Dan Hawkins ventured out near Lundy Island on with a party of anglers and they enjoyed success with the first tope of season along with bull huss, pollock, coalfish, whiting and the inevitable dogfish.They also enjoyed the spectacle of dolphins, porpoises and seals. Dan skipper of Reel Deal commented that such days make his job so enjoyable.
The first porbeagle of the season has been caught from Ilfracombe based Reel Deal skippered by Dan Hawkins who takes customers to marks off North Cornwall. John Krupa a member of the Plough Angling club brought the shark estimated at 250lb to the side of the boat. The shark was unhooked at the side of the boat. All sharks hooked by anglers in these conservation-enlightened times are returned alive to ensure the survival of these magnificent fish. The shark was tempted using a whole Ammo frozen mackerel and attracted to the boat using Ammo Chum Mix.
Dan Hawkins has brought New Charter Boat Reel Deal into its summer moorings ready for the Summer Season at Ilfracombe. Below is a brief update from Dan on the start of an exciting new venture for this season.
Well we’re home in Ilfracombe and nearly ready to start the season. Well it’s been a roller coaster of a month Adam Bruce,Tom aka marry berry and of course the man himself Mr Swifty Chris Dawson have made me a proud man with a beast of a boat that’s just made the journey back round the bottom half of the country in what I can say was testing conditions and she just ate seas for fun what a vessel. There’s lots of thank you’s todo firstly chris and the guys at swift cats for the boat and making me so welcome. Mr Mark Watts for coming to Essex and sticking in the hours with me on the fit out he’s been a god send ,my wing man Sonia Maslen who also came to Essex and helped with the boat and kept us fuelled up with grub. Peter Watts of Breaksea boats for supplying all the electronics and windlass top man. Kevin Jones of LGS marine for all our safety gear anchor ropes and chain. Rich lines of motor lines for all the unseen bit and pieces. Pete leathbridge and Adam for the stainless steel awesome job and really adds to the look of the boat. Mr steve causey for the engines and coming out of his way to do the rigging and commissioning of them and he extra call out needed. Paul Hutching and Benjamin Hopkins for taking time away and helping me get the boat home in the worst conditions I have ever been in. Wendy Hawkins for the lovely cabin cushion. Shane at design a sign for the graphics . Shannon Marie Sprague shay for the emergency lift home when in need. Thank you all so much for helping us get this boat to where she is today if you fancy booking a day on her drop me a message or call 07850984933 or book online at www.reeldealcharters.uk
Below – A few highlights from last season :-
There’s a month left in Bristol Channel Charters and Reel Deal cod competition with a few decent cod likely to be boated when the weather permits.
Summers coming time to book those shark excursions!
Boat fishing has been excellent off North Devon with spurdog and conger but if its cod your after its up to Minehead and Watchet you will need to go.
A good weekend on Reel Deal with plenty of fish about including whiting, conger, ray and dogfish both days no cod yesterday. Cod have been scarce some days but plentiful on others. Chris Wadham has taken the lead in the Big Cod Competition sponsored by High Street Tackle Ilfracombe, Ammo Bait and Veals Mail Order with five cod for a total length of 2.32 metres.
Top picture – Chris Waddham 7lb and lower picture and cod competition leader with a total length of cod 1.39m Paul Chidgy 15lb12oz
Daniel Hawkins reports from up Channel that fishing has been mixed with cod hard to find at times. Big shoals of herrings are bringing the spurdog close inshore where they are being tempted along with ray, conger, huss and good numbers of whiting.
(Above) 30lb conger Dan Cook
(Above) spurdog to the rod of Pete Richards
Work is progressing well on Reel Deal 2 that will be taking anglers out of Ilfracombe next summer when shark will once again be on the agenda.
See pictures below
Kevin Waddham landed this fine 13lb 13oz cod whilst fishing on Watchet based boat Reel Deal skippered by Daniel Hawkins.
Its getting to feel like real winter now time for the cod!
Its all systems go for Reel Deal Obession 2 on route to Watchet with the first trip planned for Friday spaces available with 7.00am Sailing. There is also availability on Sunday aboard the Jay Jay 8.30 sail 8 hour trips bait and rods can be provided sailing from Watchet marina and the cod comp will be started call 07850984933 or message Dan Hawkins on Facebook.
There are already a few decent cod showing for anglers fishing from boats above Minehead.
http://www.reeldealcharters.uk
Daniel Hawkins writes:-
It’s all go in preparation for our cod season the Reel (obsession 2) Deal and jay jay are all serviced and had there maintain ready for the season and will be heading up to Watchet next week and our flyer is ready just the rules and catch recording cards to complete and we are ready don’t forget we have the easiest way of book all available online so don’t be disappoint spaces are filling fast get in with your chance of the cash prizes and the great tackle from high street tackle Ilfracombe and the must for all anglers Ammo baits looking like a good season with cod showing already.