Issue No. 71 December 2007 - January 2008 Page 23
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A truly memorable day – Thursday July 21 1988 (Part Two) We were all rigged up basically the same on the boat: Uptiders with 6-8oz weights, no wire traces but 100lb mono, carbon hooks (they rust if any fish broke us up), main line (but with a good lever drag reel) was only 20-25lb because we knew it was only a maximum of twenty feet deep plus no rocks in the entire bay. It was very sporting equipment for fish that go in excess of 60 pounds and have a lot of nasty teeth. Sunday’s trip started with a succession of Dogfish mostly taken on Mackerel which we had obtained from Godley’s freezers, until within thirty minutes George Ledwidge was into the Club’s first ever Monkfish at 38lb. Skipper Colin tailed this aboard (along with every other Monkfish on the holiday-no gaffs were ever used). Yours truly followed quickly with my first ever of the species at 40lbs. I’d hardly landed this before George was into his second at 46lb. Right at the end I landed my second at 38lb. What we had learned from our first encounter with the Monks was that if you put extreme pressure on them from the start you were going to be into a long hard battle, alternatively if you let them do what they wanted to do, and because they hadn’t realised they were hooked, you could gently coax them to the surface. When they came aboard all hell would then break loose, as they thrashed around the deck continually snapping their vast jaws together. Those who have heard it will never ever forget it! One tended to keep out of the way! It was blowing a hoolie on the Monday and despite going out at 10.30 the trip was abandoned four hours later, as the boat drifted continually in the wind due to too light an anchor. It gave Colin and myself the excuse to go to Tralee, although I couldn’t seem to work out why Colin thought he might buy a heavier one in any of the six bars we frequented! What I did miss however was Geoff Cross landing a superb 32lb Stingray on squid off the pier. Just six fish were caught the following day in similar conditions and everyone was getting a little bit glum, however on the pier that night saw a few Dogfish as well as Roger landing the Club’s first ever Undulate Ray at 5lb 3oz. I shook things up on the Wednesday with an early 7.30 a.m start in a desperate bid to get us out of the worrying slump. Sadly with the appalling result of just two Dogfish and two Thornbacks all day amongst the six anglers I felt stumped. However I arranged two sessions (either side of dinner) on the pier as for the first time the wind dropped and we saw the sun. Alan Taylor on the strength of hitting four Undulates before and two Dogfish after dinner, ultimately made his worst ever decision when he decided not to come out on the boat next day and was going to fish off the pier. The rest also caught a few fish that evening as well – I had two Undulates and a Dogfish for instance, everyone felt optimistic that things were improving. It was, I felt, the last throw of the dice when I contacted Colin to tell him we wanted to start at 2.00 pm on the Thursday - Club trip No:121. Dave Brown – Secretary Breakaways SAC Anyone interested in information on the fishing/accommodation etc in the venues of: Westport, Co.Mayo; Crosshaven, Co.Cork and Fenit, Co.Kerry give me a ring on 01832-293582 Sawtry & District Bowling Club The end of November brings the end of a club year and the start of the new one; the time of the year when changes are made - but more of that later. Last November saw members working on the early stages of the extension to the Clubhouse, with not a little uncertainty on how it would work out! This year we see the proof that we made the right decision. The improvement to the premises, together with Mick Rayson's honour to serve as President of Hunts B.F., resulted in more events at the Club with a consequent benefit to the finances, as mentioned by the treasurer at the AGM; and next year is showing a similar pattern. We currently have five County Matches scheduled - three EBF Newton Trophy and two EBA matches. I am sure that club members will support these events as enthusiastically as they did last year! The beginning of November saw our annual Presentation Dinner/Dance at the college - as always it was well attended by over 100 members and guests, who, without exception seemed to enjoy the evening. Kevin once again excelled as the MC for the evening, with his usual brand of humorous commentary - the hightlight of the evening was the attendance of 'Captain Birdseye', to pick up the Over 60's Singles Cup - we trust that he will return to pick up any trophies that he may win next year!! This year’s AGM was held in the Clubhouse, and several changes were made to the Club Management team; both the Club Secretary and the Ladies Secretary decided to step down this year - Mick Rayson will take the post of Club Secretary and Maureen Urwin will be the Ladies Secretary. They will both do excellent jobs, particularly Mick, who served for many years before my term in office. The new President will be Roy Bennett, who will carry on the great work he has done as Chairman. Now that we have a comfortable (and warm) Clubhouse, many social events are planned for the winter months. The immediate ones are:-
1st December - Bingo Night; These evenings are open to all social members and friends, and the bar will be open on all occasions; all we need to make these evenings a success is your presence!! We hope to see many of you at these events - they always result in fun evenings and are enjoyed by those who attend. Finally - A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! KIP - 01832 293599 |