Charter Boat: Sea Urchin IIl
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Boat and Skipper Details
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Availability Calendar
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Individual Spaces
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Reviews
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Location and directionsMap
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Bait & Tackle
Boat and Skipper Details
Launched in 2016, Sea Urchin III is fitted with the latest electronics and a powerful Perkins M300C engine. She can get out to the wrecks fast and outrun the bad weather to get us back in when needed. Onboard, there is a sheltered area to get out of the weather, plus a private flushing toilet to keep things comfortable. The deck space is huge giving everyone ample room to fish. A central area to store tackle boxes and bags, plus bait cutting areas front and rear, keep the deck space tidy. Each angler has a dedicated fish box which is stored in a bespoke drawer system. No more lifting boxes or having them fly around in bad weather. Built for comfort, stability and speed, Sea Urchin III has it all.
Trip Information:
General - Throughout Spring, Summer and Autumn we generally fish the wrecks and reefs out of Whitby for Cod, Ling and Pollock. In addition to the wreck and reef fishing, in Winter we offer uptiding trips for Cod on the inshore grounds around Sandsend, Kettleness and Robin Hoods Bay.
Our trips in Spring, Summer and Autumn usually commence at 07:00 hrs; but please be sure to check with Skipper the evening before (as sometimes we may leave earlier). If the tide level requires the use of the Swing Bridge at 07:00 hrs then we need to be sat on the water waiting at 06:50 hrs. Late anglers can cost the whole party precious fishing time, so if you are late, the boat will not wait for you.
Winter uptiding trips see us leave Whitby around 07:00 hrs and come back in for around 16:00 – 16:30 hrs; Spring, Summer and Autumn trips have us back at the pontoon for roughly 17:00 hrs where you can finish off your filleting, if you haven’t already done it at sea (recommended).
If you are not staying in Whitby the night before your trip, we recommend you arrive early (05:00 – 06:00 hrs) in the morning to get a chance at a decent parking place. It can be particularly busy through the summer months and although the pay and display car park on Church Street has space for around forty cars, it fills quickly (parking for the day in the Church Street park costs £10.00 for 24hrs).
Once you’ve got the car parked, it’s worth a stroll to the excellent Singing Kettle for one of their fantastic breakfasts (open from 05:30hrs daily). If you need to tackle for the day, I have everything aboard which you will need to fish effectively from Whitby. Don't waste money buying random stuff; I will give advice and supply you with terminal tackle and leads at very reasonable prices that are fit for the job.
Don’t forget to book your dates for the Whitby Charter Skippers Association Festival early so you get the exact date and tide to suit your or your group. Most years, anglers leave it to the last minute and then struggle to get a good tide and space; don’t let it be you this year. You can view the tide heights on the availability page of the booking calendar. Many anglers enjoy a post-fishing pint, with The Station and Middle Earth Tavern being popular pubs in Whitby, where anglers can always be found discussing their day at sea over a cold beer.
As an Angler and Angling Coach. I have been an avid fisherman from the age of four, my fascination and passion for the sea was ignited by my Dad, who first took me fishing off the Marine Drive in Scarborough for Codling, Dabs and an odd Pollock throughout the 1980's. A twenty five year career in the Armed Forces saw me travel and fish all around the world, for everything that swims, from Sharks to Sea Bass; but the hallowed grounds of the North Yorkshire coast have always stolen my heart.
My first proper "wrecking trip" took place on my birthday in 1992 and having ben told the stories by other Whitby anglers, of boats almost sinking because of the weight of Cod they had caught (three doubles at a time, 20's for fun!!), had me a quivering "wreck" on the day of departure. Two hours later, when I was projectile vomiting like there was no tomorrow and sliding around the deck in a cocktail of fish slime and puke, things didn't seem so glamorous!! However, that was just the start of things to come, and I have boat fished the area around Whitby extensively for most of my adult life.
I am passionate about customer service and will do what is necessary to ensure you have an enjoyable day on Sea Urchin. My goal each day is for all anglers to catch fish and I will put pressure on myself to achieve this. Over the years, on the majority of boats, I have seen little guidance given to the first time anglers (apart from, drop it down there, and wind it up when you get a bite). Everyone starts from somewhere; so if you want to start your sea fishing journey with Sea Urchin, I can guarantee that you will get as much, (or as little) assistance as you require. We all have to start somewhere. There are absolutely no guarantees in fishing, but on Sea Urchin we will never be found lacking.
December 2024
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N.B. Not all Skippers keep this dairy up-to-date. Always check with skippers before making any plans. Last calendar update: 22-Nov-2024 |
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Sun 1st Dec
Fully Booked
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Mon 2nd Dec
Fully Booked
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Tue 3rd Dec
Fully Booked
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Wed 4th Dec
Fully Booked
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Thu 5th Dec
Fully Booked
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Fri 6th Dec
Individual Spaces
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Sat 7th Dec
Individual Spaces
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Sun 8th Dec
Individual Spaces
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Mon 9th Dec
Individual Spaces
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Tue 10th Dec
Individual Spaces
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Wed 11th Dec
Whole Boat Available
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Thu 12th Dec
Fully Booked
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Fri 13th Dec
Fully Booked
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Sat 14th Dec
Individual Spaces
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Sun 15th Dec
Fully Booked
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Mon 16th Dec
Fully Booked
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Tue 17th Dec
Individual Spaces
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Wed 18th Dec
Whole Boat Available
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Thu 19th Dec
Individual Spaces
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Fri 20th Dec
Whole Boat Available
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Sat 21st Dec
Individual Spaces
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Sun 22nd Dec
Fully Booked
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Mon 23rd Dec
Individual Spaces
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Tue 24th Dec
Unavailable
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Wed 25th Dec
Unavailable
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Thu 26th Dec
Unavailable
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Fri 27th Dec
Unavailable
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Sat 28th Dec
Individual Spaces
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Sun 29th Dec
Whole Boat Available
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Mon 30th Dec
Individual Spaces
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Tue 31st Dec
Fully Booked
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Upcoming Individual Spaces on Sea Urchin IIl
| Mon 25/11/2024 |
1 Space Available
Good Wrecking Tide - 4.42m
Ian Kellock - x 1
Dave Sharp - x 1
Martin Novo - x 1
Carl Peel - x 1
Mike Lee - x 1
Tony Firman - x 1
Carl Marin - x 2
| View details | |||
| Sat 30/11/2024 |
1 Space Available
Uptiding Trip - 5.15m
Mairis Bennison - x 7
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| Fri 06/12/2024 |
1 Space Available
Uptiding Trip - 4.97m
Ian Purdom - x 1
Joe Clough - x 1
Craig Henshaw - x 2
Christopher Arrand - x 3
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| Sat 07/12/2024 |
1 Space Available
Uptiding Trip - 4.83m
Jimmy Yeung - x 1
Steve & Ryan Martin - x 2
Waldek Myśliwy - x 3
Marc Smith - x 1
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| Sun 08/12/2024 |
3 Spaces Available
Uptiding Trip - 4.81m
Keith Lockwood - x 2
Kevin Totterdell - x 3
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| Mon 09/12/2024 |
4 Spaces Available
Uptiding Trip - 4.88m
Joe Clough - x 1
Alan Ellwood - x 3
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| Tue 10/12/2024 |
6 Spaces Available
Uptiding Trip - 4.74m
Will sail with 4 anglers.
Aaron & Steve - x 2
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| Sat 14/12/2024 |
3 Spaces Available
Uptiding Trip - 5.46m
Jeff Mosey - x 4
Oliver Venus - x 1
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| Tue 17/12/2024 |
5 Spaces Available
Uptiding Trip - 5.48m
Will sail with 4 anglers.
Ian Purdom - x 1
Shaun Marchington - x 2
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| Thu 19/12/2024 |
4 Spaces Available
Uptiding Trip - 5.15m
Stan Matthews - x 1
David Craine - x 2
Greg Ince - x 1
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| Sat 21/12/2024 |
1 Space Available
Uptiding Trip - 4.71m
Pawel Rojek - x 4
Tim Albright - x 2
Jimmy Yeung - x 1
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| Mon 23/12/2024 |
1 Space Available
Wrecking Trip - 4.38m
Tim Albright - x 2
Ian Kellock - x 1
Dave Sharp - x 1
Nick Gray - x 2
Martin Novo - x 1
Will Bird - x 1
Tony Firman - x 1
| View details | |||
| Sat 28/12/2024 |
1 Space Available
Uptiding Trip - 4.73m
Jimmy Yeung - x 1
Steve & Ryan Martin - x 2
Ed Hardy - x 4
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| Mon 30/12/2024 |
2 Spaces Available
Uptiding Trip - 5.02m
Dave Coote - x 4
Will Bird - x 1
Stephen Clark - x 1
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| Fri 03/01/2025 |
7 Spaces Available
Uptiding Trip - 5.29m
Will sail with 4 anglers.
Will Bird - x 1
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| Fri 10/01/2025 |
8 Spaces Available
Wrecking Trip - 4.76m
Will sail with 4 anglers.
Richard Moulds - x 2
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| Tue 14/01/2025 |
3 Spaces Available
Uptiding Trip - 5.31m
Dave & Del - x 2
Stan Matthews - x 1
Ian Purdom - x 1
Keith Pickering - x 1
| View details | |||
| Thu 23/01/2025 |
7 Spaces Available
Wrecking Trip - 4.25m
Will sail with 4 anglers.
Joe Clough - x 1
Dave & Del - x 2
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| Mon 27/01/2025 |
8 Spaces Available
Wrecking Trip - 4.67m
Will sail with 4 anglers.
Stan Matthews - x 1
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| Sat 01/02/2025 |
1 Space Available
Uptiding Trip - 5.52m
Andras Pinti - x 2
Gaz Townend - x 5
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Reviews
Summary:
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Sean Coupland (03/11/2024)
First time aboard Sea Urchin uptiding Andy was fantastic made us all welcome and a hive of information, tips , knowledge we all caught a varied selection of fish , and had a fantastic day
Looking forward to a few trips for next year �� thanks Andy
SeanSkippers Reponse: Thanks very much Sean.
It was great to have you and Phil aboard. You were brilliant company and fished really well. I could tell you were shore anglers by how fast you picked it up!
Look forward to seeing you again.
Best Regards
Andy -
Paul Edwards (31/08/2024)
As always great to be onboard , Andys a guy who will tell you as it is , no bull shit , right or wrong a straight answer.
always on hand to help and give advice to both novice and seasoned anglers . he makes it a pleasure to fish with helping with issues and tangles.(some dont )..we always have a chat to see what the day will consist of ,,, ground / wrecks or a mix of both .taking tide and wind into account .
this day was the first day of the WCSA LATE SUMMER FESTIVAL, and boy did we smash it , Andy put us on the fish on the first wreck . OUR CLUB THE KEEL INN BARNSLEY took 1st 2nd and 3rd for the day, you ask for any better results than that. Always a pleasure to be on SEA URCHIN 111.
BE BACK SOON FOR ROUND 2 WEATHER PERMITTING .....TOG EDWARDS THE COMMITEESkippers Reponse: Thanks very much for the kind words Tog. You and the rest of the Keel Inn Club are an absolute pleasure to have aboard. #ifcarlsbergdidcustomers
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Paul Marsh (20/11/2023)
Excellent day uptiding,none of us had done it before but with Andy's help and knowledge we all got to grips and caught plenty of fish. As far as skippers go Andy takes some beating. Highly recommend.Thank Andy can't wait till April. Paul.
Skippers Reponse: Thanks very much for the kind words and taking the time to do a review, I really appreciate it.
You were all fantastic company and great to have aboard. Look forward to seeing you again next year.
Many Thanks
Andy -
Mariusz Marczyk (16/02/2023)
Great trip with fantastic, very helpful skipper. Andy’s knowledge helped us to catch nice fish. Good fun, comfortable, clean boat. Thanks Andy. See You soon again. Big “Thank You” from my dad Jurek��
Skippers Reponse: Thanks for the kind words Mariusz. I really enjoyed having you and your Dad on board. Hope he’s bought himself a nice new rod after the monster Pouting broke the last one!!
Look forward to seeing you both again. -
peter mccullagh (19/05/2022)
Good day out on Sea Urchin. Cup of tea to start the day most welcome. Extremely clean and well organised boat with plenty of buckets for bait and washing hands.Very friendly Skipper(Andy) took a lot of care and attention to every body especially the beginers who ,I think enjoyed their day(apart from being seasick but he felt better later) All very happy with the trip. I for one will be back soon...Pouting Pete
Skippers Reponse: Thank you for the kind words Pete. It’s great having you on board. The new anglers couldn’t have fished next to a better bloke. I saw and heard you offering help and advice when I was helping other anglers. Hopefully see you again soon.
Location
Bait & Tackle
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SKYLARK TACKLE WAREHOUSE
Scarborough, North Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, England
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Anglers Choice
Middlesborough, North Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, England
Catch Stats
- CBUK Catch Log: 18 Species have been caught onboard Sea Urchin IIl, including: Ballan Wrasse | Coalfish (Coley/Saithe) | Cod | Cuckoo Wrasse | European Squid | Garfish | Haddock | Lesser Spotted Dogfish | Ling (Common) | Lobster | Mackerel | Monkfish | Octopus | Pollock | Tope | Tub Gurnard | Whiting | Wolf Fish
Latest Catches 894 photos uploaded
Latest Fishing Reports and News
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08/11/2024
Fishing Report by Andy Savage
8 Nov 2024 by Andy Savage
There’s no getting away from it…….today’s fishing conditions were challenging for the lads aboard Sea Urchin.
We left the harbour with the Flood tide running and a SSE wind blowing. This gave us a wind against tide situation, which held the boat up on the drift. I optimistically thought we’d try a wreck to begin with, but after three drifts with the lines running away and only a strap Ling to show for our efforts (as well as some lost tackle), I sacked the idea off. I now knew that unless the winds dropped away (which they were forecast to do in the afternoon, but didn’t), that we would be drifting the rough ground for the remainder of the day. As it turned out, that’s exactly what happened.
We had two or three drifts on the three mile ground, but there was a fleet of pots running through the most productive area I’d found, so after half a dozen clean Codling, but more lost gear, we moved out another couple of miles. Slack water, was around 1100hrs today, but with the breeze we had, I doubt many people would have known! Gradually the drift line of the boat changed and we now had wind and tide together.
The drift speed of the boat increased, so we spent the rest of the day on the seven and nine mile ground. We never got above a drift speed of 1.2 knots, but some of the anglers were really struggling to control their tackle.
Sea Urchin regulars Ian Kellock and Dave Sharp had it nailed on. A 16oz lead and a single muppet trace to catch less tide. This has the effect of minimising drag and keeping your bait on the bottom for longer, allowing the fish more time to find it. These small changes make a big difference!
Once the Ebb Tide was running, we found a nice ridge that held some decent stamp Cod. We had a few drifts where we put up some nice bright fish between 7-9lb which was great to see. Squid and/or Mackerel were the main baits today on the Muppet Traces. Ian Kellock was top rod with his best Cod going 9lb and Dave Sharp chipped in with the biggest Ling just into double figures. Fran Schaap also had a good day, taking Cod to 8lb and Ling of a similar size.
Great bunch of lads aboard today -
06/11/2024
Fishing Report by Andy Savage
6 Nov 2024 by Andy Savage
Fantastic weather today and a lovely day out again……
With very light winds and falling tides, we had a nice day out with great fishing conditions. I had a mixed group of anglers aboard, a couple whom I’d never met before, and some who I’ve not had on for a while. Plenty to talk about all day; it was set to be an enjoyable one.
We started the day off with a couple of wrecks. Unfortunately the first one had a fleet of Crab �� pots running off it, so we couldn’t get a drift in. The second one we tried was free of gear, so we got stuck in on the run into slack water. First drift we took a couple of plump Codling on Squid baited traces, which told us there were a few fish at home. As we began to lose the Flood Tide, the next few drifts saw two or three nice fish each run through. Mainly Codling around 3-4lb with an odd Ling.
Unfortunately, as soon as we got to slack water and even waited for the Ebb to push through, sport just tailed off. As the tide was now away, we headed for the seven mile ground and spent an hour or so on the drift. With the light breeze we had, the drift wasn’t perfect and instead of running along the usually productive ridges, we were crossing over them. This reduced the amount of time in the target area, which reduced the number of bites.
We took small Codling, Haddock, Pouting and Ling every drift when we were on the ridges, but very little from the softer areas.
After an hour or so, I thought we’d be better off on the nine mile ground, so that’s where we spent the rest of the day. A few fruitless drifts at the north end of the ground had me thinking I’d cocked up!Heading further south, thankfully we found a few fish again to spend the last couple of hours.
One area in particular gave us a few good drifts, with Keith Pickering taking his first double figure Ling at 10lb 8oz and Harry Bateman taking the biggest Cod of the day at 8lb 4oz. Everyone had a few fish to take away today and after three overcast days, the sun finally burst through to end a really enjoyable day for me. Thanks lads, you were brilliant company. -
05/11/2024
Fishing Report by Andy Savage
5 Nov 2024 by Andy Savage
It’s been a few days since I’ve managed to find the time to get a catch report together.
The incredibly settled weather (for the time of year) has continued on, so thankfully we’ve been out at sea every day. It was Spring Tides over the weekend, so, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday saw us Uptiding.
After a couple of promising signs earlier in October, it looks like the colour is dropping out of the water again with the settled weather.
A similar pattern emerged over the four Uptiding days. Leaving the harbour with the Ebb Tide running, it wasn’t particularly prolific on any of the days. We caught fish, but sport was patchy. Resident Codling, Pouting, Whiting, Haddock, Dog Fish, Wrasse and Lobsters came our way, but nothing worthy of getting camera out.
Sport improved each day with the Flood Tide and it coincided with us catching the few fresh run fish that we landed. All the fish came on the usual baits of Squid, Black Lug, and Crab Cart.
Tony Firman took the biggest Cod we had over that period with a fish of 5lb. Like I said, there were plenty of bites (apart from Monday, which was very quiet), but the average stamp is currently quite small.
With the tides now falling away and yesterday being poor fishing at anchor, today we were back drifting the rough ground and a couple of wrecks. With it being a 5m tide, we started the day off around slack water on a couple of wrecks in the five mile stream which yielded very little. Once the Ebb came through we started working the ground marks. Five mile produced only a handful of fish; seven mile wasn’t a great deal better, but we took two or three fish a drift of mainly Ling and Haddock.
A run out to the nine mile ground gave better results and we found a few more Codling and a better stamp of Ling. The five day period hasn’t seen any amazing fishing, but the anglers I’ve had aboard have been brilliant and have kept at it all day. I’ve had a go with a Shad today and still took an odd fish or two, so there’s still good clarity in the water for those coming over the next few days.
Thanks to everyone for the continued support. I really appreciate it.
Tight Lines
Andy -
30/10/2024
Fishing Report by Andy Savage
30 Oct 2024 by Andy Savage
Lovely group of lads aboard Sea Urchin today.
We broke the 5.0m tide barrier, so I knew that we’d be drifting a bit quicker on the ground; but with light winds forecast, I fancied us to find a fish or two. We followed a similar path as the previous two days. Starting off on the five mile ground, we had a couple of drifts for only a handful of small Codling, then moved further south on the same stretch of ground, but this time found a few fish.
As has been the norm, we caught mainly Ling on this mark, with an odd Codling or Haddock. We didn’t get anything huge, but Pete Allard who was using my hire gear for his first trip, got straight in on the action. On only his third drift, I saw the rod go over and with a bit of a tussle he landed an 11lb 8oz Ling. Not bad for your first sea fish ever!! A couple of drifts later he also had a 9lb Ling to join its mate in the fish box. When your lucks in, it’s in!!
Once it quietened off, we pushed out a couple of miles, but the three drifts we did didn’t yield much. The wind wasn’t giving us the right drift line for that spot, so I took us out to the nine mile ground. We had one rough ground drift for a couple of Ling and Haddock, but I noticed the lines were now a bit more vertical, so I took us to a nearby wreck. On arrival, we were greeted by a big old seal, and first drift saw us get nothing……..bugger!!
As the tide eased, next drift we were in business. It didn’t last long, but 3-5 fish a run during slack was most welcome. Neil Swallow took the biggest fish with a Ling just into double figures. We spent the remainder of the day on the seven and nine mile ground picking up fish on the muppet bait traces or Hokkai’s, baited with Squid or Mackerel.
My son has been crewing with me for the last few trips during half term. Today was a fishing day for him and he showed me that he’d been listening to the advice I offered. I was so proud to see him get two new PB Ling from out of the wreck on his own. They were 6lb & 7lb but he had no help from me at all. Very proud Dad. Well done Will ����
Thanks lads, a really enjoyable day once again, spent in fantastic company. -
29/10/2024
Fishing Report by Andy Savage
29 Oct 2024 by Andy Savage
Three day catch report aboard Sea Urchin......Apologies for the lack of reporting ( and lengthy report), but I've struggled to find time to put one together, with quite a lot of background stuff going on.
For once, October has given us a bit of reasonable weather, where we have managed to string a few days together. This report covers Saturday 26th, Monday, 28th and Tuesday 29th October.
Instead of giving a blow by blow report, day by day (as is usual), I thought it would be useful to go through a few patterns which emerged over the three days, so hopefully anyone coming in the next few days can hopefully use the information to their benefit.
We have been drifting rough ground and a couple of wrecks for the last three days (no Uptiding). The tides have been steadily building, from 4.3m on Saturday to 5.0m today.
Each day has seen groups of mixed experience anglers aboard. At Whitby we have rough ground available to us from three miles to nine miles, so it gives us lots of options. Basically, the further from land we go, the less tide we get and that is how I shaped my days, to give the best fishing drifts I can.
Having tried the three mile ground twice; it only produced a few small fish in half a dozen drifts, so I didn't visit it today. The five mile ground has been the best starting point for us recently, with a 17lb Ling at the end of last week and again today Robert Warsap took a 13lb 8oz Ling. It's a case of being in the right place, at the right time.
Best Rigs; usual stuff. Muppet bait traces or Hokkai's baited with Squid, Mackerel, or Pouting. Andy Cooper took a 17lb Ling on Pouting, then one of my regular anglers who was struggling, tried Pouting yesterday and got a few quick fish, when he hadn't caught much at all. It might be worth keeping an odd Pouting as a change bait instead of chucking them straight back. The Ling on the wrecks must eat them every day.
A few of the more experienced lads tried fishing with Shads, as the water clarity looks as good as I've seen it all year when you get beyond five miles. We got a couple of fish, but for the amount of effort, bait is definitely the way to go at present.
We've been going out each morning on the Ebb Tide and I've noticed that the fishing hasn't been brilliant throughout that period. We've kept on the move, consistently trying different areas, but there wasn't a golden key. We found odd pockets of fish, but there wasn't any great consistency.The run into slack water and the Flood Tide in the afternoon appear to have been the trigger to get the fish feeding (they aren't machines, despite what some people think). The last couple of days have seen us put plenty of fish up for the last couple of hours. The average size hasn't been amazing, but keeping the bites coming, keeps everyone motivated.
It would be fair to say, there were more Ling than Codling, but plenty of other species. We've caught Codling, Ling, Pollock, Haddock, Pollock, Pouting, Poor Cod, Octopus, Gurnard and Whiting.
If I was going out tomorrow, I think a Muppet Bait Trace with Squid or Mackerel will "do the do". When you fish with the Hokkai's or Daylights, the small fish strip the bait off in no time all if they're feeding. 16oz leads being crucial in the bigger tides.
It's great to see that there are still a good number of fish out on the rough ground, with an odd one or two decent ones amongst them. Everyone has had a few fish the last three trips, but it would be remiss of me not to mention Mike Lee who fished on Monday.Mike has been out with me on numerous occasions, but on Monday, he had "one of those sessions" where he could do no wrong. For those who have been aboard Sea Urchin, they will know the fish boxes are quite roomy. Mike caught most drifts and by the end of the day I was having to try and shuffle his fish in as he had filled it right up! Well done mate, you did fish brilliantly.
Hopefully, the weather stays calm and the sport continues. I really appreciate the support and a massive thank you to everyone who has fished hard every day.
Tight Lines
Andy
