Deep sea fishing and Bushcraft weekend [Archive]

falling rain

24-03-2006, 11:40

Is anyone interested in a long weekend down Widecombe (Dartmoor) and finishing with a days fishing on sunday on Smuggler 5 (newer boat than in the picture) which runs out of Exmouth. I'm going down on the Thursday and returning straight after the fishing on the Sunday so the fish don't go off and I can get them gutted, filleted and frozen the same day.
http://www.britishcongerclub.org.uk/charterboatfeatures/CBFEATUREDUKES.htm
Colin is a very experienced skipper who is freindly with a great sense of humour and I've been out with him a few times. If anyone can find us the fish Colin can.
I was thinking of doing this in the summer maybe july or August and we can expect to catch Mackeral (all you can carry,) conger eel, pollock, sea bream, pouting, maybe bass amongst possible others.
I havn't got a date in mind yet, I'll have to give Colin a bell and see what he's got free but I need to know if enough people are interested. I can show anyone who's never fished before the ropes and lend you some trace tackle. you can hire rods from the skipper, who will also show you the ropes.
I'm not sure of the price at present either but will post again in a few days when I've got that info. If you've never been before it is excellent fun and very thrilling
As i say just gauging interest, and if enough of us then I'll arrange a date with Colin and re-post all the info including cost etc.

moduser

24-03-2006, 11:47

Hi Falling Rain,

that sounds like a lot of fun. I've never fished off a boat before.

Keep me posted.

Best wishes

Moduser

falling rain

24-03-2006, 12:00

Hi Falling Rain,

that sounds like a lot of fun. I've never fished off a boat before.

Keep me posted.

Best wishes

Moduser

It's immense fun Moduser. I've never come back empty handed and the freezer usually ends up full with plenty for friends and neighbors too.
We usually all chip in a quid or 2 and whoever gets the best specimen of the day (not necessarily the biggest fish) gets the cash. this is usually judged by the skipper and makes for a bit of good natured banter during the day.

My best fish was a 43 pound conger eel. They can grow to over 100 lbs. In fact I think the record is 133 llbs. A few fillets from one of those :D http://www.fishing.co.uk/species_display.php3?id=40

jdlenton

24-03-2006, 12:09

I'd like a provisional place please. it's a question of time money and the other half but i'd love to go fishing off a boat never done it before please let me know

edit can we have sashimi and beer on the way back to port please:)

James

Willowbark

24-03-2006, 14:40

Time and money allowing, I'de be keen, as would "the other half". He's fished off a boat before, but I havn't so reckon it would be great.

Womble

24-03-2006, 14:47

Hi Nick

I'd be interested!

moduser

24-03-2006, 14:50

Sounds great and that is a nice eel.

tagnut69

24-03-2006, 15:23

Hi count me in :)

Doc

24-03-2006, 15:51

Too far for me - but it sounds like a great trip.

Might look in to something similar for those of us up north.

amott69

24-03-2006, 18:34

I'm up for it

andyn

24-03-2006, 19:21

Hiya Nick,

Yeah, date depending and obviously as long as it doesn't cost too much then I'd be up for that.

Nice one!

elma

24-03-2006, 20:43

I'm up for it time allowing :)

Ian

risby

24-03-2006, 22:37

falling rain

27-03-2006, 08:22

good, plenty of interest then.

I'll post again in a couple of days with complete details. prices, date etc.
Please be aware that there is a fixed charge for the boat and the cost is split between however many people go. It'll be around £40 each or there abouts. I think it's licensed for 12. If someone fails to turn up it'll be down to the others to pay between them. Therefore a deposit in advance will be required so if there are some no show's the others won't have to foot the bill. I think this is the fairest way. Please make sure you can go on the date and think carefully as it's not fair on the rest of us to pay for someone who dosn't turn up.
Also be aware that if the weather is atrocious, we won't go out as it's too dangerous. This is the decision of the skipper, who we call the night before. This means strong winds (not just a few showers) and any deposits/ monies can either be refunded or we arrange another date. We should be OK at that time of year though.
Any questions.......ask away

It could be you http://www.smuggler4.com/site_images/gallery/index.htm

falling rain

28-03-2006, 14:26

I'd love to join you. I've done half a day with Hugh Furry Witlessone out of Weymouth and then back to River Cottage HQ for mackeral sashimi and gravadmax (we caught very little; mostly mackeral, a big conger eel and a few bass). My circumstances may, hopefully, be different in four or five months but I'll say I'm very keen anyway.

Blimey Risby that sounds like a good day out with Huge furry whittlin' tool.
I never had fresh sashimi made by myself but eaten loads when I was in Japan.
I'll pack some kikkoman soy sauce and wasabe. Maybe you could show us or explain the Gravadmax too. Is that the one where you salt and layer it in some sort of container?
I must be just lucky then. Of all the times I've been fishing I can only re-call one particularly attrocious days fishing on a Bass trip where no one caught anything all day. :( I usually come home with plenty) fingers crossed

risby

03-04-2006, 16:59

I'll pack some kikkoman soy sauce and wasabe. Maybe you could show us or explain the Gravadmax too. Is that the one where you salt and layer it in some sort of container?

Ahbut, this was a deliberately English translation so we had the fresh raw mackerel with worcestershire sauce and English mustard. The mackerel was meltingly tender having been swimming only a couple of hours earlier.

and yeah, the gravadmax is mackerel covered with a salt, sugar, pepper and dill to cure it over one to three days. There's a description in the River Cottage Cookbook.

jdlenton

04-04-2006, 10:21

looks like we've got our sashimi chef :D you show us Risby and I'll bring the beer.
But what english beer goes with english sashimi my personla fave is Wadsworths 6X what do you guys recon

James

Spacemonkey

10-04-2006, 23:34

Shame on you! Get some Asahi in......

jdlenton

11-04-2006, 09:08

Asahi .........?

andyn

17-05-2006, 14:31

Any idea on dates yet mate? Should be a really good weekend if it all goes ahead.

Arvensis

17-05-2006, 14:43

I'd love to do some deep-sea fishing though more over hampshire way.

Mark

falling rain

17-05-2006, 15:32

Ooops ! forgot about this. :o Yep.... I'll still be happy to arrange this. Probably be looking at later in the year though, probably autumn. As soon as I've got a date I'll let you all know, but Exmouth and colin dukes will be the venue and skipper. As I mentioned before Colin is an excellent skipper and if it ain't broke don't fix it

Arvensis. I've found if you're trying to arrange something it's best to determine the place/date and people will come along if there interested or they won't. When you start getting people suggesting different places and dates etc it starts to get messy and a bit of a carry on to arrange things. If you're up for arranging some fishing down Dorset way, I'd probably be interested too depending on date time of course. Bite the bullet set a time and date and see who's interested.

Cheers

andyn

17-05-2006, 15:49

Nice one Nick. All sounds really good.

pibbleb

17-05-2006, 19:02

Hi.

I'd be interested money time etc depending. Keep me posted.

Paul

elma

18-05-2006, 00:33

sounds interesting I'm still up for it.

Ian

jdlenton

18-05-2006, 09:54

still sounds good let us know

James

falling rain

19-05-2006, 17:01

Asahi .........?

Asahi is a Japanese beer company. They make different ones, but my favourite is 'super dry'

Asahi means morning sun 'Asa' being morning and 'Hi' heat, fire or sun

weekend_warrior

19-05-2006, 17:32

I could wel be interested, depending on dates :)

falling rain

19-05-2006, 18:40

This is colins new boat http://www.deepsea.co.uk/boats/smuggler/index.htm

I've sent him an e-mail to ask for any available dates for late summer/early Autumn so will let you know as soon as I get a reply.

falling rain

22-05-2006, 08:59

OK chaps and chapesses. I had this reply from Colin

Hi Nick
The first Sunday I have available is the 26th, August or the 3rd. Sept.
Give me a call if you would like to book one of them.
The cost for the day is £480 to 50 miles off and we take 10.
Also available is the 10th, Sept for Bassing to 25 miles at 400 for the day.
Many thanks
Colin
Smuggler5

Bassing would be a good one to go on. It's slightly cheaper and bassing is excellent fun. Also going out 25 miles will be less travel time which means more fishing time. This will work out at £40 each plus rod hire and maybe bait, so if you allow say £50 that should do it. We'll need 10 people to come along. If it's less we'll have to split the extra between us. Colin will need a deposit. If the weather is bad it will be cancelled as it will be too dangerous and we'll be offered an alternative date.

I'll be going and so will my son, so that's 2 for a definate kick off.
Have a careful think about this, and if you want to come along please make it definate. If you cancel at the last minute the rest will have to pay your share of the fee as Colin will need his fee even if only one person turns up. It's his living and a boat costs money to run.

I'm going to have a few days in Widecombe prior to the fishing, and return home directly after the fishing to get those Bass in the freezer !!! :D . Excellent fun, I can't wait

Any questions give me a shout. Take a look at Colins site. this should answer most questions http://www.britishcongerclub.org.uk/charterboatfeatures/CBFEATUREDUKES.htm

Let me know what you think ?

elma

26-05-2006, 00:42

count me in I'm available for any of those dates

Ian

elma

26-05-2006, 00:48

Didn't read all of the post ( a habit of mine ) I suggest a large non refundable deposit up front for those going, I have organised a few trips from work and its a real pain sorting things out when people drop out

Ian

falling rain

27-05-2006, 15:53

That's a good idea elma. It sounds a little harsh maybe but I've also arranged fishing trips and had people drop out at the last minute and it's not fair on the others who have to shell out to make up the charter fee. That's why I said think very carefully before you decide. If you want to bring family members or other work friends (ie non BCUK members that's fine.) the main thing is we fill the boat (10 people) I promise you it's enormous fun, and £40 is very reasonable indeed for a day out on a boat. Bass are around £4 - £6 per pound to buy in a shop, so a couple of 8lb er's will more than pay for your trip in value of fish.

Nice one elma, that's 3 of us then. I need to let Colin know as soon as possible if we want to book so if anyone else can let me know if you want to book a place asap that would be great.

Cheers

weekend_warrior

27-05-2006, 17:42

I'm up for bassing on the 10th! I see that's a sunday, are we making at weekend of it? It's a 200 Mile trip for me, so I'd rather come down Saturday and be bright for Sunday... :You_Rock_

falling rain

27-05-2006, 19:00

I'm up for bassing on the 10th! I see that's a sunday, are we making at weekend of it? It's a 200 Mile trip for me, so I'd rather come down Saturday and be bright for Sunday... :You_Rock_

It's about the same for me from Oxford. As mentioned at the beginning of the thread I'm going to Widecombe on the friday (8th) and have a day and a half on Dartmoor Friday half day and all day saturday, fish on the sunday and return straight after. It'd be nice to have some company on Dartmoor if people want to come along. If not see you at Exmouth docks on the sunday morning. When I've confirmed with colin we're coming I'll let you know what time to be there. I should imagine around 8am

andyn

29-05-2006, 16:07

Hi Nick,
Sorry for the delay in response but i have been in France for the weekend.

I'm definately up for coming down for the fishing and for Dartmoor too as its too far for me for just the Sunday. So put my name down for the boat trip please. If you need a deposit just let me know when, how much and yopur preferred method of payment ;)

falling rain

29-05-2006, 16:53

Great stuff. looks like the trip is on then. -

I must mention again that we must call Colin the night before Saturday 9th. He listens to the radio 4 shipping forcast on saturday evening and if in his judgement it is too rough/dangerous to go out then we won't go. His is the final decision. In the event of this happening we will be offered an alternative date or the option for a refund. We all know as Bushcrafters what the weather can do, and being out in a boat in very rough seas is not fun, besides being dangerous.

I'll confirm to colin that we're booking for bassing on the 10th of September then.
I'll need to send him a deposit so can anyone who's said they're coming along send me a cheque for £20. This will be half your fee, with £20 to pay on the day, plus any rod hire/ bait Maximum £10. but I guess around £5 - £6. I can supply/loan trace tackle and we'll be using flying collar rigs if you want to get the tackle yourselves. I'll make some up before we set off, so we can get stuck in to the fish straight away :D

I'll send Colin a cheaque from me I expect he'll need £100 and this will book us the boat.
There are 5 places left now then so if anyone else wants to come along let me know asap and send me a cheque for £20. This will be your deposit and will be non refundable as I've already explained, if you don't turn up the rest of us will have to pay your share.

So far we've got 5 personages

Elma - Weekend Warrior - Andyn - James (my son) and 'Moi'

We don't have to do it, but usually we all put a £5er in the kitty and whoever gets the best specimen of the day gets the dosh. £5 x 10 = £50 = free days fishing + biggest fish of the day + biggest smuggest grin, much to the annoyance of the rest of us. :cussing: Just because you havn't fished before dosn't by any means, mean you won't get the best fish. My son won it on his first trip with a fine conger eel. It just adds an extra bit of fun to the day. Anyway we'll talk about on the day and if everyone is up for it we'll do it :)

Cheers and any questions just ask

falling rain

29-05-2006, 19:09

OK, I confirmed with Colin and had this reply.

Hi Nick
OK I will book you in for the 10th. Sept.
If you could send me £100 deposit I will confirm the date and send you a receipt. Your gear ie flying collar rigs etc. should be fine. I will get some live sand eels if available
Many Thanks
Colin
Smuggler5

If everyone could send me their £20 asap please that would be appreciated then I'll send Colin a cheque from myself for £100

Cheers

elma

30-05-2006, 12:03

Time booked off and deposit on its way :You_Rock_

Ian

jdlenton

30-05-2006, 12:08

I'll update tomorrow not talked to the other half yet so hill do tonight

J*

falling rain

30-05-2006, 13:59

Great stuff jdlenton, hope you can make it.

I found this sashimi recipe and thought we could give it a go.
There's an oriental shp in Headington, Oxford that I go to sometimes so I'll bring the other ingredients. Then we just have to get the Bass

2 tb Virgin olive oil
1 tb Lemon juice
1 ts Basil leaves, fresh only!
1 ts Chopped fresh coriander
20 oz Fresh raw Sea Bass, boneles

Ok, step one. That Bass must be *very fresh*. Swimming yesterday is your aim, and if it wasnt swimming at the most 3 days ago, its way too old for this! You can tell by smelling the fish. If it smells more then faintly fishy, its too old. Bake it or do something else with it. Nuff said ok? Now, you chop that fish up into bite size pieces. You can make the slices look pretty such as the japanese do, or just hack them up. Taste is the same. Mix the otjher ingredients, and pour over the fish just before serving. If cutting fish ahead of time, store in a zip-lock type bag separate from the sauce. This can also be a side dish if your family doesnt eat much meat. As such, it serves very well with a bowl of hot butter beans (dried large lima beans) and rice. For a soup, consider Japanese Dashi or a mild pumpkin/carrot puree. For a veggie, you cant beat steamed Bok Choy with this.

Sounds lurvley :D

For those who don't know. Sashimi is the same as sushi but without the rice bed underneath.

We can also eat this with kikkoman's soy sauce and wasabi

andyn

30-05-2006, 15:10

falling rain

30-05-2006, 16:35

Don't worry andyn it'll have stopped twitching. But only just. :lmao:

Wayne

30-05-2006, 17:23

Andy

Sashimi is a lovely dish and Japanese food is my favourite food.

Nothing beats really fresh fish.

i'm sure Nick will be able to serve up some really tasty treats.

falling rain

30-05-2006, 20:01

Andy

Sashimi is a lovely dish and Japanese food is my favourite food.

Nothing beats really fresh fish.

i'm sure Nick will be able to serve up some really tasty treats.

I'll second that Wayne. I love all Japanese food. Niku udon and teriyaki being amongst my favourites, but properly made sushi ( not the stuff you get from sainsbury's) is the best. I sometimes go to Oriental city on the edgeware road and stock up with ingredients and have a REAL sushi lunch after shopping. Excellent stuff :D

falling rain

02-06-2006, 15:44

ANDYN AND WEEKEND WARRIOR, GOT YOU DEPOSITS TODAY - THANKS.

Do any of the other folks who expressesd an interest earlier on in the thread still want to come along?

jdlenton

02-06-2006, 15:48

I do i just need to sort transport and a pass from the wife I'll give a definite decision on Monday if that's OK

James

weekend_warrior

02-06-2006, 17:54

I do i just need to sort transport and a pass from the wife I'll give a definite decision on Monday if that's OK

James

I can swing by and pick you up if you like - I'll be driving down :)

Rich

Willowbark

06-06-2006, 10:04

Hi Nick
If you still have two places left, can you let me know and I'll send deposits.

All the best
willowbark

jdlenton

06-06-2006, 10:11

I still can't confirm if i will be able to come i will know if i have a place on a teaching pgce course potentially by the end of the week if i have then the 10th is out if i haven't then the trips a goer. If I'm messing around and some one can fill the place for definite then please fill the boat if not save me a place and I'll confirm when i have a definite answer a really want to do this and have a days see fishing but life can be a real cow sometimes.

James

falling rain

08-06-2006, 15:25

Hi Nick
If you still have two places left, can you let me know and I'll send deposits.

All the best
willowbark

Hi Willowbark,

Yes there are 5 places left still so I'll put you down for 2.
I'll PM you my address

Cheers

Nick

falling rain

13-06-2006, 15:22

There are still 3 (possibly 5 as I havn't heard back from willowbark yet) places left for the fishing if anyone wants to come along. You don't have to necessarily be a member of the forum so bring any family friends sons daughters etc
I've sent Colin the deposit for £100.

Willowbark

15-06-2006, 14:03

Hi there Nick
Have pm'd you and will send cheque for 2 places. Is 9yrs old too young do you think? If not then I'll bring my son along too.

falling rain

16-06-2006, 14:16

Great stuff, getting towards a full boat now.
So far we've got Willowbark + 2 , Weekend warrior, Andyn, Elma, James (my son) and me. So there are still 2 places left.
Come on don't be shy there's nearly 4,000 people on here surely we can fill a boat with 10 people :eek:
It's going to be a great weekend and hopefully lots of fish to bring home too.
This takes a fair bit of organising and if it goes well, I'll be happy to do it a couple or so times a year as long as I get the support from you guys and gals.

jdlenton

16-06-2006, 14:24

sorry for messing about guys i'll have to bow out of this one too much to do not enough time

James

falling rain

16-06-2006, 16:25

If anyone is coming along to Widecombe I,ll be happy to do an afternoons navigation training on the saturday for anyone who wants something to do while we're down there. My lad will be doing his D of E gold soon and he wants to brush up on his navigation so anyone else who wants to learn is welcome to join in.

andyn

16-06-2006, 17:59

Hi Nick, yeah I'll be at Widecombe on the Friday morning/lunchtime.

Walking round there is great so yeah i'll join you both.

weekend_warrior

16-06-2006, 18:02

falling rain

16-06-2006, 18:23

Yup, camping at Widecombe Cockingford Campsite. I'll be arriving at around lunchtime on the friday 8th sept. The chap who owns it, is an easy going elderly fellow and he dosn't take bookings, just turn up. The holiday crowds should have just about gone by then (thankfully) :eek:
I expect the area will be stripped of any firewood too as it'll be towards the end of the season, so it may be an idea if we all throw a few logs into the boot of the car to have on the communal fire. There is some ash in the little woods next to the site but I'm sure we're not really supposed to be in there. :rolleyes: I know where there is a load of ash that's been felled near my way so I can saw some up and bring it down, but if everyone brings a half dozen or so logs that should easily last us the weekend.

Nice one andyn we'll go walkabout on the saturday then

falling rain

26-06-2006, 09:50

Sorry to go on about this, but there are still 2 places left for fishing. IF I DON'T FILL THE BOAT I'LL HAVE TO PAY ANY EXTRA MONEY :o Please come along if you fancy some boat fishing, and a couple of nights on Dartmoor

falling rain

18-07-2006, 19:20

Just to confirm folks I've received your £20 per person deposits. The remainder we can organise on the day.
Have any of you got any friends or family who may be intested in coming along? So far we've got Willowbark + 2 - weekend warrior - andyn - Elma - James(my son) - and Me, so we've still got 2 places left to make up the 10 people. Colin needs £400 between us so obviously we need the full 10 people to make it £40 each. I've asked at work and my friends but nobody can make it :( . If you could ask around and we can make up the number that would be better for all of us. (and cheaper) Cheers for your help with this. It's going to cost us £400 anyway in total but if we can split it between 10 that would be so much better. There's no age limit so children are welcome but of course not too young as we'll be out on the boat all day and Colin won't return to port because a little 'un has had enough.

Cheers for any help

Nick

outdoorgirl

18-07-2006, 20:08

You have a PM...

falling rain

18-07-2006, 20:55

Geat stuff, we've now filled the boat. Outdoor girl and partner are coming along now too. :D
All you have to bring everyone is your usual wet weather gear and some shoes that don't slip would be a bonus as the deck can get a bit slippery with the water and fishy bits. I'd also recommend a pair of nail clippers on some cord around your neck for trimming line. They work great and are safer than a knife in slippery hands. Of course you'll need lunch too and a flask of something hot. The fish are usually thrown into containers so if you want to make sure you get your actual fish back that you caught, then bring some coloured electric cable ties to 'tag' your fish with. you can place them through the fishes mouth and out of the gill and it also makes a loop to carry them more easily. Bring some warm clothes too it does get draughty on a boat. I've got all the trace making kit and the skipper will have rods to hire if you don't have a boat rod or multiplier reel.
I think that's abot it but any questions please ask away.

Oh and don't forget the camera. :D

falling rain

18-07-2006, 22:41

There's a video of the boat (smuggler 5) we'll be going on here. about half way down the page. And a cod fishing and wrecking video. We'll be catching bass (hopefully) but it'll give you the idea http://www.deepsea.co.uk/boats/smuggler/moreinfo/movies_board.htm

Womble

19-07-2006, 07:52

Hiya Nick. I'm not sure yet if I can make it, but would it be possible to come down just for the camping?

John

falling rain

22-07-2006, 15:07

Hiya Nick. I'm not sure yet if I can make it, but would it be possible to come down just for the camping?

John

Yes of course Wom, no problems. It'll be good to see you again. Anyone is welcome to come along for the camping and a bit of a social. The fishing is full now but it'd be good to meet up on Dartmoor again.

falling rain

17-08-2006, 18:41

Not long till the bass fishing trip now...............'I'm all excited Tommy' :1244: :lurk: :beerchug: :headbang:

If anyone is interested there is an article in this Septembers 'Boat fishing' magazine about Bass fishing techniques and rigs if anyone wants to swat up before the trip

elma

30-08-2006, 18:04

counting the days, cant waite :D :D :D

Willowbark

31-08-2006, 09:01

Hi Nick
Unfortunately we can only make the fishing day and not the rest of the weekend.
Can you just confirm the details of when and where we will meet up with you?

I'm getting all overexcited about it all, so I think I'll go and have a nice cup of hot chocolate while I await your reply!!

Willowbark

falling rain

01-09-2006, 17:37

Hi Willowbark,

Please can you meet us at Exmouth docks car park at 7am on Sunday the 10th Sept. If you head into Exmouth the docks is clearly sign posted. I'll be arriving at Cockingford in the evening now on friday 8th instead of midday as I said earlier. Hopefully around 8ish pm. I've received deposits from everyone so ther'll be the balance of £20 pp on the day. Please remember I must call Colin the night before to make sure the weather is not against us - fingers crossed. If anyone needs to know anything please ask. If anyone wants to come along just for the camping on Dartmoor everyone's welcome.

andyn

01-09-2006, 18:04

falling rain

01-09-2006, 18:25

Hi Nick looking forward to it.

I'll be at the campsite early midday on the Friday so if im first there I will try and find us a good area we can all fit in. Hopefully will be taking some logs down with me to add to the fire pile.

Great stuff andyn.......all logs greatfully recieved :D I should imagine the place will be a bit barren after the school holidays and all the campers having been down there.
If anyone hasn't been on a small boat on the sea before you may want to bring some sea sickness tablets if you're unsure. I've never been sea sick but my son does get a bit ill. Seasickness happens when the body, inner ear, and eyes all send different signals to the brain, resulting in confusion and queasiness. It 's a problem generally attributed to disturbance in the balance system of the inner ear (vestibular) system. Your sensory perception gets out of synch as these nerve fibers attempt to compensate for the unfamiliar motion of the ship moving through water. It's usually OK going along but some people suffer when the boat is drifting over wrecks or reefs..................so there :p :p :p
Any questions on anything ask away

Willowbark

02-09-2006, 17:01

Hm, 7am!! I think we may change our plans and camp over night with you lot, if that's OK . Where abouts is the campsite?

falling rain

02-09-2006, 18:04

It is a bit early isn't it especially if you're travelling down to be there by 7am. As it is we'll need to be up very early to get to Exmouth. Colin usually wants us to be there by around 8am (I said 7am to allow for any changes and not finding the docks etc) Going on 8am then....... we'll need to leave Cockingford at no later than 7am on the sunday morning so It's up to everyone what time they get up and how much time they'll need for breakfast , wash, strike camp etc But I really think we should be heading for Exmouth from the campsite no later than 7am

Directions to the campsite

Cockingford Farm, Widecombe-in-the-moor, Dartmoor, Devon, TQ13 7TG. TEL 01364 621258. Between Widecombe and Buckland-in-the-moor, 5 miles from Ashburton, Grid Ref: OL28 718 752

If driving directly to Widecombe from the North, follow the M5 to Exeter, take the A38 South. At the junction with A380 continue up the steep hill, staying in the right hand lanes, signposted A38 towards Plymouth. At the top of the hill you will see Exeter Racecourse on your left.

Take the B3344 signposted Chudleigh Knighton and at T-junction turn right over road bridge Keep forward across river bridge and bear left on the B3344.

At the junction with A382 take the 2nd exit on the B3387 signposted Haytor and Widecombe. Follow the B3387 into Widecombe in the Moor.

Cockingford Farm campsite is 2km due South of Widecombe in a steep sided valley, take the road towards Pondsworthy from Widecombe and take the 2nd left after about 2 kms. After turning you will cross a cattle grid and then descend a very steep hill and will see the campsite on the right after about 300 metres

Hope that helps. Any problems give me a shout

outdoorgirl

03-09-2006, 13:45

Cheers Nick! replied to your PM before I saw this, so never mind answering my timing questions!

Looks like we'll come down the day before - probably arriving at the campsite early afternoon. I'm sure we can bring some logs too, since Andy is an arborist and we have a 12'x6'x6' stack... :D

We have no sea fishing gear of our own, so will need to hire/borrow some. We have waterproofs and warm gear - I assume life jackets will be supplied if needed?

Anything else we need to bring - food/drink?

ODG/Pip

falling rain

03-09-2006, 16:38

Yes, definately full waterproofs and some warm fleece etc for underneath. A warm hat is a good idea too. Just think it's going to be cold even if it turns out not to be....................... you can always take stuff off. Wellies would be good too. That'll be good if you can bring a few logs. There is a small woods next to the site but I'm not sure that we're supposed to be in there and most of the good wood will be gone because of the holidays just finishing and all the summer campers will have had it. The rods we can hire from Colin and I've got plenty of trace gear for everyone to use so no worries about bringing any kit for the actual fishing. Life jackets are on board and is a legal requirement for Colin to have enough for everyone on his boat...........otherwise he dosn't get licensed. We're not required to wear them during fishing but of course the skipper will break them out if something happens. There's a radio on board and there's usually a few other boats around the area. Definately bring some food and a flask. You won't be allowed to use a stove on the boat for obvious reasons. There's a microwave on board to heat up pies or pasties etc. Hot soup in a flask is what I usually take and a couple of pasties. I'll also be bringing everything we need to make some sashimi if anyone wants to try some :p

Lets just hope the weather gods are smiling and the bass are VERY hungry :D

Cheers Nick! replied to your PM before I saw this, so never mind answering my timing questions!

Looks like we'll come down the day before - probably arriving at the campsite early afternoon. I'm sure we can bring some logs too, since Andy is an arborist and we have a 12'x6'x6' stack... :D

We have no sea fishing gear of our own, so will need to hire/borrow some. We have waterproofs and warm gear - I assume life jackets will be supplied if needed?

Anything else we need to bring - food/drink?

ODG/Pip

outdoorgirl

03-09-2006, 19:05

Right, starting to get organised for this trip now - we're out Friday night with friends so won't be able to join you on Dartmoor until Saturday afternoon-ish - is the campsite tents only, or are there trees for hammocks?

Andy and I are also up for sashimi! I'm not keen on wasabi, though Andy is - I prefer the pickled ginger... :)

ODG

falling rain

03-09-2006, 19:22

Tents only I'm afraid. There are trees the other side of the stream but there are also cows and I don't think we're supposed to be over that side anyway. My son is using a tent and I have a tarp with poles that I'm going to use. It stands alone and no need for trees to rig it up. For the sashimi I'm going to bring Kikkoman's soy sauce, Virgin olive oil, Lemon juice, Basil leaves, Chopped fresh coriander - mix all ingredients together and pour over the cut up fish in a bowl and leave to marinate for 10 minutes and consume :D If you want to bring any wasabe or ginger that'll be great, lets try a bit of everything. I think I've got some of those throw-away wooden chopsticks somewhere too, if I can find them I'll bring them along................ Got to do it properly you know :p

falling rain

07-09-2006, 15:52

OK folks I'll be offline after 11pm tonight so any questions please ask now. See you down there. Drive safely :)

outdoorgirl

07-09-2006, 16:20

Looking forward to it - weather looks good so far!

We'll be arriving at the campsite anytime from midafternoon Saturday. Will bring firewood as suggested..

ODG

falling rain

07-09-2006, 16:32

Nice one ODG......see you down there. :)

andyn

07-09-2006, 16:32

Is it the weekend already! YAY.

See you all down there!

andyn

07-09-2006, 16:33

Oh Nick...any preferance as to which field i try and get for us (if im the first there)

falling rain

07-09-2006, 16:54

Well if you can get us in down at the bottom as far as you can go down the track that would be good andyn, but don't worry too much mate. See you down there. I'm leaving Oxford at around 3pm so I should be there no later than 7pm. Crank up the old fire and get the brew on :D . Really looking forward to it. :) :) :) weather looks good too http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=1879 moderate southerly (12mph) winds for Sunday so fingers crossed.

andyn

07-09-2006, 17:03

LOL...ok mate.

Sounds like i'll need to squeeze an extra log in the boot :)

andyn

11-09-2006, 13:14

Well what a wonderful weekend. Great campsite for a couple of days camping with some great people, despite being a little busy - probably due to the exceptionally nice weather we had.

The only problem was that on Saturday the wind had picked up in Exmouth and when we went down there to pick up some lures, traces nad bait it was looking like the fishing trip may have been off the cards, but thankfully the shipping forecast for sunday was better and the skipper confirmed the trip was on.

9 of us met at the docks early on Sunday morning...Nick (Falling rain), Rich (Weekend warrior), Pip and Andy (Outdoorgirl), and Willowbark and her crew, and myself. After a bit of waiting for the straggling fisher, Elma, who didnt turn up we made our way down to the boat and set off.

The early start was well worth it though as it turned out to be an excellent day out on the boat. Gloreous sunshine and lots of fun had by all. Well done to Andy - Outdoorgirl's one - for catching the "fish of the day" a tiddler of a Bass ;) :D
:p Even if it was my mackeral that you used as bait :p

Wasn't an overall large catch but I think everyone enjoyed hauling in what we did including a few bass, a whiting, several mackeral, a ton of some fish that i can't remember the name of but will now be known as "the fish with one weird eye and is usless eating" :), and I've got a couple of lovely pollock fillets in the freezer now :D

Thanks especially to Nick for organising a great trip out and to all the tips you gave, thanks also to Pip and Andy for the fishing and fish prep advice it was most helpful. Thanks also for knocking together the sashmi.......have to admit it weren't too bad :D

Was great to meet everyone and hopefully another trip out might be on the cards.

P.S Shame you couldn't make it Elma :(

Willowbark

11-09-2006, 13:52

Brilliant trip! Really enjoyed it, even though we didn't haul in the tonnes of Bass we had been promised!!
Seriously though, a really good day out that my family and I thoroughly enjoyed. As I write, my 9 year old Callain is sparking up a fire in the garden to cook his "beautiful, shiney shiney Mackeral" as part of his "hunter gatherers" home school project.

Can't wait for the next trip. Many thanks to Falling Rain for organising everything.

Willowbark

jdlenton

11-09-2006, 13:53

sounds like you all had a great time i'm so gutted i couldn't come maybe next time

weekend_warrior

11-09-2006, 14:07

I had a damn fine time! Great camping and great company, followed by a good days boat fishing. The Cider wasn't bad either. Perfect! Thanks Nick. :You_Rock_

Now, if we could just fix the traffic on A30... :rolleyes: ;) :D

falling rain

16-09-2006, 16:48

Glad we all had a good time.

It wasn't the best days fishing I've ever had I'll agree but still a nice day out on the boat and I think everybody took something home to eat except weekend warrior (Rich) Never mind mate better luck next time. :( Bass fishing is either Excellent and you go home with a full bag and aching arms or a bit slow like our day turned out to be................That's fishing though. :)
Andyn - the ton's of fish that i can't remember the name of but will now be known as "the fish with one weird eye and is usless eating" ................were Pouting http://web.ukonline.co.uk/aquarium/pages/pouting.html They're not inedible, just taste not that great. Which is a shame because we caught loads of the blighters

As far as I remember our total haul was :- A couple of dozen or so Mackeral - 2 x Scad (Horse Mackeral) - 1 x Gurnard - 3 x Bass - 1 x Pollock - 1 x Whiting 2 dozen Pouting or there abouts. So 7 species. I'm going to start a new post about the next trip and maybe we can go Deep sea wrecking next time.

No one's mentioned that we saw Jimmy Savile yet :D