Hounds around, but alas no bass...

Well in my view it continues to be tough fishing...

So the idea was to go off in search of Wrasse to hopefully base a feature on.  In order to achieve this I decided to pair up with Aaron Morley and hit the Bembridge area early one morning.  I took a variety of baits; crab, fresh Ragworm, limpets and new to me Isome worms.  Other than a few dots of rain the conditions were fine and we both were hopeful of catching a few.  After surveying an area unfamiliar to us both, we decided we would hit Whitecliff Bay as we were entering the last of the ebb and we could fish there for around 4 hours or so.  It’s a fair trek to blank at, so we both hoped it would pay off.  In short, it didn’t!  Aaron had a baby Ballan of around 6oz and I didn’t even see my rod tip move.  However, it wasn’t a total bust.  What we did both learn was the depth of the water off the ledges into the bay, to our amazement it turned out it was only about a foot deep, much shallower than we ever thought it was.  Although the bay itself is deeper, it gave us greater insight considering we had both only fished it under darkness.  

 

 Arron seeking Wrasse at Whitecliff Bay

 Fishing off the ledge can be prime for Rays and Bass

 Fishing in daylight afforded us a chance to survey our surroundings

So we decided to move to Wheeler’s Bay, Ventnor, fishing off the rocks.  This was a place where Aaron cut his teeth as a young angler, bagging up on Wrasse, Eels and Plaice.  Sadly all it produced were two small Ballans again, both around 6oz.  It was bemusing the pair of us, where were the fish?  Walking back up to the Car Park we were asked the usual by a passer by “catch much?”, of course, we were overjoyed [sarcasm] to say “nope”, her response “well did you at least see the pair of seals in the bay? They were really close to the shore”.  Mystery solved!  I need to get out again and hit the Wrasse scene, but after a serious rethink…Although I didn’t catch on this occasion using the Isome, I will definitely persevere with them, perhaps at a Sole mark instead.

 Beautiful but not our target weight, being about 3lb (at least shy)!

"well did you at least see the pair of seals in the bay? They were really close to the shore”

 So with the remaining worm I decided I would go for a few chucks at Totland (I bought a 1lb of worm, only using about 4 during the Wrasse sessions).  I Set my Abu Enticer rod up with small hooks and lobbed it about 50 yards out in search of Sole.  Basically fishing out of the car, I went to the boot and upon returning to my rod I found it nodding quite excitedly.  I picked it up and felt the fish was on; could it be a Sole already?  No, it was a 1lb School Bass who had nailed my bait.  It was the only fish caught in about an hour trip and means I need to return there soon to give it better chance.

 Isome Worms, I can see the potential but I need more experience with them

 Ammo Crabs: Prime bait which can make the difference

So comes the fourth day of trying to use up my 1lb of worm.  After commenting on Facebook that I was off out, regular cohort Mark Barton said he was up for wetting a line.  We agreed on going to Hamstead to use up the worms and try some fish baits for any passing Rays or Bass.  I had a few Ammo Peeler Crabs in tow also.  Arriving in the car park (clearing) I spotted Arron Morley’s motor and decided to drop him a text.  He had already gotten into a couple of Smuts and Schoolies with his regular fishing buddy Ricky Parr, so Mark and I were ready to get fishing!  After setting up I got a text from Arron to say he was well into fish, landing more Bass around 2lb and another Smut.  Whilst on the phone I had a fair knock and hooked into a fish.  To my disappointment it was a snotty (Silver Eel).  It was unhooked and returned swiftly, although I think the fact that each time I use worm I seem to catch one is an indicator the species is in recovery.

 A Silver Eel takes a bunch of Ragworm

 Peeler Crab, ready for a Smooth-hound or Bass

About an hour into the flood I decided I would put Crab bait on.  In under 60 seconds of being in the water I had a Smut like bite, bang-bang-slack, which when I struck into it I knew it was a smaller fish, but was better than a blank!  I landed a 2lb 11oz Smooth-hound, a quick pic later and she darted off into the night.  After about six more texts of catches from Arron, I decided it was nap time and had a kip.  Waking up freezing cold Mark and I decided that if we had no fish within an hour we would pack up (around 2.30am).  Re-baiting up with more Crab, I cast out and again in under 60 seconds a bite on the go, this time it slack lined me and then went veering off to the left, knitting my other line and one of Mark’s rods up.  After a short fight I landed a nice 6lb 4oz Smut, very welcome and woke me right back up!  Repeating the baiting up of Crab, I cast out and in under a couple of minutes I had another bite, it was another Smut of 4lb 2oz.  Happy Days!  I had beaten the blank and enjoyed the nights fishing, although sadly Mark didn’t get a single fish.  He did leave with ½lb worm though which was still as fresh and feisty as the day I bought it 4 days ago.  We were both impressed with the quality of Bait & Tackle [Ryde] longevity! 

 

 First of the hounds, a young one weighing 2lb 11oz

 

 A welcome sight, another Starry of 6lb 4oz

Last of the night, yet another Starry at 4lb 2oz

The weirdest catch of the night though went to the leadless rig I got tangled in, which I lost to a snag about 6 – 8  weeks ago!  What are the odds on me coming back and retrieving it from the brine…All night long we were blessed with an incredible view of the meteor shower which had both of us in awe.  All in all, a good nights fishing, although there was one fish I really wanted, but despite all my trying I just couldn’t dig one out…

Hounds around, but alas no (3lb) Bass…

Tight Lines

Adz