Please support the organisations who are helping to improve angling and be prepared to buy heavier gear ( or spinning gear ;) )

Keep up the good work Doc . I could do with your email addy cos I want to rip off some of your pics for the SOS website;)

Cheers
Dave