Slinky Kate Saturday March 20th 2009

[Norman]

Well the season certainly kicked off today (as I`m sure many are well aware judging by the number of boats afloat)

A boat report yes, but first ,a few special things today, namely :-

Firstly, since this was our first trip of the year this was my first chance to see Tony (Wallsendo) and award him the Beneteau Trophy for the biggest Fish in last Years competition (10lb 6oz I think, but certainly a double at the weigh in) so well done mate and take great care of the Engraved Crystal Glass (phew I`ve had it for ages and been scared in case I broke it before Tony got his hands on ....... congrats mate.

Secondly , It's Tonys Birthday today (32) congrats again mate, enjoy the night out you got planned ....

Thirdly Oh Dear , Steve couldn't make it today .............. well here`s what you missed Steve ....




Didn't really expect many fish today as conditions etc were against us, it was a neap tide (only 1.5mtrs between low at 6.00am and High at 12.00 so not a lot of movement in the water) also it is only March and I rarely have decent catches before well into April.
However, purely because of the weather being decent lately and the fact it looked good today a last minute call to the crew (which was the reason Steve couldnt make it being already booked with other activities) and the day was set.

Got to the Marina as planned for 6.30 am, to be met by quite a breeze blowing from the west, (this wind wasn`t planned!) met up with Tony and presented him with Trophy and birthday good lucks then it was off out.

Quite a breeze blowing us up the river but the sea ahead looked fairly flat so on we went, stopped off just outside the piers at a favourite mark but after a few minutes it was evident that the wind funnelling down the river was just too strong to enable us to hold bottom.

Mind made up it was off for shelter close in away from the river ..... so after a short steam we got to "the place" to find only one other boat there (it was only 7.00am of course) Shady, with bert and the boys doing only what I would call "Diggin", into fish.

As we closed in an attempt to pass them their now traditional liquid breakfast we had to wait till one of the four (Bert, Keith, Kenny and Kyle) were free from pulling in fish to take the bottles ..... well done lads.

Moved a little way away and dropped our own lines in .... whoo hooo birthday boy struck within the first couple of minutes for the first codling of the season on Slinky Kate. Then another, than a one for myself, this was the pattern all morning 4 or 5 fish then a lull for 45 mins or so then four or five more etc etc.
The obligatory Stevo Scotchie arrived for both myself and Tony and then a double header scotchie and codling for Tony, I suppose if Steve's not here we have to take his catch just for the sake of it ......

Started out cold and west windy but by 10.00 it was easing off as the sun got it`s heat to us, by 11.00 it turned out a still, calm, warm day , what a start to the season .......
Ended up with well over a dozen fish kept not big but as ever at this location and this time of year the best size and quality fish you can get for the pan, I look forward to my "Real" fish and chips. ....
Just a few pics of the day .....

Tony at his Award Ceremony




Shady Crew "Diggin" into yet more fish




First Codling of the season goes to Tony




My own First Codling of the season




As Ever (even though he's not here on this trip) the first Stevo fish ....




And just to show there's no favouritism a stevo and a codling together for Tony




Eventually a little better size fish arrived (but still not big by any means)




Tony in his " Is my head going red?" pose .....




And one last one to round the post off (sorry we couldn't possibly tell anyone where this great fishing was had today) ........





Thanks for reading
Cheers
Norm

[billyturbot]

good mark that norman ,SOUTER POINT

[Norman]

aye billy

[The Great Wallsendo]

Well...didn't expect that kind of start did we?

Excellent morning out Norman and cheers as ever

Like you said stamp of fish not huge - although heard reports of fish to 6lb - but flipping heck they scrap well and my new 12lb rod well and truly christened great fun indeed

Onward and upwards - best Cod Fishing in 50 years

[KeithB]

Great report Norman!!! Thanks for the brekkie & well done lads.

Enjoy the rest of ya birthday Tony.

[TOMMY NEPTUNE]

A Fantastic start to the season lads, a great report and photos as usual, thanks for sharing the experience Norman.

[northeast1]

Yer it was good you made it out, i had a look down today to put the gera back on the boat after the winter and seen the wind and fog, as you say lots of boats out and hear some good reports along with yours.

Snow on Wed they say lol...hope it clears by the weekend as first trip out for the year planned.

[kela66]

been looking forward to this post , well done lad's thanks for the report Norman and many happy return's tony

[SIXFOOTSTEVE]

Fantastic report Norman , great start to the season ,I got a couple of fish myself today although not of the edible type.

All looks well for the season ahead .

No doubt you'll not read this until the morning Tony so that being the case .

HOW'S YA HEED

[eddie t]

Cracking report Norman Glad ya's enjoyed it.

Happy birthday Tony.