6th - Bassing in Brighton with Henry, Mark and Kevin

Surf bass for Mark

After the previous nights excercise had failed to throw up any bigger bass, I shifted my final client bass session of the year to the beaches of Southwick. After collecting very few worm indeed, the guys began fishing the newly flooding surf. It was a far more pleasant night than the previous evening, dry, but with a brisk wind kicking up a perfect surf. And very little weed as well. A quick introduction to the basics of what to expect, and three prime baits awaited inspection. And it didnt take to long either, before I heard a whoop of delight from Mark , which was as a result of landing ascraper (returned).

Mark with his second bass

Kevin had a stomping take, which unfortunately failed to be hooked, but was indicitive of a better fish. Henry had a few taps and bangs. But it was Mark who caught the second and final fish of the beach phase of the session. A pretty little fish in the 38 cm category.

Kevin with the third and final bass of the session

With the sea deepening, and the surf dissapearing, it was time to head for the security and gripping advantages of the Southwick arm. Fishing two rods on squid, and two rods on slipper, the plan seemed to be going well, with Kevin landing a bass on the slipper limpets almost immediately. But the action wasnt sustained. We shuffled around the arm, and Mark did briefly connect with a fish that had the rod bent over enough to have me running for the drop net, but whatever it was parted company with the hook.

Henry and Whiting

As the tide got bigger, so a few more familiar taps and rattles began occuring. We had already decided to bring the session to a close, when Henry confirmed that the banfs and rattles were indeed Whiting, which at least meant all the guys had caught. A very enjoyable session, which as well as the three bass landed, hinted at some better fish being around still.