Mudeford , Dorset , England .

Well its been a few weeks since I last posted and although I have been out out a few times , its just been up the local estuary , as it has been a rather windy summer . 
But this last weekend there was a meet at Mudeford on the south coast of England ; .
On the south side of the harbour entrance the RNLI were having a fun day to raise money . On the south side a local kayak shop and ocean kayaks were putting on a demo where people could try out kayaks and paddles . We went and helped out and larked around  .

I arrived at midday Friday and after getting a second mortgage paid the parking fee :-X . I worked out where the demo was and got my yak ready for the paddle across .

people were shoulder to shoulder catching crabs from the quay .




The beach in front of the huts was busy with strollers , dog walkers and yakers . It was great to be greeted by smiling faces and friendly banter . The sun was shinning and people were trying out all the different kayaks , the sprinter was popular for a try out .






As the evening drew in we discussed whether to go fishing or go to the pub ..........we went to the pub : . After a few beers and a chin wag we departed to our respective accommodation , Luxury B&B for Mr and Mrs Lureman ;D , an old estate car with a lilo in the back for me :-/ .
The next morning dawned drizzly and overcast but that did not stop a determined and growing band of yakers , trying out yet more kayaks and larking about .
Hungryfisherman decided to have a go at the sprinter , we all assembled on the beach and shouted useful comments . ;D :





After all the larking about lunchtime arrived and the serious business of a fishing competition came up . We all assembled on the beach and were told the rules : first one to paddle out catch a mackerel and get back to the beach



here was a Le Mans style start and we all headed off into mountainous seas and hurricane force winds in an effort to win the top prize . I am not sure what the top prize was but I am sure it was fabulous and more than worth the effort involved .



I believe richi had a couple of mackies but disqualified himself , so the fabulous prizes will roll over to next year .
Once again as evening drew in we discussed whether to go to the pub or go fishing , this time fishing won out ! Richi had regaled us with tales of conger like pythons and bass of legendary size The tides were perfect and the weather had calmed right down ....of course we went to the pub and had a beer and a burger first ;D .
It was an easy paddle out as the sun set behind the beach huts and the lights began to appear on the shore . Bournemouth to the right , Isle of Wight to the left .
We tied up on to some pot buoys and lowered our baits . Andy was getting bream and pout on feathers tipped with squid .

Andy bent into a pout .



I managed a doggie and then hooked something bigger I got it off the bottom but then it was gone .
Andy shouted he was in and then swore a lot as the conger made its bid for freedom . He brought it to the surface and got it on board as richi came over to take some photos .



The beast was released and we got back to fishing . I reeled in and although there was no kicking from a fish there was a weight . A lobster came the surface my first ;D



By now the wind was getting up and it was time to head back , the paddle along the coast was easy but once we got to the harbour entrance it was a different story . The tide was ebbing out strongly and regular paddling only made painfully slow progress . It was time to up the tempo to ramming speed . My arms were whirling like a dervishes as we pulled slowly into the entrance , eventually we passed the disturbed water inside the entrance and got to the slip . I don't mind telling you I was knackered . I slept well !
The next day was sunny and warm but still breezy . Again we played on yaks talked rigging and fishing and at one point even dragged the yaks over the spit and tried to catch some . I caught a baby pollack .
Soon it was time to say goodbye to everybody and head home . It was a fun weekend and I look forwards to next year .

Always enjoy your reports, keep'em coming,  pouts, congers, lobster, sounds like some interesting fish'n.

Yes!!

Conger eels rule.

Thanks for the report.

crazy looking eel. hows it taste?

great report,always nice to see fishing from elsewhere, thanks cameron

Love to see yak fishing report from oversea.  Thank you for the wonderful report, pictures, and video!

Very fine report, old boy.   

great report,always nice to see fishing from elsewhere, thanks cameron

I have eaten Conger in South America, and maybe it was just the eatery, but it was bony and greasy.

Thanks for the positive feedback guys  I know some people eat Conger but its not renown for its qualities as a top ingredient . So they go back to grow into 100 lb plus monsters . There are a couple more big meets this year and I will be sure to put up some posts telling you all about them .     

Thanks for the report.  We will rule the world with 1 kayak at a time.

Calling Northern Boy!

Great report Toby. Thanks for showing us "the other side" of the pond.
PK

Always a treat to hear fishing reports from far away  Keep 'em comin mueller