Things can only get better as the song goes. Last week was bad with shopping and the lads catching on Orford, this week is much worse. I’m stuck at work all week with the dreaded man flu, bad enough in itself, but on Tuesday I got the sad news a friend from Lincoln had passed away. From bad to worse, this news was quickly followed by a call from my mother telling me a half cousin had died at the age of 36, its believed she had a heart attack. Add to that the sad news of one of the Lowestoft boys getting swept away at Kessingland and I don’t think I’ve ever known a bad news week like it. Events like this tend to put things into perspective, no matter how bad we feel about our lot sometimes, it can’t be anything like the anguish and hurt other people are feeling. Gary, Christine and Martyn, God bless you, your family and friends.

The first real winter blow is easing as I write, it kicked up a proper hooly and the lads are going today (Thursday 2nd) and tomorrow. Karl and Johnny are going to Cart Gap today and should do well, the sea is perfect, and I just hope there’s no weed for them. I’m a hopeless liar; I hope they get so much weed they have to cut and retie a leader every other cast! As sure as a pigs arse is pork, I’ll be getting texts reminding me of what I’m missing for the second week running.

The boat is booked for a return trip to Orford tomorrow; PK is joining Karl and Johnny, Smudge is sidelined until the weekend and I'm under orders. According to Pete Merrin it’s fishing well, most beaches should be after this blow, and they’ll surely have a few proper ones tomorrow. Keith “Nobby” Hall and me are stuck at work, fu*k our luck as the saying goes. I’ve got my folks over this weekend and funerals that fit around work next week (deep joy), so it looks like I could be knackered for the second week running, though I’m pretty determined to snatch a few hours somewhere.

I've just had an update from Karl and Johnny. I thought it had been quiet, the guys struggled. Johnny had a codling about 4oz and that was it, they didn't stay long enough into the ebb but then they are going to Orford tomorrow.

These two were seen recently struggling at Cart Gap, the bald one blanked.

The weekend after this one will see me out with Mrs Aitch’s uncles. Half of her family are descending on us from Lincoln and the guys want to go fishing. I’ll need to borrow some mangles and rods from somewhere. “Nobby” Hall has promised me 2 but I could really do with another two, there’s no way I’m letting them use my Abu’s! They want to fish somewhere locally, I think the tides are falling and HW is around lunch, so unless we get some major conditions (that they’ll struggle to fish in anyway) it’s going to be a scratch to say the least. Night shifts on the Wednesday and Thursday before they come will have me tying two dozen flappers; hopefully we’ll manage a few whiting and flatties. I’m hoping the weathers ok and I manage to get a few pictures. A big advantage is that it gives me an excuse to spend a few quid ahead of the Inter Counties Charity Match later in the month at Dunwich; Hitler with tits can hardly stop me when it’s for her family can she Muahahahaha.

If anybody reading this drivel wants to fish the ICCM at Dunwich, its on the 26th November booking in from 8:30 and fishing from 10:30 to 15:30. Despite being a Lincolnshire yellow belly, I’m fishing for Norfolk. The café will be open for registration and a breakfast, all proceeds going to the RNLI. In light of recent events a more than worthwhile cause, so come on people give it your support! Sign up and fish for the county of your choice here: -

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Last time my folks came over for a few nights the old fella and me went to the local and did the pub quiz. Neither of us are going to win mastermind but it’s an excuse for a couple of beers. The quizmaster read out a question “Name the missing Ocean” after giving us a list of North and South Atlantic, North and South Pacific, Arctic and Indian. I turn to the old man and said “It’s the Southern Ocean dad”, he turned to me and said, “Are you sure its not a trick question son, it could be Billy”. God give me strength.

Not even one of the 4 tops let alone the 7 seas, Billy is definately not the missing ocean.

My mate that got me the camouflage gear I wrote about a while ago has been in touch. Bless his heart he’s a smashing lad, he asked me if Johnny and me wanted some gun oil and cleaning rods / flannel etc. I said yes of course. He’s understandably a little apprehensive about his up coming tour of duty in Afghanistan, who wouldn’t be? I told him not to talk to any of the locals out there, the boy yaps more than a gypsy’s dog, and to keep his head down and get home safe and sound. We’ve had more than enough bad news lately.