The Skipper's Blog

Rhins Ranger has had a repaint and an overhaul during her winter on blocks at Portpatrick Harbour. She was lifted back into the water on the 12th April.

I've had a few exploratory outings, alone and with friends, checking out some of the marks.
We've had whiting, cod, haddock, ling, coalie, pollack, LSD and huss so far.
The mackerel should appear any day. Last year we had the first on the 23rd April and the year before on the 24th.

How about some new target species for 2010?





I found these two dried up specimens about 400 yards apart on a North Rhins beach after a sudden blow in late March. The lower fish is definitely a trigger fish (Ballistes capriscus) and I am almost certain that the upper fish is a John Dory (Zeus faber). The photos are from my mobile phone, hence the poor quality.
There are some very shallow reefs off this beach that I shall be visiting in suitable conditions this summer.

First booking of the season is this Sunday with the Dalbeattie SAC. They are all very good anglers and I'm looking forward to a great start