Southbourne 12/12/09

[Overrun]

How quickly the year comes around, once again it was time to meet the local shore forum for a chat and a fish. Launched just on dusk at Southbourne, having spied another Kayak with sail about a mile off. So many layers on could hardly twist around to access the crate. Wind died away to 5kn as last of the light faded. Headed over to Double Dykes and rough ground, anchored off and called Richie up on the VHF, no reply, set about fishing. First up was a Pout on the Whiting rig , closely followed by a reasonable Whiting on the Cod rig , another Pout on the Whiting rig and Richie appeared.

 

No fishing for Richie, he recounted the grisely tale of dislocating his finger on launch, had been sailing around to take his mind off the pain! We decided to head over to the shore meet.

 

I hate beach landings in the dark. Closer to the shore than intended, very nearly came a cropper while hanging about waiting for the right moment. Not pretty but pride intact, sideways up the beach with one leg over the side. Chatted to the guys&gals from the shore forum and blagged a cup of tea from Lucky Rich. Must have spent an hour there, feet getting cold and feeling wet. Back to the Yaks and there was a bigger wave every so often, launch timed OK we were away without incident. Richie not fussed about fishing and my feet were not warming so we headed home. Perfect landing this time, right on the back of a wave.

 

Back at the cars and loaded-up, dry suit off, feet soaking wet . Checked today and both latex socks have split across the heel. Can't complain as the suit has done 150+ trips over 3 years.

 

So that's very nearly it for another year (and what a year!), still wanting a Needles Cod and here's hoping we can pack-in a few more trips before the new year.

 

Cheers

James