The seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset has a great deal to offer the sea angler as I discovered on a recent trip with Ian Tyldesley manager of successful blast frozen bait company Ammodyte’s Ltd. The town has deep-sea fishing aboard the twenty or so regular charter boats, pier fishing and the challenge of mullet in the harbour or perhaps a trip to the famous Chesil beach.
On this occasion Ian and I joined a party of ten anglers aboard Colin Penny’s renowned Charter boat “FlamerⅢ”. Colin Penny has been a keen boat angler since his first boat trip out of Weymouth in 1966. Before embracing the life of Charter boat Skipper, Colin worked as a chef. In 1995 he purchased “Flamer” a wooden charter boat that got its name from an old Weymouth based Paddle steamer. This reliable old boat was far slower than today’s modern fibreglass hulled boats, though with its Lister engine it proved an economical proposition. Skippering this boat gave Colin an understanding of the local tides and how to use them to good effect. After several years plying his trade, Colin built up a regular clientele of anglers taking them to inshore marks where his knowledge ensured regular catches from a variety of marks.
The need to broaden horizons lead Colin to upgrade to a new fibreglass boat that housed a faster engine enabling him to reach more distant marks Flamer 2. This was superseded by “FlamerⅢ” that Ian and I boarded as light broke on a chilly autumn morning.
Ian had enjoyed a great days fishing the previous day when numerous species had been brought to the net including blonde ray, gurnard, black bream, plaice, turbot and the inevitable dogfish. Today’s trip had hung in the balance as a North West wind was forecast to blow up to 20mph. This could make fishing difficult though, but with a keen band of anglers ready to sail Colin agreed to give it a go.
[caption id="attachment_14527" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Flamer 3 leaves at first light[/caption]
Most boat trips I make are with a party of fellow club members. Today saw Ian and I joining a mixed group of anglers who had travelled from several locations including Oxford, St Ives, North Devon, London and Bridport. It is fascinating to meet an assembly of anglers who often hail from differing backgrounds and varying ages. The love of sea angling is a common bond that is generally sufficient to seal an immediate connection of interest that crosses any barriers that may artificially exist in a wider society.
It is always exciting to venture forth from a fresh port and today was my first boat fishing trip out of Weymouth. Though I had sailed out of the port on a ferry destined for the Channel Islands on several occasions and the sight of the Condor Ferry stirred many memories of previous angling excursions. As we left the harbour and sailed out into the bay a rainbow formed above the town church spire a dramatic sight as dark clouds filled the backdrop. Out to sea the sun was rising in the east providing an inspiring curtain on our destination the Shambles bank eight or nine miles offshore.
The journey out was an ideal time to chat with Colin and gain an insight into our prospects and the past triumphs aboard “Flamer 3”. We would be targeting turbot and brill today that are among Colin’s favourite species. In addition to drifting the sand banks Colin also travels to the many wrecks that lie upon the seabed of the English Channel. Recent years have seen an upsurge in species fishing and most years sees in excess of fifty species with the best years tally standing at sixty-one. Many specimens have been landed on the boat including plaice 7lb 2oz, turbot 28lb, brill 10lb 2oz, undulate ray 19lb 8oz, bass 16lb 6oz and a British Record lesser weaver fish of 3.6oz.
I was encouraged by Colin’s positive view on fish stocks in the waters around Weymouth as in contradiction to the general view of many, Colin expressed the view that fish stocks are relatively healthy. He believes that climate change has undoubtedly influenced the migration of species and the time they arrive and depart.
Colin is a staunch believer in catch and release and used the pleasing phrase, “ If you don’t want it for tea, set it free”. Whilst Colin has no problem with anglers keeping quality table fish such as turbot, brill and bass he ensures that the virtually all ray, conger and huss etc are returned alive to fight another day.
It seemed that we were soon upon our destination above the notorious Shambles banks eight or nine miles off Weymouth. A prompt to get the lines down and catch some fish from skipper Colin was followed by ten eager anglers. Its always exciting lowering baits into the depths not knowing what, if anything will be tempted by the baits on offer. We were using a range of quality frozen baits provided by Ian of Ammodyte’s. Strips of mackerel, launce, sandeel and cocktail combinations that we hoped would prove seductive offerings.
[caption id="attachment_14528" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Two hook rig with sandeel and mackerel[/caption]
With a full boat of anglers it is essential for everybody on board to fish with consideration for each other. Ideally those nearer the bow of the boat should use the heavier weight whilst those at the stern should use the lightest. The anglers will also need to take into consideration whether braided line is used as opposed to mono. The different characteristics of the line will also determine the weight selected. If all anglers follow these simple guidelines frustrating tangles will be kept to a minimum.
At the end of the first drift it was able who hooked the first fish, a writhing silver garfish of over a pound in weight. The next drift saw Denise Young hook into something quite weighty, this proved to be one of the largest edible crabs I have ever witnessed. Denise and her husband Ian are regular anglers aboard Flamer and have witnessed some spectacular catches over the years.
[caption id="attachment_14534" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Denise Young with a fine crab[/caption]
The next fish to come aboard was a tiny fish that had the potential to inflict a lot of pain. The lesser weaver is an innocent looking little fish that has a prominent black fin. The spikes within the black fin are venomous and can inflict a sting as painful as that of an adder.
The fishing is not yet living up to expectations but it is still great to be on the sea absorbing the atmosphere, sea air and the cry of gulls soaring hopefully behind the boat and of course the expectation of that tug of life from the seabed below. Colin kept spirits up with a steady flow of hot drinks whilst exuding a confident air that before too long a brill or turbot would locate one of our offerings.
[caption id="attachment_14529" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Lesser Weever[/caption]
After several drifts Sam Parker from London was peering into the depths as Colin waited ready with the net. The first turbot of the day was soon safely within the net and our hopes are renewed. Another small turbot follows this to the rod of Kevin Orty. Then after a spirited tussle Jim Sevier brings what is to prove the fish of the day to the net a stunning brill of 5lb 8oz. Later Ian also hooks a brill of around 3lb using launce and mackerel cocktail from his own factory.
[caption id="attachment_14530" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Ian Tyldesley with a 3lb Brill[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_14531" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Jim Sevier with a specimen 5lb 8oz Brill[/caption]
In between drifts I take the opportunity to chat further with Colin about aspects of boat fishing off Weymouth. Flamer sails all year round pursuing a wide variety of species including winter pollock from the wrecks, conger, rays and whiting. Black bream are taken from April through until late November. Brill and turbot are targeted from spring into late autumn dependant on water clarity. I asked Colin for his top tips and he replied that anglers should always listen to the skipper. He believes that bait presentation is a vital key in the search for fish. He also expressed his annoyance at anglers who allow their lead weights to bash against the side of the boat. A boat is after all a major investment; he asked how people would feel if someone bashed a weight against their car?
As the day drifted towards its conclusion the wind increased to a force five or six northwesterly. The catch rate dropped away and I don’t think any of us were too disappointed when Colin decided to call it a day and return to port. Whilst we had caught several fish including a specimen brill we concluded that it was likely that the brisk wind had resulted in an ineffective drift. Later that night we were pondering on a question that is I guess up there with the chicken and the egg. When the boat is drifting what does the fish see first the weight or the bait? Give this some thought?
[caption id="attachment_14533" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Ian Young a fine Turbot aboard Flamer III[/caption]
Weymouth is without doubt a superb venue for the sea angler and angling brings a vital boost to its economy. There are around twenty charter boats operating out of the port each licensed to carry up to ten anglers. These anglers travel from far and wide often staying overnight in hotels or guesthouses. They visit local inns for food and drink and buy bait and tackle from the local tackle shops. Many thousands of pounds are invested in Weymouth by anglers, which reinforce the need to protect valuable fish stocks not just for conservation reasons but for economical ones as well.
Boat – FLAMER CHARTERS
Deep Sea Fishing
Colin Penny – 01305 766961
Mobile 07968 – 972736
Email : colinpennyfu2@aol.com
www.deepsea.co.uk/boats/flamer
Weymouth Angling Centre – 01305 777771
On this occasion Ian and I joined a party of ten anglers aboard Colin Penny’s renowned Charter boat “FlamerⅢ”. Colin Penny has been a keen boat angler since his first boat trip out of Weymouth in 1966. Before embracing the life of Charter boat Skipper, Colin worked as a chef. In 1995 he purchased “Flamer” a wooden charter boat that got its name from an old Weymouth based Paddle steamer. This reliable old boat was far slower than today’s modern fibreglass hulled boats, though with its Lister engine it proved an economical proposition. Skippering this boat gave Colin an understanding of the local tides and how to use them to good effect. After several years plying his trade, Colin built up a regular clientele of anglers taking them to inshore marks where his knowledge ensured regular catches from a variety of marks.
The need to broaden horizons lead Colin to upgrade to a new fibreglass boat that housed a faster engine enabling him to reach more distant marks Flamer 2. This was superseded by “FlamerⅢ” that Ian and I boarded as light broke on a chilly autumn morning.
Ian had enjoyed a great days fishing the previous day when numerous species had been brought to the net including blonde ray, gurnard, black bream, plaice, turbot and the inevitable dogfish. Today’s trip had hung in the balance as a North West wind was forecast to blow up to 20mph. This could make fishing difficult though, but with a keen band of anglers ready to sail Colin agreed to give it a go.
[caption id="attachment_14527" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Flamer 3 leaves at first light[/caption]Most boat trips I make are with a party of fellow club members. Today saw Ian and I joining a mixed group of anglers who had travelled from several locations including Oxford, St Ives, North Devon, London and Bridport. It is fascinating to meet an assembly of anglers who often hail from differing backgrounds and varying ages. The love of sea angling is a common bond that is generally sufficient to seal an immediate connection of interest that crosses any barriers that may artificially exist in a wider society.
It is always exciting to venture forth from a fresh port and today was my first boat fishing trip out of Weymouth. Though I had sailed out of the port on a ferry destined for the Channel Islands on several occasions and the sight of the Condor Ferry stirred many memories of previous angling excursions. As we left the harbour and sailed out into the bay a rainbow formed above the town church spire a dramatic sight as dark clouds filled the backdrop. Out to sea the sun was rising in the east providing an inspiring curtain on our destination the Shambles bank eight or nine miles offshore.
The journey out was an ideal time to chat with Colin and gain an insight into our prospects and the past triumphs aboard “Flamer 3”. We would be targeting turbot and brill today that are among Colin’s favourite species. In addition to drifting the sand banks Colin also travels to the many wrecks that lie upon the seabed of the English Channel. Recent years have seen an upsurge in species fishing and most years sees in excess of fifty species with the best years tally standing at sixty-one. Many specimens have been landed on the boat including plaice 7lb 2oz, turbot 28lb, brill 10lb 2oz, undulate ray 19lb 8oz, bass 16lb 6oz and a British Record lesser weaver fish of 3.6oz.
I was encouraged by Colin’s positive view on fish stocks in the waters around Weymouth as in contradiction to the general view of many, Colin expressed the view that fish stocks are relatively healthy. He believes that climate change has undoubtedly influenced the migration of species and the time they arrive and depart.
Colin is a staunch believer in catch and release and used the pleasing phrase, “ If you don’t want it for tea, set it free”. Whilst Colin has no problem with anglers keeping quality table fish such as turbot, brill and bass he ensures that the virtually all ray, conger and huss etc are returned alive to fight another day.
It seemed that we were soon upon our destination above the notorious Shambles banks eight or nine miles off Weymouth. A prompt to get the lines down and catch some fish from skipper Colin was followed by ten eager anglers. Its always exciting lowering baits into the depths not knowing what, if anything will be tempted by the baits on offer. We were using a range of quality frozen baits provided by Ian of Ammodyte’s. Strips of mackerel, launce, sandeel and cocktail combinations that we hoped would prove seductive offerings.
[caption id="attachment_14528" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Two hook rig with sandeel and mackerel[/caption]With a full boat of anglers it is essential for everybody on board to fish with consideration for each other. Ideally those nearer the bow of the boat should use the heavier weight whilst those at the stern should use the lightest. The anglers will also need to take into consideration whether braided line is used as opposed to mono. The different characteristics of the line will also determine the weight selected. If all anglers follow these simple guidelines frustrating tangles will be kept to a minimum.
At the end of the first drift it was able who hooked the first fish, a writhing silver garfish of over a pound in weight. The next drift saw Denise Young hook into something quite weighty, this proved to be one of the largest edible crabs I have ever witnessed. Denise and her husband Ian are regular anglers aboard Flamer and have witnessed some spectacular catches over the years.
[caption id="attachment_14534" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Denise Young with a fine crab[/caption]The next fish to come aboard was a tiny fish that had the potential to inflict a lot of pain. The lesser weaver is an innocent looking little fish that has a prominent black fin. The spikes within the black fin are venomous and can inflict a sting as painful as that of an adder.
The fishing is not yet living up to expectations but it is still great to be on the sea absorbing the atmosphere, sea air and the cry of gulls soaring hopefully behind the boat and of course the expectation of that tug of life from the seabed below. Colin kept spirits up with a steady flow of hot drinks whilst exuding a confident air that before too long a brill or turbot would locate one of our offerings.
[caption id="attachment_14529" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Lesser Weever[/caption]After several drifts Sam Parker from London was peering into the depths as Colin waited ready with the net. The first turbot of the day was soon safely within the net and our hopes are renewed. Another small turbot follows this to the rod of Kevin Orty. Then after a spirited tussle Jim Sevier brings what is to prove the fish of the day to the net a stunning brill of 5lb 8oz. Later Ian also hooks a brill of around 3lb using launce and mackerel cocktail from his own factory.
[caption id="attachment_14530" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Ian Tyldesley with a 3lb Brill[/caption][caption id="attachment_14531" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Jim Sevier with a specimen 5lb 8oz Brill[/caption]In between drifts I take the opportunity to chat further with Colin about aspects of boat fishing off Weymouth. Flamer sails all year round pursuing a wide variety of species including winter pollock from the wrecks, conger, rays and whiting. Black bream are taken from April through until late November. Brill and turbot are targeted from spring into late autumn dependant on water clarity. I asked Colin for his top tips and he replied that anglers should always listen to the skipper. He believes that bait presentation is a vital key in the search for fish. He also expressed his annoyance at anglers who allow their lead weights to bash against the side of the boat. A boat is after all a major investment; he asked how people would feel if someone bashed a weight against their car?
As the day drifted towards its conclusion the wind increased to a force five or six northwesterly. The catch rate dropped away and I don’t think any of us were too disappointed when Colin decided to call it a day and return to port. Whilst we had caught several fish including a specimen brill we concluded that it was likely that the brisk wind had resulted in an ineffective drift. Later that night we were pondering on a question that is I guess up there with the chicken and the egg. When the boat is drifting what does the fish see first the weight or the bait? Give this some thought?
[caption id="attachment_14533" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Ian Young a fine Turbot aboard Flamer III[/caption]Weymouth is without doubt a superb venue for the sea angler and angling brings a vital boost to its economy. There are around twenty charter boats operating out of the port each licensed to carry up to ten anglers. These anglers travel from far and wide often staying overnight in hotels or guesthouses. They visit local inns for food and drink and buy bait and tackle from the local tackle shops. Many thousands of pounds are invested in Weymouth by anglers, which reinforce the need to protect valuable fish stocks not just for conservation reasons but for economical ones as well.
Boat – FLAMER CHARTERS
Deep Sea Fishing
Colin Penny – 01305 766961
Mobile 07968 – 972736
Email : colinpennyfu2@aol.com
www.deepsea.co.uk/boats/flamer
Weymouth Angling Centre – 01305 777771
