omega2
Well-Known Member
BLUE FOX
Following that horrible episode I spoke to Pete about maybe getting a bigger boat, one with a cabin and facilities for cooking and even sleeping on board, he agreed immediately and the search was on.
Looking for a boat is easy, finding one is another ball game, and we looked at a right load of rubbish before I found an advert in the Exchange and Mart, 26foot Tremlett, 180 diesel £10,000, will part exchange for smaller boat on trailer, just the deal we were looking for. To cut a long story short we parted with the Waltham Angler and £4.000 cash and became the new owners of the Blue Fox.
We spent a little time at the marina fixing a gearbox leak and then put her in the water, we knew she was fast but we were really pleased with the way she rode in the short seas of the Thames estuary. Jim and his brothers spent a lot of time with us during that summer and we had many days of excellent fishing. As stated the Fox had a 180hp Sabre diesel driving through a Borg Warner 1.1 gearbox, and then to a Sternpower outdrive throwing a 20x19 prop, and when pulling 2450 revs she was doing better than 25 knots. Unfortunately that outdrive was her Achilles heel and caused us much grief over the time we owned her.
A letter arrived in December it was from Steve Woods, strange he usually phones, “Dear, John, Sorry I must cancel your booking in May next year I will be in hospital having my back sorted.” Regards Steve. Frantic phone calls made to the team “What shall we do?” most were upset but Jim came up with a solution.
Next day I phoned Steve and after a short conversation we were on again, he agreed to rent his boat to us for the week, and supply his son Richard as a deck hand. Pete and I bought charts of Luce Bay and set to planning the week, we had agreed not to go round the Mull, but we found quite a few likely looking marks and had a successful week. Arthur was still on top form at the pub as well and we were fed and watered excellently. Every morning at the harbour we found the Elizabeth C ready to go, Steve’s lad on occasion was not with us, but we went anyway, and had no problems at all, except for Pete and I having our usual differences as to where we really were, but the Southern end of Luce Bay is a hard place to get lost, West is Drummore, East is Whitehorn, South is the Isle Of Man, and North is nowhere. The tides were a bit awkward that year and we were unable to enter the harbour on our return so we were obliged to use the dinghy to get ashore having left the boat on its mooring. The dinghy was a 21 foot Orkney with a 10 horse outboard and we were able to disembark in two runs leaving the Longliner well up the beach so that Richard could bring “Lizzy” round when the tide allowed. The week went really quickly and the weather held good for us.
Arthur was making noises about selling the pub and Jim started making noises about buying it from him, it sounded like a good idea as there were several outhouses attached to the property ready to be converted into holiday flats, the local council were very obliging in listening to our plans for a sailing, fishing, and wind surfing centre based around the pub, we left it in limbo and gave ourselves time to think about it, a good job we did.
On the Friday we brought the “Lizzy” into the harbour and offloaded our fishing gear onto the jetty, as can be imagined there was a good lot of it we being eight in number, a couple of cars were brought along and gear loaded. At the pub that night we a good old knees up and said farewell to our friends and went to bed a bit jaded, the fishing tackle was left in the cars. After breakfast we loaded the rest of our personal gear and waved goodbye to Arthur, Vera and Rita the waitress. Transport to home addresses had been arranged to meet at my place and upon arrival the equipment was offloaded and claimed by the owners, Pete was a haversack light, no one else had it, it must be on the boat, a quick phone call denied it, then it is at Arthur’s, another call, no not there either. The police in Stranraer were informed of the loss and description of the contents, which included the charts, ruler, dividers, two Abu 7000’s, and bits and pieces of tackle including Jellyworms (very rare at the time) and two pair of Blue overalls with the “Blue Fox” motif embroidered on the breast pocket. We kissed goodbye to that lot and claimed for it on the insurance.
We however had not finished with Luce Bay and we made plans for our return the next year. Meanwhile the Blue Fox was making a name for herself at Bradwell, suffering problem after problem mainly with the drive system, it was completely rebuilt at Lancing Marine and refitted. That was followed by a failure of the drive plate, then the gearbox oil seals, followed by the dump pipe from the turbo fracturing and the engine oil being deposited into bilge causing a complete seize up. No wonder we were renamed the yo-yo. While the engine was being rebuilt Peter and I refashioned the cockpit and engine compartment also fitted a bulkhead and made the wheel house lockable, by the time we had finished she looked good, but the inherent weakness of an outdrive was never far away and in the end confidence was waning, we were towed home at least four times and limped home times without number. The fishing however was still good and we caught more than our fair share, with Jim and his brothers making up the crew. It was about this time that Jim was even more unsteady on his feet and I asked Andrew what was the trouble with him “ Didn’t you know he’s got multiple schrelosis” I was shocked to learn this and Jim became a different man in my eyes, he never once to my knowledge referred to his disability nor did he admit to it even to himself. He was the bravest man I have ever met.
Our final visit to Luce Bay was again on the cards and when I phoned Steve Woods he informed me that he was selling up but the new owner would no doubt be pleased to oblige us. Dick Peebles was our new skipper and following a long phone call the reservation was made for May 1989. Arthur took our booking and we sat back and anticipated the return to Scotland and renewing our friendships again.
May 1989, arrived and on the 12th we travelled up to Galloway again, on our arrival, we were dismayed to find that Arthur had gone, and not only that the reservation had been double booked, the new owners were very strange people, they were able to accommodate three of us for two nights, and the others would have to stay at the Lodge down the street, thankfully under new management by now. The arrangement was far from satisfactory but needs must. We split up and after supper we retired early, Pete Tony and I to the Inn and the rest to the lodge, the team this year was a bit different, Jim was there as was Andy, along with Don, but we had two new boys Steve and Terry, it was a little worrying as not only were the accommodations new but the skipper was also unknown to us. Next morning we three had a terrible breakfast, prepared by the hotelier, who was bombed out on cannabis and could not even use a coffee percolator we decided it was time to leave and packed what little we had unpacked and bade him farewell, we never did find out his name. The proprietors at the Lodge let us in and we made do for the while until her other guests had vacated their rooms.
The Elizabeth C was still at her moorings in Drumore Harbour we were pleased to find but what would the skipper be like? We need not have worried for Dick Peebles was a man after our own hearts, a real keen angler first and charter skipper second, as a mechanic he left a lot to be desired. We had to walk the boat out of the harbour, she would not turn to the right no matter what was tried, and in the twenty minute steam from home Dick had her stopped twice to check the gearbox oil level, Pete and I had a good bit of experience on boat machinery by now and asked if we might have a look at the engine bay and maybe resolve some of the problems Dick was struggling with, also Don being a diesel fitter could no doubt assist. The anchor was deployed and the lads went to it, fishing, while we three and Dick delved into the “works”. The steering problem was soon spotted, the lever was sliding round the rudder post, no amount of tightening would enable it to grip all the way round, it was only a burr on the post that enabled any rudder movement at all. We had to resort to old fashioned methods to effect a repair, the pinch bolt was let off and then a nail was driven in the gap between the lever and the post and then pinched up again, that was that and it worked for the rest of the week if not still, but I doubt that. The gearbox was losing oil from the rear oil seal at an alarming rate, as Dick was loath to stop the engine for any length of time fearing that it would not start again due to the battery being “iffy” and taken ashore each night to be charged in readiness for the next day. Due to this the gearbox was under pressure even though it was not in drive, the internal pump was pushing the fluid around and it was finding its way out via the rear oil seal. Don found the alternator drive belt hanging off and took the necessary steps. Pete found the connecting flange from gearbox to shaft was minus three of the four bolts required, having turned out tackle boxes, pockets and Dicks meagre tool box the shaft was attached in an orderly fashion and the oil stopped flowing into the bilge and stayed were it belonged, in the gearbox. We then upped the hook and went to find a more productive mark about an hours distant, not because we had to, but to put a bit of life back into the battery, and to allow us to decontaminate the bilge with buckets and hot soapy water.
Having got to a mark which Dick called the pinnacles, and we recognised from the shore marks as the one we had found the year before, fishing was commenced. There were a lot of small whiting about along with the inevitable dogfish, I determined that if the whiting were there then there must be the odd cod and returned a small whiting to the bottom on my gear to go and find one. It took no time at all and I was rewarded with a cod going about 6 lbs. Dick was impressed but the rest of the lads told me I was a cruel so and so, and I had to agree with them and that method was dispensed with. Meanwhile Don had a Pollack of about 4 lbs, and Dick upon seeing it stated that tomorrow we would try for them at Calliness point. As we were tying up in the harbour our manoeuvrability much improved, we came along side a small boat and lying in the bottom I saw what I was sure were our Abu reels that had been lost the previous year. Dick was asked who owned the boat and he told us that they were a couple of right Herbert’s from the village. We put Dick in the picture and Jim wanted to wait for the pair and teach them how to swim having first weighted there trousers with a suitable object, the reels were without doubt ours, I stripped the first 60 yards of line and found the other line I had put on them and then to the backing a pretty pink wool that the Mrs. had had left over from the kids romper suits. This was our first day and although sorely tempted we decided to do it right and inform the police of our discovery. An officer from Stranraer came to see us at the Lodge that evening and took statements he already had a copy of the “lost property” report we had filed last year. The next morning at the jetty he met us and told us that the miscreants had been arrested and the reels and the overalls and the jelly worms would be held as evidence, pending the coming court appearance, and also that we should not be likely to be called to give evidence. Apparently upon leaving us the officer had gone to Drumore and interviewed the suspects who were wearing our overalls at the time then a junior member of the family came in sporting “Blue Fox” badges on the rear end of her jeans. Needless to say the beans were spilled and the rest of the gear was recovered from various parts of the village. Following that, Martin the mate on Elizabeth C, kept us informed on the reaction in Drumore to the thieves getting locked up on the whole it was favourable as the were a couple of S---s.
Calliness point proved to be a great success, as we approached it I asked Dick what method he employed to fish it, he told us to drift it with feathers, this we did and had about 5 fish they were on the small side, on the next drift I went into the wheelhouse and watched the “Mach One” draw a picture of the reef and all the fish on it, the reef came up from 60 feet to about 25 feet and then dropped off to 70 feet on the downtide side. I suggested that we fish it as we do the Towers at home that is anchor uptide of it and cast Redgills across the run of water and let the lures hit the bottom then retrieve at a modest pace and see what occurred. Dick was not too keen on the anchoring bit stating that the water was a bit too shallow, a good job he does not fish the Thames Estuary said Pete, any way he agreed to give it a go.
In order that eight rods can fish in the manner described a “Maypole” dance has to be arranged, each rod starts at the cabin door, cast’s then moves down to the transom, as the next rod follows him, the idea being that the lures will all finish up at the back of the boat, were they are retrieved and the process repeated, so that all of us could get a go at the fish. The Pollack in Luce Bay have not been told the rules about our game, they were on to the lures like a flash and swimming about like dervishes, the orderly procession on deck was severely mauled and it soon became every man for himself. The fish were all in the 8lb bracket and wonderfully fit, the reef was covered in thick kelp and to allow an inch of line was courting disaster. I was the first to retire and take up the duty of cameraman Pete was not far behind me and put the kettle on, the rest kept it going, the fish were being returned as we had enough for our tea and Dick had no use for them, although he was speechless with the results of our method of angling, he did not however forget and was grateful for the instruction, as were we, all those years back when Barrett taught us. One of our number Steve Hyde was in his element with the fishing, up to now he had been little impressed with the Luce Bay inhabitants but those Pollack put a smile back on his face. It’s hard to remember the exact sequence of the trips we made to Scotland and the bodies who made up the numbers, but the nucleus of the mob were myself, Peter, Don, Jim, and Shep, the make weights were Bill and his son Richard, Nuddy, Tony, Terry, Andy Jim’s brother, and Steve Hyde. We all keep in touch but as with everything it not always possible for all to make the trips and new faces appear and disappear as the time goes by.
The next day we met Dick on the jetty and he asked if we could go to Calliness point again and fish for the Pollack, he had found a market for them we agreed and caught him about a score of fine fish but the rest we hooked were returned. The rest of the week went by at a rush but one thing I do recall was getting out of bed at 4am with half of the party, Don, Steve, Andy, to go and meet Dick in order to get Elizabeth C out of the harbour before the tide had gone, and in our haste to turn her round we had run aground in the middle of the harbour. One of the local lads got us ashore in his dinghy and we were able to return to the digs for breakfast, and sleep a while till the incoming tide refloated the Lizzy C. At about 10am all the party returned to Drumore to board the boat and go fishing Dick and Martin had remained on board, but we found them still on the ground, with very little water around them. As I had left the camera on the boat and the lads wanted a record of the anti fouling on the Lizzy I was volunteered to walk out to her across the harbour bed which Dick assured me was hard, it was until I got to a point 5 yards from her when I got that awful sinking feeling and having only Derri boots on I was quickly taking on water. I had no choice but to keep going and just made the stern and Dick with a rope held out for me to heave me over the transom, my efforts were loudly cheered by the lads on the jetty and by half of the population of Drumore.
Having recalled that incident it brings another one to mind, we had been fishing with Tony Barrett on Bessie Vee from The Point on Canvey and the approach to the slipway from the Ray is at best tricky and at near low water almost mind bending. On this occasion we had left a bit late and with the tide half gone and as we crept along the bow went on the ground, Tony tried reverse gear but to no avail, he had all of us in the stern and tried again but the old girl would not move, then he requested the youngest and fittest of us to jump off the boat and push from the bow and maybe she would go. Colin, Peter, and I took three steps backwards, but Dave Moreland and Bob Moon stood still and were duly chosen, this was not a problem for they were both big strapping lads and would have no trouble in shifting us, said Barrett. However he did not point out that the boat should be vacated from the bow which was high and dry, and before anyone could stop the two pushers they left over the stern and disappeared in about 12 feet of water the rest of us fell about laughing, but to give them their due they got round the front and with a huge effort they refloated us, and then swam out to be retrieved. Again the party went home minus at least one article of clothing donated to the two swimmers, their efforts being much appreciated.
I digress, back to Drumore, having got the Lizzy afloat and back to the harbour wall the crew embarked and we went fishing, the four early birds were soon asleep myself included and I have no further recollection of that last day. A few weeks later I went back with Chris my wife with the caravan for a fortnight’s holiday, and just by chance Terry and his mates were there so I bummed a ride with them on a couple of days, strange how anglers path’s cross isn’t it!! Due to the accommodations becoming less conducive to a crowd of eight anglers and the fact that Dick Peebles sold the Elizabeth C we were obliged to look for pastures new.
Following that horrible episode I spoke to Pete about maybe getting a bigger boat, one with a cabin and facilities for cooking and even sleeping on board, he agreed immediately and the search was on.
Looking for a boat is easy, finding one is another ball game, and we looked at a right load of rubbish before I found an advert in the Exchange and Mart, 26foot Tremlett, 180 diesel £10,000, will part exchange for smaller boat on trailer, just the deal we were looking for. To cut a long story short we parted with the Waltham Angler and £4.000 cash and became the new owners of the Blue Fox.
We spent a little time at the marina fixing a gearbox leak and then put her in the water, we knew she was fast but we were really pleased with the way she rode in the short seas of the Thames estuary. Jim and his brothers spent a lot of time with us during that summer and we had many days of excellent fishing. As stated the Fox had a 180hp Sabre diesel driving through a Borg Warner 1.1 gearbox, and then to a Sternpower outdrive throwing a 20x19 prop, and when pulling 2450 revs she was doing better than 25 knots. Unfortunately that outdrive was her Achilles heel and caused us much grief over the time we owned her.
A letter arrived in December it was from Steve Woods, strange he usually phones, “Dear, John, Sorry I must cancel your booking in May next year I will be in hospital having my back sorted.” Regards Steve. Frantic phone calls made to the team “What shall we do?” most were upset but Jim came up with a solution.
Next day I phoned Steve and after a short conversation we were on again, he agreed to rent his boat to us for the week, and supply his son Richard as a deck hand. Pete and I bought charts of Luce Bay and set to planning the week, we had agreed not to go round the Mull, but we found quite a few likely looking marks and had a successful week. Arthur was still on top form at the pub as well and we were fed and watered excellently. Every morning at the harbour we found the Elizabeth C ready to go, Steve’s lad on occasion was not with us, but we went anyway, and had no problems at all, except for Pete and I having our usual differences as to where we really were, but the Southern end of Luce Bay is a hard place to get lost, West is Drummore, East is Whitehorn, South is the Isle Of Man, and North is nowhere. The tides were a bit awkward that year and we were unable to enter the harbour on our return so we were obliged to use the dinghy to get ashore having left the boat on its mooring. The dinghy was a 21 foot Orkney with a 10 horse outboard and we were able to disembark in two runs leaving the Longliner well up the beach so that Richard could bring “Lizzy” round when the tide allowed. The week went really quickly and the weather held good for us.
Arthur was making noises about selling the pub and Jim started making noises about buying it from him, it sounded like a good idea as there were several outhouses attached to the property ready to be converted into holiday flats, the local council were very obliging in listening to our plans for a sailing, fishing, and wind surfing centre based around the pub, we left it in limbo and gave ourselves time to think about it, a good job we did.
On the Friday we brought the “Lizzy” into the harbour and offloaded our fishing gear onto the jetty, as can be imagined there was a good lot of it we being eight in number, a couple of cars were brought along and gear loaded. At the pub that night we a good old knees up and said farewell to our friends and went to bed a bit jaded, the fishing tackle was left in the cars. After breakfast we loaded the rest of our personal gear and waved goodbye to Arthur, Vera and Rita the waitress. Transport to home addresses had been arranged to meet at my place and upon arrival the equipment was offloaded and claimed by the owners, Pete was a haversack light, no one else had it, it must be on the boat, a quick phone call denied it, then it is at Arthur’s, another call, no not there either. The police in Stranraer were informed of the loss and description of the contents, which included the charts, ruler, dividers, two Abu 7000’s, and bits and pieces of tackle including Jellyworms (very rare at the time) and two pair of Blue overalls with the “Blue Fox” motif embroidered on the breast pocket. We kissed goodbye to that lot and claimed for it on the insurance.
We however had not finished with Luce Bay and we made plans for our return the next year. Meanwhile the Blue Fox was making a name for herself at Bradwell, suffering problem after problem mainly with the drive system, it was completely rebuilt at Lancing Marine and refitted. That was followed by a failure of the drive plate, then the gearbox oil seals, followed by the dump pipe from the turbo fracturing and the engine oil being deposited into bilge causing a complete seize up. No wonder we were renamed the yo-yo. While the engine was being rebuilt Peter and I refashioned the cockpit and engine compartment also fitted a bulkhead and made the wheel house lockable, by the time we had finished she looked good, but the inherent weakness of an outdrive was never far away and in the end confidence was waning, we were towed home at least four times and limped home times without number. The fishing however was still good and we caught more than our fair share, with Jim and his brothers making up the crew. It was about this time that Jim was even more unsteady on his feet and I asked Andrew what was the trouble with him “ Didn’t you know he’s got multiple schrelosis” I was shocked to learn this and Jim became a different man in my eyes, he never once to my knowledge referred to his disability nor did he admit to it even to himself. He was the bravest man I have ever met.
Our final visit to Luce Bay was again on the cards and when I phoned Steve Woods he informed me that he was selling up but the new owner would no doubt be pleased to oblige us. Dick Peebles was our new skipper and following a long phone call the reservation was made for May 1989. Arthur took our booking and we sat back and anticipated the return to Scotland and renewing our friendships again.
May 1989, arrived and on the 12th we travelled up to Galloway again, on our arrival, we were dismayed to find that Arthur had gone, and not only that the reservation had been double booked, the new owners were very strange people, they were able to accommodate three of us for two nights, and the others would have to stay at the Lodge down the street, thankfully under new management by now. The arrangement was far from satisfactory but needs must. We split up and after supper we retired early, Pete Tony and I to the Inn and the rest to the lodge, the team this year was a bit different, Jim was there as was Andy, along with Don, but we had two new boys Steve and Terry, it was a little worrying as not only were the accommodations new but the skipper was also unknown to us. Next morning we three had a terrible breakfast, prepared by the hotelier, who was bombed out on cannabis and could not even use a coffee percolator we decided it was time to leave and packed what little we had unpacked and bade him farewell, we never did find out his name. The proprietors at the Lodge let us in and we made do for the while until her other guests had vacated their rooms.
The Elizabeth C was still at her moorings in Drumore Harbour we were pleased to find but what would the skipper be like? We need not have worried for Dick Peebles was a man after our own hearts, a real keen angler first and charter skipper second, as a mechanic he left a lot to be desired. We had to walk the boat out of the harbour, she would not turn to the right no matter what was tried, and in the twenty minute steam from home Dick had her stopped twice to check the gearbox oil level, Pete and I had a good bit of experience on boat machinery by now and asked if we might have a look at the engine bay and maybe resolve some of the problems Dick was struggling with, also Don being a diesel fitter could no doubt assist. The anchor was deployed and the lads went to it, fishing, while we three and Dick delved into the “works”. The steering problem was soon spotted, the lever was sliding round the rudder post, no amount of tightening would enable it to grip all the way round, it was only a burr on the post that enabled any rudder movement at all. We had to resort to old fashioned methods to effect a repair, the pinch bolt was let off and then a nail was driven in the gap between the lever and the post and then pinched up again, that was that and it worked for the rest of the week if not still, but I doubt that. The gearbox was losing oil from the rear oil seal at an alarming rate, as Dick was loath to stop the engine for any length of time fearing that it would not start again due to the battery being “iffy” and taken ashore each night to be charged in readiness for the next day. Due to this the gearbox was under pressure even though it was not in drive, the internal pump was pushing the fluid around and it was finding its way out via the rear oil seal. Don found the alternator drive belt hanging off and took the necessary steps. Pete found the connecting flange from gearbox to shaft was minus three of the four bolts required, having turned out tackle boxes, pockets and Dicks meagre tool box the shaft was attached in an orderly fashion and the oil stopped flowing into the bilge and stayed were it belonged, in the gearbox. We then upped the hook and went to find a more productive mark about an hours distant, not because we had to, but to put a bit of life back into the battery, and to allow us to decontaminate the bilge with buckets and hot soapy water.
Having got to a mark which Dick called the pinnacles, and we recognised from the shore marks as the one we had found the year before, fishing was commenced. There were a lot of small whiting about along with the inevitable dogfish, I determined that if the whiting were there then there must be the odd cod and returned a small whiting to the bottom on my gear to go and find one. It took no time at all and I was rewarded with a cod going about 6 lbs. Dick was impressed but the rest of the lads told me I was a cruel so and so, and I had to agree with them and that method was dispensed with. Meanwhile Don had a Pollack of about 4 lbs, and Dick upon seeing it stated that tomorrow we would try for them at Calliness point. As we were tying up in the harbour our manoeuvrability much improved, we came along side a small boat and lying in the bottom I saw what I was sure were our Abu reels that had been lost the previous year. Dick was asked who owned the boat and he told us that they were a couple of right Herbert’s from the village. We put Dick in the picture and Jim wanted to wait for the pair and teach them how to swim having first weighted there trousers with a suitable object, the reels were without doubt ours, I stripped the first 60 yards of line and found the other line I had put on them and then to the backing a pretty pink wool that the Mrs. had had left over from the kids romper suits. This was our first day and although sorely tempted we decided to do it right and inform the police of our discovery. An officer from Stranraer came to see us at the Lodge that evening and took statements he already had a copy of the “lost property” report we had filed last year. The next morning at the jetty he met us and told us that the miscreants had been arrested and the reels and the overalls and the jelly worms would be held as evidence, pending the coming court appearance, and also that we should not be likely to be called to give evidence. Apparently upon leaving us the officer had gone to Drumore and interviewed the suspects who were wearing our overalls at the time then a junior member of the family came in sporting “Blue Fox” badges on the rear end of her jeans. Needless to say the beans were spilled and the rest of the gear was recovered from various parts of the village. Following that, Martin the mate on Elizabeth C, kept us informed on the reaction in Drumore to the thieves getting locked up on the whole it was favourable as the were a couple of S---s.
Calliness point proved to be a great success, as we approached it I asked Dick what method he employed to fish it, he told us to drift it with feathers, this we did and had about 5 fish they were on the small side, on the next drift I went into the wheelhouse and watched the “Mach One” draw a picture of the reef and all the fish on it, the reef came up from 60 feet to about 25 feet and then dropped off to 70 feet on the downtide side. I suggested that we fish it as we do the Towers at home that is anchor uptide of it and cast Redgills across the run of water and let the lures hit the bottom then retrieve at a modest pace and see what occurred. Dick was not too keen on the anchoring bit stating that the water was a bit too shallow, a good job he does not fish the Thames Estuary said Pete, any way he agreed to give it a go.
In order that eight rods can fish in the manner described a “Maypole” dance has to be arranged, each rod starts at the cabin door, cast’s then moves down to the transom, as the next rod follows him, the idea being that the lures will all finish up at the back of the boat, were they are retrieved and the process repeated, so that all of us could get a go at the fish. The Pollack in Luce Bay have not been told the rules about our game, they were on to the lures like a flash and swimming about like dervishes, the orderly procession on deck was severely mauled and it soon became every man for himself. The fish were all in the 8lb bracket and wonderfully fit, the reef was covered in thick kelp and to allow an inch of line was courting disaster. I was the first to retire and take up the duty of cameraman Pete was not far behind me and put the kettle on, the rest kept it going, the fish were being returned as we had enough for our tea and Dick had no use for them, although he was speechless with the results of our method of angling, he did not however forget and was grateful for the instruction, as were we, all those years back when Barrett taught us. One of our number Steve Hyde was in his element with the fishing, up to now he had been little impressed with the Luce Bay inhabitants but those Pollack put a smile back on his face. It’s hard to remember the exact sequence of the trips we made to Scotland and the bodies who made up the numbers, but the nucleus of the mob were myself, Peter, Don, Jim, and Shep, the make weights were Bill and his son Richard, Nuddy, Tony, Terry, Andy Jim’s brother, and Steve Hyde. We all keep in touch but as with everything it not always possible for all to make the trips and new faces appear and disappear as the time goes by.
The next day we met Dick on the jetty and he asked if we could go to Calliness point again and fish for the Pollack, he had found a market for them we agreed and caught him about a score of fine fish but the rest we hooked were returned. The rest of the week went by at a rush but one thing I do recall was getting out of bed at 4am with half of the party, Don, Steve, Andy, to go and meet Dick in order to get Elizabeth C out of the harbour before the tide had gone, and in our haste to turn her round we had run aground in the middle of the harbour. One of the local lads got us ashore in his dinghy and we were able to return to the digs for breakfast, and sleep a while till the incoming tide refloated the Lizzy C. At about 10am all the party returned to Drumore to board the boat and go fishing Dick and Martin had remained on board, but we found them still on the ground, with very little water around them. As I had left the camera on the boat and the lads wanted a record of the anti fouling on the Lizzy I was volunteered to walk out to her across the harbour bed which Dick assured me was hard, it was until I got to a point 5 yards from her when I got that awful sinking feeling and having only Derri boots on I was quickly taking on water. I had no choice but to keep going and just made the stern and Dick with a rope held out for me to heave me over the transom, my efforts were loudly cheered by the lads on the jetty and by half of the population of Drumore.
Having recalled that incident it brings another one to mind, we had been fishing with Tony Barrett on Bessie Vee from The Point on Canvey and the approach to the slipway from the Ray is at best tricky and at near low water almost mind bending. On this occasion we had left a bit late and with the tide half gone and as we crept along the bow went on the ground, Tony tried reverse gear but to no avail, he had all of us in the stern and tried again but the old girl would not move, then he requested the youngest and fittest of us to jump off the boat and push from the bow and maybe she would go. Colin, Peter, and I took three steps backwards, but Dave Moreland and Bob Moon stood still and were duly chosen, this was not a problem for they were both big strapping lads and would have no trouble in shifting us, said Barrett. However he did not point out that the boat should be vacated from the bow which was high and dry, and before anyone could stop the two pushers they left over the stern and disappeared in about 12 feet of water the rest of us fell about laughing, but to give them their due they got round the front and with a huge effort they refloated us, and then swam out to be retrieved. Again the party went home minus at least one article of clothing donated to the two swimmers, their efforts being much appreciated.
I digress, back to Drumore, having got the Lizzy afloat and back to the harbour wall the crew embarked and we went fishing, the four early birds were soon asleep myself included and I have no further recollection of that last day. A few weeks later I went back with Chris my wife with the caravan for a fortnight’s holiday, and just by chance Terry and his mates were there so I bummed a ride with them on a couple of days, strange how anglers path’s cross isn’t it!! Due to the accommodations becoming less conducive to a crowd of eight anglers and the fact that Dick Peebles sold the Elizabeth C we were obliged to look for pastures new.
