NCKA (UK). St Brides Bay. Sept 27 2009

Hey, NB, nice report - that's a cool spot.  What's one of the bigger target species for you along that coastline?  Black Marlin?...

 

  Awesome report, love the great writing!  Pictures told a great story too.  Really enjoyed it and please keep sending them!  J and L

That is awesome man, great report and I never thought Wales would look like that!

Hi Phil & Lisa,

Good to hear from you folks and that you're back OTW catching fish.  I was wondering what kind of fish lived in the waters in the UK and in Ireland.  We're looking forward to when you can make it back out to NorCal.  Sorry I didn't know you worked one floor below me until you went back to the UK.  We could have had many amusing lunches at the Public Market.  BTW the Crepe booth sold out and there's an Italian Panini sandwich, pizza by the slice vendor there now. 

I'm over the pond about once a quarter but from LHR I only get as far West as Swindon.  If you see rental cars with the left side wheels all scrapped up, I was probably behind the wheel...lol.

Gary

Thanks for all the kind words folks. It is really, really good to be home, but the one thing I've really missed is rockfishing on the yak with you guys  . Well, that and mexican food.

The cod I put back because they're incredibly overfished. It seems there are still plenty about, but at a fraction of the historical abundance. Mark Kurlanskys book is a very informative account of how cod fishing changed the face of the planet (example; the US was apparently discovered long before Columbus; by cod fishermen. They kept it to themselves so other countries wouldn't plunder their fishing grounds. Spot burning was around even in the 14th century).

Eric...... big species...... hmmmm......
Although there appear to be plenty of fish here, it seems they're, on the whole, smaller than in California. The biggest target species are Tope (Soupfin sharks basically) and the mighty conger eel. I'll have a crack at them soon.

West wales is indeed very pretty. I'll be sure to post more pics when I get out again.

NB.

Glad you're back OTW.  I can see it in your smile on the last picture!  Thank you for the great report and pictures.  I'm not too far from you right now (Netherlands)

Thanks for checking in, Phil. We miss ya buddy!

Phil -

nice report as always. What happened to your urban camo drifter? You just don't look right in the orange scrambler.  Those cod make great fish and chips.

Scott

Well, that and mexican food.

The cod I put back because they're incredibly overfished. It seems there are still plenty about, but at a fraction of the historical abundance. Mark Kurlanskys book is a very informative account of how cod fishing changed the face of the planet (example; the US was apparently discovered long before Columbus; by cod fishermen. They kept it to themselves so other countries wouldn't plunder their fishing grounds. Spot burning was around even in the 14th century).

Cool. Very interesting to see species from other parts of the world. Keep those reports coming. I'll second your recommendation on 'Cod'. Awesome book. It really is amazing how 1 valuable resource can shape history. Have you read his other book 'Salt'? Supposedly similar but I haven't gotten to it yet.

And I hear you on the Mexican food. I lived in Ireland for a year and Mexican food was the major thing I missed.

Very cool report NB! Love the variety of species, and the thorough documentation!
Beautiful coastline. The water looks a bit sloppy, but maybe that's just the perspective?

Now I'm all hungry for battered fish & malt vinegar.....

Phil

I've been waiting for a report from you for such a longtime now. I was so happy to read this. Glad all is well my friend. Great to know you are back on the plastic paddling around.

Looking forward to one day fishing you & Lisa again.

Ariel

Bloody good show ol' chap!

hey Phil, will you be my yakpilot for a swim across the English Channel?  I'm sure you could troll up something interesting during the 22+ mi crossing! 

 

wtf, a triggerfish...can't get over that!  El Nino??

So Kool to hear from ya again NB!!!!   

 Been watching this show called " Worlds Coast Lines from above... "  HDtheater...

 shows some really interesting shorelines of GB I would have never thought existed there

 Looks like your still in Fish and chips...

great to hear from you Phil! Way to go grocery shopping! Ive also got a backyard flock going. Nothing like fresh eggs. Funny thing is ive also been doing a bunch of mackrel fishing. Miss ya. keep the posts coming.