Alderney
Angling.com
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24th December Nothing to report but we should be out tonight instead of getting hammered at the pubs so hopefully we'll have something to report in the next few days. Not sure though by the time we get to 7'ish what will have the most appeal? Anyway, what ever you do both Fieona and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a big thank-you for your custom and for logging on to the site to read the reports. 22nd December The weather is too good to be staying indoors and with my worm slowly dying in the shop I didn't need another excuse to hit the beach to find something tasty to put on my dinner plate. The first two casts showed no activity and then the fish started to appear. First on the beach was a Red Mullet which meant mission was accomplished as regards the tasty bit, then I had a series of missed bites before something better was hooked. Two thirds of the way in I had a bank of weed that I needed to get over, easy with nowt on but with a lunging fish it would be more difficult. Needless to say I lost the fish as I had to apply pressure to get it through the weed bank, the hooks pulled from what must have been a poor hook hold. Then I followed up with Bream and Pout before the bites died away and I packed up. During the day yesterday Mullet were showing on the float with fish to 6lb 8oz caught. Good tides coming up over the Christmas period so hopefully we'll have plenty of Christmas cheer. 21st December Out in the yaks today after a Mullet or two. However we did significantly better than that with 4 fish in a morning session but to cap it all Dick Smith managed to break the Channel Island Boat Record with a cracking fish of 8lb 7oz. Having just had two previous fish up to 5lb 12oz to get warmed up, Dick hooked the third fish and was starting to get in to his stride, but this time he had a real scrap on his hands. After a few minutes the fish was still running hard, staying deep and when within sight of the kayak the big Mullet would make searing runs. Dick then started to give it serious thought as to how big it could be and dreams were realised when the fish surfaced. Another couple of minutes and the fish was safely in his grasp (however safe that is in a kayak!). Now for the British record...............
18th December Once again we are back in the phase of not too many rod hours going on despite a run of good weather. Sessions on the Breakwater producing some more Eels, Black Bream, Bass and other bits. Getting reports of plenty of sizeable Gars about. Mullet sightings on the increase, I saw 6/7 jumps on my way in from kayaking at dusk as well a couple of evenings ago. That trip out for me produced excellent fun for Bream. Many a double shot were had which as most would know is great fun on light tackle. Exhilarating to watch line peeling away as they powerfully dive for the bottom. Around 20/25 fish were caught with the best fish around 2lb 12oz. Also had 3lb Ballan and a small Pollack. Daiwa 7HT Mags back in stock, by the time I have fulfilled back orders though we only have a few left so be quick. Next delivery I am told will be Jan/Feb time. 12th December This is the sort of report I like to write. One angler, four hour session had 3 Tope (37lb, 34lb and 32lb), 2 Small Eyeds, 2 Congers, Bass and Pollack on a moonlit night! Fearing over indulgence he packed up and was home by 8.00pm!! Doesn't it make you sick for the sake of a bit of local knowledge and know how!
If you are thinking of buying any Shimano gear best do it quick, Shimano have just increased their prices by 15%. Other companies will no doubt be doing the same. I have lots of the 2009 range not yet listed on the Mail Order pages so phone for a quote while we are on the old prices. 9th December Just made available on my plugs and lure page in the Mail Order section of the site Kiddys Sidewinders as low as £4 per packet and Tempest Holographic Eels for as little as £3.20 per packet. Excellent lures for Bass, Pollack and Cod. 8th December I got my trip in yesterday despite not feeling up to it. I intended having a go for a Ray but in the morning it was a bit sloppy on the swell. I could see where I needed to be on the bank but I deemed the conditions a bit bordering from the safety point of view. That besides I was feeling queasy, I didn't think that would be possible in a kayak. I think I over heated!! So I opted to stay inshore to start with and after a quiet 30 minutes sport became hectic with Black Bream to just under 2lb. This has happened several times when fishing, very quiet to start with and then fish just appear. I am fairly confident that when there is a big bait down fish follow the scent up so rubby dubby will probably be the way to go when anchoring as I was. Anyway they disappeared, managed a dozen or so and then 2 biggish Ballans and then all quiet again. The sea had sat down a bit so I up anchored and paddled out to where I wanted to be. Fished here till sunset where I had a few more Bream, a tasty Red Gurnard and then last drop an even tastier (maybe!) Brill. Not big but a first for my kayak species which have climbed to 14 species in 6 trips. I never got a sniff of a Ray but did lose a reasonable fish on the lighter rod but nevertheless a very satisfying day.
Plenty of rods out and around the island the weekend, no-one has been in shouting what they have caught but there were a few Mullet about and plenty of Gars that I know of so far. 6th December Bad weather has prevented any serious amount of fishing taking place but when anglers have managed to get out results haven't been fantastic. Bass seem to be around in numbers at times but you need to be fishing the right marks at the right time. It must be the results of fish passing through in shoals. There are Soles, Red Mullets, Black Bream to be caught but not in any numbers, Bull Huss and Eels though are a reliable target. In my last post I expressed my feelings towards some Thick Lippeds maybe showing, well last night I had the pleasure of weighing a cracking fish of 9lb 3oz caught on the south side of the island by Andy Bosman who is running the Commercial Quay project. We also have two lads from north Devon staying with us who managed a few fish to 4lb yesterday. They're Mullet enthusiasts so we'll see how they get on. Touch wood I might be out in the Kayak tomorrow as well.
28th November Hello...........back again after a refreshing holiday down in Namibia, 4 days fishing and then on a desert safari which was phenomenal. Pictures below of a couple of fish which Fieona caught, a 210lb Bronzey and a 32lb Kob. We had 7 Bronzies between us with myself getting one over 200lb but on the Kob I had my backside whooped. Lots of Gulley Sharks too amongst other bits. But it is back to the grindstone now, not a hard thing really living here. Thanks to Ben for holding the fort whilst we were away.
Fishing wise here I've not got a full handle on what has been happening but it seems as usual the weather hasn't been favourable, strong winds and lots of rain to contend with. There has been though a few Sole around to 2lb 8oz and all the other bits, Red Mullet, Bass, Huss, Eels but not in good numbers. The tides this last weekend were the best ones for the month and amongst the 11 anglers here they have managed Eels to 33lb, Huss to 12lb, Bass to 9lb 4oz, Thick Lippeds to 5lb 12oz, Black Bream to nearly 3lb, Sole to 2lb 7oz and other species. Numbers wise it is a bit lacking for Bass especially when compared to last two years, less Bream too and Red Mullet. Looks as if Thick Lippeds could be starting to show in numbers, hit and miss but signs look encouraging with fish to 8lb spotted on several occasions. Sea temperature already down to 11C which is lower than this time last year. Hopefully December will fish as well as it did last year so if you fancy a trip over then give us a call. Phytos Yianni with a 9lb 4oz Bass caught last night.
8th November As promised below are the full results from the festival. Well done to all the winners and thank you to everyone who attended on behalf of Alderneys Tourism sector for your support. The festival provides a massive boost to the economy at a quiet time of year and of course a big thank you to the organisers and sponsors of the event without whom the Festival wouldn't run. Sponsors include ABU, Penn, Lloyds TSB Alderney, Le Cocqs Supermarket, Aurigny, Alderney Shipping, Burger Queen, Campania, Tickled Pink Builders, Braye Chippy, Boardman's Chemist, Alderney Fuel Services (Total Garage), States of Alderney, Moorings and Alderney Angling. Next years dates are 17th October to 24th October so get your flights, accommodation and cars sorted before its too late. If you are interested in fishing next years events then don't hesitate to get in touch with us at the shop. Hopefully too I will get the page on this site that is supposed to be dedicated to the Festival sorted and updated regularly. Time is more on my side now so should be achievable!! Not much fishing to report about due to everyone being fished out but there have been reports of Bream to 3lb, Tope to 31lb along with a few Red Mullet and Sole. In the Kayaks Bass to 2/3lb to plugs. I've not managed to get out myself, busy week working and preparing for the long awaited holiday so these pages won't get updated till end of the month. The shop is still open though and emails being answered so no problem there if you need anything from the mail order pages. New stock arriving all the time so Mail Order pages not up to date, first job to be done when we get back so long as its not flat calm and fishing fever takes over! ALDERNEY ANGLING FESTIVAL 2008 RESULTS
BEST CHANNEL ISLANDS ANGLER Dick Smith (Many congratulations to Dick. This title is highly coveted amongst Channel Island anglers and involves a certain amount of insomnia to win it. What makes Dicks achievement even more remarkable is that he was won it 6 times since 1998 but only in the year ending in an even number! Save your money next year Dick or break the hoodoo!!)
BEST UK ANGLER Steven Hazell (Well done to Steven, it was the first time he fished the festival, made the old man chuffed to bits!!)
LADIES TROPHY Esther Hatton
VETERAN SHIELD Pete Walker
BEST PAIR (a right family affair) 1. Dick Smith and Matt Smith (Father and Son) 193.23% 2. Steven and Michael Hazell (Brothers) 192.55%
BEST TEAM Hot Rods 274%
ANDY JAMES CARTILAGINOUS TROPHY Derek Spears Tope 49lb
BARBIE COSHERIL BEST FISH OF THE FESTIVAL Derek Spears Tope 49lb
BEST BALLAN WRASSE 1. Bernie Le Gallais 6-12-8 2. Andy Appleby 6-6-8 3. Dick Smith 6-3-12
BEST BASS 1. Jamie Sugden 9-11-0 2. Alan Eastwood 8-0-14 (Plug Caught)
BEST COUCHES SEA BREAM 1. Rob Blondin 1-6-6
BEST CONGER EEL 1. Stephen Lumb 37-0 2. Pete Walker 25-8 3. Steven Hazell 25-0
BEST THICK LIPPED MULLET 1. Steve Mullins 5-1-12 2. Stephen Winter 4-15-12 3. Keith Quertier 4-13-6 4. Geoff Plumridge 4-13-4 5. Mark Plowman 4-12-6
BEST FISH WITH ALDERNEY RECORD UNDER 5LB 1. Jasper Osborne Tub Gurnard 1-6-6 2. Keith Quertier Red Mullet 3-3-0 3. Steve Mathias Cuckoo Wrasse 1-6-10 4. Lee Vaudin Golden Grey Mullet 2-1-6 5. Esther Hatton Golden Grey Mullet 2-0-8
BEST FISH WITH ALDERNEY RECORD OVER 5LB 1. Derek Spears Tope 49-0 2. Steven Hazell Bull Huss11-3-12 3. Michael Hazell Bull Huss 9-11-10 4. Graham Hazell Bull Huss 9-4-2 5. Pete Walker Bull Huss 8-8-4
BEST GARFISH 1. Dick Smith 1-5-12
4th November I've not got my hands on the Festival results yet but will do sometime this week and publish them here. Have a little story to tell you though first and confirms one of my beliefs about what is achievable here in Alderney. One of the local lads who never fished the festival (Local? I guess he is nearly, now that he has been here for 3 months!! Some of you will know him) was fishing for Wrasse as he had got given a stack of bait after some of the lads had returned home. Having had fish to 5lb 14oz in the pouring rain he was doing his gnome impression waiting for the next bite when a bobber 'bobbed' up in front of him. His immediate thought was one of disbelief.......................then the bobber amazingly started to move of away and round out of view. It did return a moment or so later and then he got sight of what the bobber was being towed by? If you've not guessed yet, it was a Porbeagle Shark. Phenomenal and clear as day, all right as clear as a rainy day! Is this why the fishing wasn't up to scratch last week, not because " it was a week later". Maybe not but gives you food for thought. Some of you might have noticed the link at the top of the page with regards to the new charter boat that started this year, Colin Dukes of Smuggler fame has moved to the island. Colin has just got confirmation of sponsorship by tackle giant Daiwa. He will have for your use a range of Saltist reels, the full range of Kenzaki rods and a whole host of other Daiwa gear for you to try when you book him. This will save any inconvenience for you over loading with unnecessary luggage that you may not need especially if you chose to fly in. Call Colin on 07974437740 for more details. 1st November Its all over and the last three days has seen some really difficult fishing conditions. Strong to gale force 8 NE winds, totally the wrong direction to suit fishing around the island which was a shame. Combine that with hail, sleet and rain and that certainly makes a challenge for the anglers. However despite this I was surprised at how many fished the last two days, credit to them for keeping going, other than that the Moorings and Divers did a roaring trade! Personally I didn't fish as much as I hoped for, had two really good sessions from the 9 that I did fish with one of the sessions producing Bream, Wrasse or Pollack to 4lb 4oz on every cast where I retrieved tackle. This though was the second year on the trot that I didn't get a fish on the board following a run of five years where I always managed one or two fish. The end of the week still saw one or two exceptional fish though. Following on from Derek's excellent feat of those two Tope the Breakwater wasn't fishable at all so everyone were stuck to a rock or beach mark. For me the best fish from the last couple of days was a plug caught Bass by Alan Eastwood, big baits tend to get the bigger fish here in Alderney but Alan managed a cracker at just over 8lb which he was able to land without the aid of a landing net. It wasn't enough to take the best fish though in that section as last night local lad Jamie Sugden caught a 9lb 11oz fish. Another fine fish worthy of mention was a cracking 3lb 3oz Red Mullet! What a fine fish that was. Presentation tonight so in the week I'll do a full run down of winners but I do know and think it is common knowledge that Dick Smith has won the Top CI angler again. Congratulations to him as he does have to fend of some top anglers that go all out to win that coveted Trophy. Conger Eel: 1. 37-0-0; 2. 25-8-0; 3. 25-0-0 Couches Sea Bream: 1. 1-6-6; Ballan Wrasse: 1. 6-12-8; 2. 6-6-8; 3. 6-3-12 Black Bream: None yet over the qualifying weight of 3lb!! Amazing! Plaice/Sole: None Bass: 1. 9-11-0; 2. 8-0-2 Thick Lipped Mullet: 1. 5-1-12; 2. 4-15-12; 3. 4-13-6; 4. 4-13-4; 5. 4-12-6. Under 5lb Alderney Record: 1. Tub Gurnard 1-6-0; 2. Red Mullet 3-3-0; 3. Cuckoo Wrasse 1-6-0; 4. Golden Grey Mullet 2-1-6; 5. Golden Grey Mullet 2-0-8. Over 5lb Alderney Record: 1. Tope 49-0-0; 2. Bull Huss 11lb 3oz; 3. Bull Huss 9-11-0; 4. Bull Huss 9-4-0; 5. Bull Huss 8-8-0. Garfish/Mackerel: 1. Garfish 1-5-2; 2. Garfish 1-0-2.
30th October Yesterday was the last of the best of the weather according to the forecast and now the anglers are faced with very strong NE winds which is a bad direction for the islands major fishing marks but he who dares wins! Very cold too with sleet conditions. Not much in it between the top anglers so still expect some good fish to come out. Last night Derek Spars had an amazing two fish in two casts, a 38lb Tope followed by one of 49lb, incredible fishing. At the other end of the scale no Bream on the board, normally it is the first category to fill up but this year despite plenty of Bream none over 3lb. Conger Eel: 1. 37-0-0; 2. 25-8-0; 3. 25-0-0 Couches Sea Bream: 1. 1-6-6; Ballan Wrasse: 1. 6-12-8; 2. 6-6-8; 3. 6-3-12 Black Bream: None yet over the qualifying weight of 3lb!! Amazing! Plaice/Sole: None Bass: None?? Thick Lipped Mullet: 1. 5-1-12; 2. 4-15-12; 3. 4-13-6; 4. 4-13-4; 5. 4-12-6. Under 5lb Alderney Record: 1. Tub Gurnard 1-6-0; 2. Cuckoo Wrasse 1-6-0; 3. Golden Grey Mullet 2-1-6; 4. Golden Grey Mullet 2-0-8; 5. Golden Grey Mullet 1-14-8. Over 5lb Alderney Record: 1. Tope 49-0-0; 2. Bull Huss 11lb 3oz; 3. Bull Huss 9-11-0; 4. Bull Huss 9-4-0; 5. Bull Huss 8-8-0. Garfish/Mackerel: 1. Garfish 1-0-2
28th October A tougher couple of days where Alderney hadn't produced the goods as it so often does until last night where improved catches of Conger, Huss and Sole (got three in my fridge, YIPPEE!! That means I got more by staying in rather than going out :-) ). Last night saw the bigger of the spring tides and that will make the difference if the weather allows the anglers to be able to get to the marks. Lots of hail showers with gusty winds making life more awkward than it needs to be, colder too. The other species that seem fairly abundant are Golden Greys. Best fish caught today that I have heard of though is a 6lb 3oz Wrasse and I have heard of Plaice and Coalfish caught. Below is how the board is shaping up (lb-oz-dr): Conger Eel: 1. 37-0-0; 2. 25-8-0 Couches Sea Bream: 1. 1-6-6; Ballan Wrasse: 1. 6-6-8; 2. 6-3-0 Black Bream: None yet over the qualifying qweight of 3lb!! Amazing! Plaice/Sole: None Bass: None?? Thick Lipped Mullet: 1. 5-1-12; 2. 4-15-12; 3. 4-13-6; 4. 4-13-4; 5. 4-12-6. Under 5lb Alderney Record: 1. Tub Gurnard 1-6-0; 2. Cuckoo Wrasse 1-6-0; 3. Golden Grey Mullet 2-0-8; 4. Golden Grey Mullet 1-14-8; 5. Golden Grey Mullet 1-13-2. Over 5lb Alderney Record: 1. Bull Huss 11lb 3oz; 2. Bull Huss 9-4-0; 3. Bull Huss 8-8-0; 4. Bull Huss 8-7-0; 5. Small Eyed Ray 7-6-0 Garfish/Mackerel: 1. Garfish 1-0-2 26th October Our annual Festival kicked off yesterday at 12.00pm, a good turnout with 110 anglers participating looking for those specimen fish in the 9 categories. Each category has species of fish with quite a high qualifying weight to attain before it can claim a place on the board, once done it gains the angler % points to add to their personal tally for the top angler of the week and if the fish remains in one of the top 5 places for that particular category then it will win a cash prize up to £150. Weather was good at the start but deteriorated quickly to a SW5-6 and increased through the night. Some good fish on the board already though, Huss of 8lb 8oz, Small Eyed of 7lb 6oz in the same category. In the under 5lb category there is a Golden Grey of 1lb 14oz, Cuckoo Wrasse of which I can't remember the weight, and a Tub Gurnard of 1lb 9oz. Two Mullet on the board, one of 4lb 13oz and another of 4lb 7oz. One Couches in their category of 1lb 6oz. On a personal note I've managed plenty of species including Black Bream, Pout, Ballans, Bass, Red Mullet and a Smut but no weighers.
17th October Dark nights helping the beaches to produce a few fish, the highlight though was a daylight 3lb 3oz Tub Gurnard caught by Paul Driver. That is a cracking fish, wish I was there to have seen it. Thick Lippeds caught at night as well plus Sole and Red Mullet, all bodes well for the start of our annual Festival which kicks off on the 25th. Despite my work load I have managed two boat trips since our last report. One day was spent in two halves, first for the Blondes of which we managed two and dropped another corker, so we need to up our gear unfortunately to 50lb class because the real biggies are just making mince meat of 30lb class tackle. Also managed a Bull Huss and some other bits and pieces. In the afternoon we had a lazy time drifting the banks for a flatty or two, not hot sport with just the one Brill for our effort but also a couple of small Bass and again other bits to keep the interest there. Took Fie out and she never beat me, makes a change! Just received a text from a mate of mine who has been out today and he has managed Turbot, Brill and Bass with all the fish between 4lb 12oz and 6lb 8oz, he was beaten by the missus! On my last report I mentioned about the Triggerfish that I caught whereby folk have said it tastes like chicken. Well it doesn't, but does have distinctive taste of its own. We had some guys staying with us that remarked it tasted like Dorado. The flesh when filleting did have a rubbery feel to it. 9th October Tradeshows are proving to be a bain for me which reduces free time available to get out, however given this run of weather I just had to go and get some lines wet and last night me as well! Wednesday evening saw me on a cliff mark fishing two rods with big bait and little bait. Too much moon reduced my chances but I did manage one small Bass around 2lb and on the last chuck lost something a bit half decent on my launce bait. Cracking evening though and a pleasure to be out. Last night three of us decided to get out in the kayaks and target a Tope. I was first on the beach on my todd and despite the flat conditions there was a bit of surge. this was the first time I have had to launch in those sort of conditions and yes I did get a bit wet. Undeterred, out I paddled to where I know there to be a bit of Tope sometimes. The first hour was poor, one bite missed but then it all started to go well. The first fish aboard was a Trigger which not only was a first in the kayak but a first ever. He was kept for the table as people keep telling me they taste like chicken which sounds weird but I shall let you know if it does! With that in the bag Dick and Matt had arrived after much laughter with the surf which I could here half a mile away and they set up close by. My next fish was a Corkwing and I was well on my to bashing out the species. Darkness fell and the anticipation grew for that Tope. Despite live and dead baits down of various species of fish no Tope was forthcoming. The smaller species came and went but when it went quite you felt as if something was lurking around so when Dick got a pick up on his flappered Mackerel we were all waiting for the screaming run as he set the hook. Thus he did but no screaming run but he did land after much amusement a 'scary' looking Bull Huss which at close quarters was biting everything in sight.
Fishing resumed and this time it was Matt's turn to latch in to a run which was well due after a couple of missed bites. Gently coaxing it towards the yak with no real fight it turned out to be an Eel which did react once it had Matt's headlight full on in its face and then peeled plenty of line of his reel. Fight on it took a few moments before the Eel was safely alongside and in Matt's own way was released before we could get a photo. That drew a conclusion to the evening and it was time to go. On a personal note I finished with 8 species which included the Trigger and Corkwing mentioned but also Pollack, Ballans, Pouts, Cuckoo Wrasse, Black Bream and, yes Dick it is being counted, a Scad :-)
3rd October The last few days action has deteriorated with the weather Very strong winds from the west which have now swung to NNW and a wee bit cooler too! The link below takes us back to last weekend and the perfect conditions we had, also puts Robson Green to shame. The photo was taken in 5 knots of tide on a rock well away from the island, extreme Bass fishing! www.cwgsy.net/private/toerag/extreme.jpg Back to this week though, since I last reported there has been a fair bit of Bass around the island on its shore marks, think I reported before that baits catching the better fish, guests staying with us managing one of the best fish caught at 9lb 11oz, another of similar size returned! Still all the species around mentioned previously just not so many. Bull Huss to 11lb, Conger to 28lb, Black Bream to 3lb, Mullet to 5lb and Bass all feature strongly with Red Gurnards, Sole, Couches Sea Bream still caught. Some lads trying to get out of the weather succeeded with some Golden Greys. Need weather a bit kinder to exploit some of the fishing potential that last weekend showed, cross fingers!
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