Some weeks ago Tony had booked up to take anglers out from Penarth on Thursday 24th. The anglers were taking part in the Annual Boat Fishing Competition of the National Police Sea Angling Clubs. Some 18-19 boats were booked – and each boat was to have eight serving or retired officers.
Tony decided we’d run down to Penarth the day before, via Aberthaw. We set of on Wednesday morning at 1000; accompanied by Enterprise, Trust Me and Solemate 2.
Dave in the Enterprise shot off west, leaving the other three in convoy. As we got past the islands the wind and weather changed, it cut up rough!!
Solemate 2 and Trust Me - heavy seas! :P
Discretion being the better part of valour the three skippers had a quick chat and decided to fish just off Penarth. Flat seas and sunshine!
"Reel" Fun ;)
The quick run into Penarth followed, a few beers in Cardiff, a few more on the Enterprise, and a sleeping bag on the boat!
On the morning of the competition each boat had eight anglers, from different police teams. On the Optimist we had lads from Kent, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, the Met (Heathrow Airport), Northern Constabulary, Northumbria and (apologies to the one I have forgotten!)
A busy lock!
We headed out at 0830, and headed to a mark just off Barry. A few fish followed – a good start to the day. Then it went a bit quiet so a gentle run down to Rhoose.
Steve (Scooby-Doo-Too) looks for fish! :D :P
Fishing was good, then quiet, then good all day! The sun shone, everyone caught fish, some more than others! At the end of the six-hour session allowed by the comp rules we’d had:
25 dogs, 14 blonde rays (to around 15 Lbs), a spotted ray, a conger, a cod, four whiting, four pout. I think our team ended the day on 244 points, and possibly were second in the overall contest…. Rumour has it that Ruby D had the winning team, but I suspect Paul cheated! ;)
Jas Baines - not bad for his fish fish of the day!
Greg Fright's Blondie.
Owen Anthony's Blondie.
Ran back into Penarth, discharged our “guests” all of whom had good smiles and peeling noses (suntan!). The tale of one that got away was still being told. (Greg had a fish break 30-pound braid – after playing it for 10 minutes or so….)
We then turned round and headed back to Posset – accompanied by Enterprise. Couldn’t resist the photo! Flat seas and sunshine again!
Great to see Steve and Dan (Scooby-Doo-Too) on Thursday - last time I was out with you I lost my teeth! :D
Thanks to Tony for the opportunity to crew this one, to all the other skippers for the great company. Thanks especially to our “coppers” Greg, Owen, Kevin, John, Alan, Jas, Nigel and Tom for the great day – hope to see you all again at some point, but hopefully not in your normal line of duty! B)
