moonlighter

Hi Andy, Jelly worms or Portland rigged live baits (small scad are my favourite) drifted during neaps work better in my opinion than the standard drift rigs or slow jigging. Depending on depth of water and tide strength i may well anchor up for a full tide on neaps. if it goes quiet on baits i sometimes drop down a light lure rig over the wreck to pick up unwary pollack or bass.

Andy, Tides permitting I like to get the anchor down and settle to a wreck. The obvious candidates usually get a visit to see my boat such as eels (some very big), pout (smelly but good bait), ling (tasty) and Cod (once in a blue moon). Interstingly though I have had my biggest Bass (14lb), biggest Pollack (17.5lb), biggest Black Bream (4lb 10onz) and biggest Tope (42lb) all whilst bait fishing wrecks at anchor! I love drifting for Pollack and Bass too so i tend to drift whilst the tide is in full run and then get the hook down for the slacker times in the tide run thereby getting the best of both worlds. Tight lines John

Andy, She was caught on legered cuttle gut, my favourite Cod and Conger bait, in early December.

Andy, My thoughts exactly. In fact if something terminal were to happen my outboard engineer has quoted me £3k for a total rebuild of that engine (as he really rates them for reliability and build strength) which may well be the cheapest overall option.

Thanks Spence, Yes their collective knowledge would fill a few books i don't doubt!

Andy, She weighed 26lb and was caught on my 50th birthday fishing out of Newhaven

Geoff, Yes I replace the old trailer with the one pictured in 2010 and sold the old one on to a nice chap in Devon The tow vehicle has also been changer to an Isuzu Rodeo Denver which pull like a dream. I normally fish out of Littlehampton but also visit Herne Bay, Chichester harbour, exmouth and Brixham.

Hi Andy, She is a great boat though the weight and windage of the open cabin on an 18 footer needs managing. Easily done with fuel tanks and my wrecking lead bucket! The luxury of sitting out of the cold (or scorching sun) outweighs any other issues in my mind. I have come home in some very snotty following seas and never had a problem. Modern boats are all rigged with bigger engines which I would like but i get to cruise at 18-22 knots 2 up and at full chat get 28knots. the fuel economy is not as good as a modern 4 stroke as i burn 1.25-1.75 litres per nm.

Gretings All. By way of introduction I am a near 60 year old life long angler having been bitten by the bug at the age of 4 fishing off the inner harbour wall in Brixham. I live in surrey and have fished and boated as mush as possible since those early days. I have been fortunate enough to have fished with some great skippers and with plenty of good anglers whilst chartering and on my own boat. Dave Fellick taught me a lot about ground fishing and seasonal fish movements out of Littlehampton (my go-to port with my Icelander 18) and Chris Martin of Nikaria fame taught me so much about wrecking for which I am very grateful. Others such as Kevin Benham and Roger Bysand were great help too. I hope that this Covid bug gets beaten soon and we can all get out and enjoy fishing and the great outdoors. Best wishes and tight lines to you all. John (Moonlighter)

Greetings all. Just signed up to this forum as things have become a bit tedious and stodgy on some other sites. Just a quick post to introduce myself and boat. I am far too close to 60 for comfort and have been fishing since the age of 4. I have boated all my life and have owned my Icelander 18 from new since 1987. Touching wood she is still going strong and though a little basic and old fashioned internally still puts me safely over plenty of fish. If you see me out from Littlehampton, Chichester or Herne bay then give me a shout, loudly, as the hearing is as old as i am! Tight line, Moonlighter