Wales

[Safetyman]

Had a run out on the boat today from Sunderland marina and stopped around the 3 mile mark as loads on mackerel shoals were showing on the fish finder.

While the boat was stopped I heard a blowing noise and there at the side of the boat were two dolphins (didn't get a chance to identify them) followed by 3 minke wales.

All the animals submerged and went under my boat and surfaced again on the other side. Great sight to see. Slightly further out I saw another two single minke wales. I wonder if they are feeding on the remaining mackerel shoals.

The fishing was crap and only managed a few whiting from the wrecks visited. The boat that I met up with on the wrecks had 7 ling all around 10lb mark.

Back at the marina a common seal pup has taken up residence and this was hanging around my boat for a while coming up to the surface to bask in the sun. Great day for wild life, crap day for fishing

Brian

[GARYGERNARD]

bad luck on the fishing mate bet it was an experience watching wildlife show

[Kartonkel]

Had a run out on the boat today from Sunderland marina and stopped around the 3 mile mark as loads on mackerel shoals were showing on the fish finder.

While the boat was stopped I heard a blowing noise and there at the side of the boat were two dolphins (didn't get a chance to identify them) followed by 3 minke wales.

All the animals submerged and went under my boat and surfaced again on the other side. Great sight to see. Slightly further out I saw another two single minke wales. I wonder if they are feeding on the remaining mackerel shoals.

The fishing was crap and only managed a few whiting from the wrecks visited. The boat that I met up with on the wrecks had 7 ling all around 10lb mark.

Back at the marina a common seal pup has taken up residence and this was hanging around my boat for a while coming up to the surface to bask in the sun. Great day for wild life, crap day for fishing

Brian

It was nice meeting you at the 6 miles wrecks. What a beautiful day it was.

The fishing was very awkward and very on/off.

We had mackerels at 3nm galore at the first stop and filled the bait bucket. Later, we spent all morning on one wreck, they were hard to get, but with perseverence we caught another 30 or so at the end of the session for tea.

The ling also were extremely finicky and on/off. As you say, we had 7 in the end which is not bad for a morning session, but I struggle to explain why we had long spills of nothing and then suddenly 3 in a row.

Was it tides??? Slack high around 11am??

Was it the dirty water?

Or was it all the wild life. You mention minky whales and seals. Another day we had a Probeagle coming after a ling we reeled in !!!

I also saw seals over the wreck...they are cute but no good for angling !!!

Maybe those predators have spooked the fish