Tuesday August 2010
With my exploits in Norway now all finished, it's great for me to now dedicate 100% on Wight Huntress and business here at home.
August has been a blowy month, now we are looking forward to a settled September with many exiting trips planned to make the most of the remainder of the season. We have some trips lined up after Bass with livebaits and evening Sole trips, aswell as regular inshore and offshore trips after big Rays and Congers to make the most of the late summer before we start to think about the invading cod. Watch out for the picture updates!
I am really pleased with the last few features that I have written for Total Sea Fishing magazine, just published was the Tope article and next is the Conger article.....
We still have the odd weekend date available for September too!
Friday 9th July 2010
This Spring early summer has produced some great fishing as we have been really enjoyed some lovely weather. The Bream arrived a little late but in big numbers although the really bugguns didn't turn up the average size was up! The smoothound sport has also been really good this year with plenty of nice big fish in the 15-20lb bracket! Other great catches include some cracking Rays, Undulates and Blondes aswell as the odd bonus nice Bass!
Wight Huntress has undergone major engine work throughout this period and is now running better than ever!!!
Most weekends are booked up now until the end of September although we do have plenty of weekdays available for charter. We will soon be advertising evening trips from the end of September for Sole fishing, these trips proved to be very popular last year.
October sees the beginning of the Cod season, bookings are now being taken for these lunkers!
We have also had several trips with Barney editor of Total Sea Fishing Magazine, which produced some great articles, this month we cover Plaice fishing, watch out for a superb Tope piece in a couple of months then Congers from wrecks!
Tuesday 16th February 2010
Well what a really busy time it's been for us lately, unfortunately we haven't been fishing but instead working on the boat. The cod fishing really tailed off mid-January this year so rather than have a few more trips in the freezing cold searching for decent fish I decided to lift the boat early and crack on with the work! We brought her ashore at Foulkes' Boatyard on the river Hamble at Swanwick. Some of you may have seen her from the M27 or A27, propped up in all her glory, it was also nice to meet a few faces who came over to say hi! It sure was hard working in this cold weather but we managed to get all of the work finished over 3 weeks, including fitting new Radar, GPS, lots of polishing and painting getting ready for the new season. It sure was great to cruise back along the Solent, she seemed to love being clean and flew along with just me and Reg and half a tank of fuel , Great stuff!!!
So with the boat now moored at Langstone we are all ready to go. As many of you know I am off to Norway next week, leaving the boat in well capable hands of good friend and qualified skipper Keith Plumeridge (and Reg to keep an eye!) I will be listing some individual dates today, the first trip is on Wed 10th March 2010 for Plaice and early Smoothounds/Rays. I will be leaving my phone with Keith so he can be contacted on my number or you can email me. I will be away til mid May but back and forth in between and available to run a few trips if required.
Those of you guys that have become regulars will know that I really want to look after you and make sure that you have the opportunity to get fishing when you want, so guys please be aware that weekend dates in particular are getting well booked up already, so please try to plan ahead to avaoid dissappointment.
TOTAL SEA FISHING MAGAZINE
We are now ahead of ourselves, my first article of the new series was in the shops last month, Great Cod piece with regular angler Simon LUSH making the front page with one of his Cod! Nice one !!! This month I have written a piece about using the different types of Crabs as bait in anticipation of the Spring peeling season and arrival of the Smoothounds in March, so No Excuses for not getting it right!!! Next month sees the first of a 2 part series all about catching Bream and how to "really do it"!
Wednesday 6th January 2010
We have now moved into our new home joining the charter fleet at Langstone Harbour. Not as luxurious as my previous marina mooring with walk on access and power, fresh water etc But it does feel really good to be joining this busy charter port. I have to admit to being a little nervous on my first day (felt like being the new boy at school), but thanks to the already established skippers of Langstone that have been so helpful, making me feel welcome, Cheers Guys!
On the fishing front, the freezing weather has continued into the new year with most of the country now covered in snow. Recent trips in the cold have continued to produce the same quality Whiting, the Cod are still around in numbers too! Recently some really big fish have been caught, the biggest I've heard of is over 32lb, also a couple of others over the magic 30lbs!! The weather looks to remain the same for the next couple of weeks meaning that we should be able to get out after these really big fish. I have listed a couple of extra weekends for individuals with this in mind. The boat is still available on several good tides midweek too if you fancy it- give us a ring!
I have continued to develop the website, trying to make it interesting , informative and user friendly. I am always interested in your views, - good or bad! My plan is to add tackle/fishing tips etc similar to my magazine articles, also to video a simple leader knot and to add that to the site! It is the most common request on board for me to tie the leaders and explain about them, I actually really don't mind at all as it is important and I know that most of you would like to practice it at home.
Whilst on this subject, I will be writing regular features for Total Sea Fishing Magazine during 2010, I really want to write new articles that you anglers want to read, so if you have ideas please let me know!!
Monday 28th December 2009
Our first trip out after christmas was another biting cold Winter's day, it was though well worth the effort for the guys on board. We had good fish from the start with a nice Small eyed Ray and then two cod in the first 15 minutes, great stuff! Here's Clive with the 2nd Cod at 14lb!
The action continued throughout the ebb tide with four more Cod, the biggest going 18lbs together with plenty of Whiting up to 2.5lbs!
It's great to see that there are still Cod about as we approach January minds are now on the fish of a lifetime as it's this part of the season when the really big Cod are caught. Over the christmas period several cod in the 25lb size bracket have been caught in the area and at least one 30lb fish! Let's hope that we get to see one of these monsters over the next couple of weeks.
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Monday 21st December 2009
Freezing weather now, very seasonal, cold but we have had a good run of mainly gentle winds allowing us to get out. The fishing has slowed a little for the Big Cod, as its been tough to get too far offshore to target the 'bigguns', but the Cod seem to have spread about and moved inshore and can be found on most marks. The Congers too have now moved away so any big baits that we put down are left for the Cod. The Whiting fishing has been really good on many marks with catches of 2lb plus fish taking cod baits.
I am thinking of starting a hall of fame page to the website, most trips produce some good catches or material to make us laugh, but one of my new found regulars is on a 'hatrick' of Cod. Yes step forward Nick Steele, 3 trips in a row Nick has caught at least one Cod. Today's fish at 10lb was long and lean....
It was tough fishing today in freezng rain and wind so fair play to all you guys that stuck it out!
Today we had Barney from Total Sea Fishing magazine out with us, unfortunately the conditions weren't great for a photo piece, but Barney did let on that January's Magazine will have one of our regulars on the front cover with his cod, caught on the November trip. (whoops, sorry Barney, it wasn't a secret was it?)
For the rest of the Winter season we will be continuing to run these Cod/Whiting trips until mid January. Then we will be winding down, the boat will be lifted for a few weeks for her anual work/improvements and then we will be moving to Langstone.
So for now watch out for individual trips over the holidays and have a great christmas.
Friday 11th December '09
Well finally those Atlantic winds have calmed, with the wind now moving around to the colder North/Easterly we can get fishing.
We've had a few trips lately with the cod still around and small conger now moving in on the cod baits.
Barry FINALLY bags one! Well done mate nice looking fish too!
Andy's bait-robbing Conger!
Lots of Cod are still being dropped too I'm afraid, I believe that the main reason is that the hooks being used are either too small or not sharp enough! Please remeber guys these fish have huge mouths, so I prefer to use 8/0-10/0 hooks, good quality too! Not the bronze type that get blunt really quick! Regulars will now that I feel passionate about this, I hate seeing lost Cod, I will always gladly help on traces hooks etc
That's it for now.....
I have added some new individual dates to the website page, still trying to encourage the kids I am offering £10 each when accompanied by an adult over the hols, with free tackle available too!
Tuesday 24th November 09
An unbelievable few weeks! Crazy weather we are having, we haven't been to sea for exactly 2 weeks with constant storms, such a shame as our last day afloat was our best Cod session so far this season. Also onboard for the day was Barney Wright, editor of Total Sea Fishing Magazine. The plan was to do a Cod feature to include tips from me on rigs, bait etc but also to show the anglers catching and fishing. The day couldn't have gone better as we were in to Cod from the off, with plenty of good channel whiting too! In total we had 11 Cod with a few dropped, all from 6lb -11lbs! Incidentally a 6lber had a whole large cuttle inside! Barney took the pics and I have written the words, hopefully it will be out in December 09, with a new feature every month to follow.
Happy anglers (and skipper as Cod count hits 8!)
Barney is a hard task master, he insists on the perfect shot!
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Sunday 25th October 09
The past couple of weeks has been a busy time aboard Wight Huntress. We had our first evening sole trip. These are 4 hour trips fishing shallow marks in the Solent. All in all a busy few hours with plenty of fish coming on board. We had five Soles, the biggest going 1lb 12oz, also small Bass, Doggies, Pouting and Silver Eels. I will try to do at least one more of these trips soon.
Cod fishing continues to progress as winter approaches, although we still can't beat the biggest so far at 19lbs. For these trips we like to use Big Baits and tough terminal tackle. I like to use a pennel rig of hooks from 6/0-10/0 on 100lb hook line. For mainline it's 40lb braid with a ten foot leader of 60lb line. It really is possible to catch fish from 20lbs even up to 30lbs in weight, these are really big strong fish and have teeth, they can easily part any lighter line in a strong tide. If you are lucky enough to hook one of these 'biggies' you will be glad of this tough tackle and give yourself the best chance of getting her aboard! Regular anglers will know that I am always more than happy to help you get your set-up right to give you the best chance of success!
We have a busy week ahead looking to get on the Cod every day, I will update the website with any big fish caught, fingers crossed and tight lines!!!
Monday 12th October 09
The recent world championships were as hard as ever, despite Team England spending a total of 2 weeks at the venue for practice aswell as the actual 3 day event we were little dissappointed with our 5th/18 position. This is though fishing at the highest level and this was possibley for me the hardest event so far. Our Thanks go to Fladden UK and also Anchor weights, thanks also to Sport England whoever you are for absolutely NO support! Shame on you, can you believe a national England team in such a popular sport/hobby as sea angling with NO official support, well I can't! For me this will be my last event as I really need to devote all of my time and energy on my charter business. I was lucky and privaleged to fish the last day next to the overall winner, Marco Volpi, team Italy. This guy is a supreme angler, 4 times world champion is incredible, its from these guys that we learn and in turn pass new techniques on to many other UK anglers, on this day I caught 85 fish which you may think is OK in 5 hours, but Volpi caught 235 fish in the same time fishing next to me!!!!!!But now back to business, and its all about COD,
Wed 2nd September '09
When I started my first blog I promised not to moan about the weather, so I won't moan about the constant strong winds that have blown in from the Atlantic during the whole of August. Such a shame as most trips were cancelled or forced inshore.
So looking ahead to Septmeber as the days shorten the fish seem to wake up and fishing improves. We will be looking to fish the banks at 16 miles for the Big Blonde Rays and Bass. I will also be looking at re-scheduling the wrecking trips that were victims to these August winds. It is also time to target Sole during the September evenings. These fish sit buried during the day and come out of the sand when it gets dark to feed on worms. Individuals and groups interested in these trips please get in touch, we can also provide perfect bait! Anglers are already asking about Cod fishing. This starts properly next month when the BIG Cod move arrive in our local waters around the Nab. I have introduced a Cod page to the website which I will update more later to include catches and fishing tips. Most people want to fish weekends, I do have a few weekends free but they will go so you will need to book!
I myself am leaving for France this weekend with The England Team to compete in this years World Championships. My good friend and qualified skipper Keith Plumridge will be skippering Wight Huntress whilst I am away with Reg to assist.
Glen
Mon 27th July '09
July brought with it winds and some rain restricting me inshore on most trips. I have had a couple of trips to inshore wrecks (within 20 miles) lots and lots of congers, biggest so far going 60lbs, really strong fish and a great introduction for newer anglers to these powerful fish! For many these are the first fish that they have hooked where the fish actually fights back!! I also helped run the annual Combined Armed Services V UK Police Competition, a serious competition this one with England anglers in both teams aswel as other really top class anglers.We had strong southerly winds on both days but still managed to use the shelter of the Isle of Wight to provide lots os fish all day long. Thanks to the other 3 boats, Predator, Dawn Venture and Optimist. The Combined Services won again and Wight Huntress was delighted to be awarded top boat.
At the moment I am in Norway for the week researching a new venture here involving chartering. The fishing here is quite incredible, having traveled all day Saturday I jumped aboard a boat as soon as I arrived to fish the glorious midnight sun. It really doesn't get dark here at all at this time of year. As usual the fishing was amazing with plenty of Cod, 3 of which weighed 30lbs!!!!! Big Coalfish and other species making a great first night!
Tight Lines for now
Glen
Friday 3rd July '09
As the weather continues to look after us we have had another busy few weeks, the mackerel are still here in numbers feeding frantically on the surface, chasing the fry fish, an amazing sight as the water explodes around the boat!! The tope are also in numbers south of the nab and great fun too!
Recently I had my first try at fly fishing, really excitting stuff as we caught small Bass and mackerel, if only they grew a little bigger!!!! I'm now really looking into progressing that side of sea angling, today I fitted out my very first ever fly rod and reel, so with some new Bass feathers look out for me on the Bow of the boat, I really mean look out as my casting is not so good!
Recent trips have produced an unusually large amount of Undulate Rays too, most around 10lbs, the biggest being Chris Seymour's 12.5lber! Lovely fish with superb markings. We went wrecking yesterday with Roger Mortimore from Total Sea Fishing Magazine and the I.B.A.C club, all round good anglers producing a decent Pollack catch on wrecks 2 hours from port. These fish were generally about 7lbs, the most productive lures were sidewinders and BLACK JELLY WORMS WITH RED TAILS!!!! Those jelly worms are in my opinion one of the best all round Pollack lures, they work inshore and on wrecks, they are the lures that I used for 3 days when I won the European Champs in 2003.
Monday 22nd June '09
Somebody up there must be looking after us because the weather since my last report has continued to be in our favour, with just the odd trip confined inshore. Lately it has been the Tope action that has stolen all the headlines with loads of fish showing. There are so many fish in the 15-30lb range that we've struggled to get back amongst the biggies. We are also taking them on the Bass baits whilst drifting the banks, great sport if they are lip hooked!
Fish of the month so far goes to Trevor Willoughby with a superb 12.5lb Pollack taken on feathers, after his baited feathers were bitten off several times by Tope the anglers really gave him some stick to finally get one to the boat, bit it was no Tope that emerged, instead this clonker of a Pollack!!! Well played Trevor!
Decent Bream are still around if we can manage to avoid the many small 8" fish, Mackerel are now around sometimes in absolutely massive shoals, as big as I have ever seen! An incredible sight as they chase the small fry fish with the sea surface boiling all around our boat!
Finally its Bass that we are now looking towards, quite a few fish showing inshore to fresh Mackerel baits, the bigger fish will be further offshore so we plan soon to go for them too!
Friday 5th June '09
What a great week this has been, we started the week with two long days researching various marks. These trips were emailed to those that requested joining my email list as ' late notice specials' For just 2 anglers so that there would be plenty of room, I was also joined by fellow England International Ray Barron and the idea was that we would both fish. The trips were 12hrs and indeed a great opportunity.
We visited wrecks, banks, pinnacles and reefs looking for quality fish within reasonable traveling distance, so how about these two Tope, the biggest at 50lb..... just a couple of 10 fish all over 25lbs within a single hour!
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Or how about this 40lb Conger Eel, Angler Max Van Buttle's first ever!!
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With plenty more Congers and Pollack on Wednesday it was great stuff!
Read a more detailed report in Total Sea Fishing Magazine.
Monday 1st June '09
Wow, I can't believe that it has been over a month since I last 'b'logged'! Well what a month May was, starting with a trip for the Dorset Police on the 1st which produced Bream and Smoothounds. Then later that same evening I received an offer of 3 weeks skippering work in of all places Northern Norway!!!! So off I went early Sat morning leaving my good friend -Keith Plumridge to Skipper Wight Huntress.
For me it was actually I well needed break, the last 6 months have been a busy, hectic and somewhat stressful time as I begin my new career. So all of a sudden there I was in the Arctic driving a superb vessel , 
'Spirit of Lyngen' as transport for skiers at a 5 star resort in the Fjords! Wow! With plenty of time for me to pirk for the cod it was indeed a privilege for me. Have a look at www.lyngenlodge.com.
Back home Keith continued to provide the anglers with great Smoothound and Bream fishing
Here's Alan Akhurst with i nice double figure 'hound whilst out with Keith.
Thanks to Keith for looking after the boat and anglers so well!!
So on my return straight back into the helm and once again looking to make the most of these early Bream and 'Hounds, nice fish are starting to show to 18lb smoothounds and Tope to 30lb.
Aside from these charters I have also been really busy continuing to try to develop this website, (please remember I'm a fisherman not a computer wizard), Still trying to master the group email messages for those that wish to receive newsletters etc
Today I sent out an email to you guys inviting the first couple to respond only to my exploration trips tomorrow and Wednesday. We will be looking at wrecks, rough ground and banks for quality fish like Bass, Tope, Congers, Cod and Pollock. So tomorrow we are set to leave at 0700hrs for a 16hr trip, and the same on Wednesday. The idea is for me to get a good up to date picture of how some of my established wrecks and marks are fishing and to also find some new ones, these are research trips, not for profit, anything could turn up...that's the excitting part!!! Watch this space.......
Saturday 25th April '09
With a fair wind blowing today I am busily using this time to continue to develop my website. One of my first jobs is to try and develop a more 'skipper friendly' blog system. So I've trashed the old one and now to plan 'B'!
OK, so lets start with the past few weeks, in general the weather has been pretty good in April with most trips getting afloat. Fantastic to see the Smoothounds continue to really move in with lots and lots of fish to 12lb so far, ( unless you are with the RAF, more of that later), best baits as always are crab, any crab will do. I do have pots down for free bait, hardbacks and velvet crabs.
Welcome to Reg, my new crew mate, recent anglers aboard will have met Reg who has taken over as 1st mate and ship's cook providing great sausage/bacon rolls and Tea etc
Then the Bream followed the hounds and really started to show from about the second week onwards. These are big fish from 1-4lbs in weight. Normally I would find these early fish to crash bang the baits but recently they have been slightly shy. Certainly using a Bream quiver tip rod together with perfect bait presentation can make the difference between blanking and filling up!
Last week I enjoyed the company of five guys from the RAF. Having just spent 2 months in Afghanistan these boys were here to chill and relax. We all had a great time catching plenty of fish except for Smoothounds, for some reason the hounds didn't want to play for the boys. Well done guys Reg and I really enjoyed your visit!
Other news...
INDIVIDUALS... as it seems there are quite a few individuals or small groups looking to come fishing I am organizing a group email system to inform you of upcoming trips, if any anglers wish to be added to the list the simply drop me an email.
So for now with the weather warming all of the time some Mackerel are showing, the Smoothounds will be getting much bigger soon with 20lb fish around the corner. This is a great time of year down here as the fishing gets really good. If you are interested in a booking or for info ring me anytime.