Nearly another year gone?hounds ect definitely on the move,only one of any consequence this week .Wednesday Two boat booking with a party from Watisham army base 9 rod hire great bunch,great weather and good fishing what more could you ask for?we had in excess of 25 skate,all went back although they were a good size,mackerel,dog fish and small tope but the weather was fantastic,Friday three new anglers from Grays ,bit of a swell but comfortable,first fish bass of 6lbs,hound of about 8lbs and a few mackerel and skate .Saturday regulars tony and son from the suffolk borders mixed bag and looking round at the others I think we came out on top .23 skate biggest to Andy Cooper about 12lbs.few small tope,dog fish and mackerel .Sunday what a load of s---- bbc gave 8mph,ITV 10 mph reality 25/28 mph south west we had hoped for offshore wrecking but can anything be guaranteed?well we never had so many mackerel the birds were going frantic ,we only wanted bait but took boxes. bottom fishing all round was no good ,last knockings put the feathers on boys lets have a play,well it was bloody rough but what can you do ?we drifted a mark I've located and yes what we wanted bass ?we had a few and a few mackerel but in the end spooked them and had a slow rough ride in .Fishing not much this week unless i get a call but weather looks rubbish.Just a word about diesel if you look on the RYA webb site look at power boats ,red diesel at present we pay duty of 7,6p per litre after oct 2008 that is going up to 54.75 due to Europe ?although in france you can buy white diesel for 63p per litre.we can claim this back hopefully, but will mean to fill my vessel= £800+ which will leave a cash flow problem.we are trying to keep our prices the same but have no control over government taxation and all prices are based on current red diesel prices. I am trying to meet with other skippers and commercial guys to get pressure on the powers that be to give us an exemption but as yet its all up in the air .cheers dave weaving