25th April
Mike and Ray go Bassing.....
Mike and Ray bassing
Mike and Ray have been regular followers of the diary, and recent bassing sessions encouraged them to ask if they could come and find out more about these magnificent fish. With a forecast showing a real big spike of wind to put some energy into the sea, and then the winds easing down, I felt that instead of the marina bassing that had been requested, the coloured seas and swells warranted a return to the surf beaches. A good call as it turned out. Meeting them on the beach, two hours before low tide, I had fresh out black lug to get the guys going, and then intended to scratch out some fresh bait as we went along.
Ray's first bass
On this day, the forecast had been spot on, the big SW wind had done its job and put a good swell into the sea, and the energy was still there as the tide dropped away, depsite light winds and lovely warm sunshine for us. Pretty much perfect conditions and a perfect tide. I think the guys were less confident. They had been regular visitors to the marina for a good while, which is why they originally wished to learn more about marina tactics, so to find themselves on a new beach, with only my word to go on as to the likelihood of finding bass, a species they had previously not caught, I could completely understand their concern. But as we went through the techniques to be applied, very first cast, Ray had a stonking take, definately a better fish. Trouble was, I hadnt got to the bit about striking, as it had caught us both by suprise, so there was no connection made. I did see a change of expression in Ray's face though. A stonking take on a flat shallow surf beach certainly focuses the attention. Having covered what to do next time that happened, Ray had no problem in connecting with his first ever bass.
Ray's second ever bass. 4lb 8oz, a stunning fish. Well done Ray!
With both the guys settled in, and happy to stand and wait for the next action, I wandered off to get some fresh worms. When pumping for clients on this beach, there is a short window when the worm extraction is relatively easy, and I pump hard for this half hour period. So I was totally absorbed in the bait collection, when I heard an excited shout. I looked up, expecting to see a schoolie or eel hanging from a line. Instead, I noticed a big lump of silver on the beach..... A cracking fish, 4lb 8oz, landed by Ray entirely without instruction. An excellent achievment. Well done Ray.
Mikes first bass.
The guys were actually down for a big session, through until the top of the tide, so I pumped a few extra worms to see them through. Mike had been getting a few bites, and soon worked out the right timing to connect, catching his first ever bass, which was to be followed by quite a few more to both the guys during the duration of their session. Eels also put in an appearance, ravenous creatures that were gulping the huge worm baits way down within seconds. Good experience fo handling and unhooking lessons!!
Southwick Sunset. Notice the patient cocker spaniel waiting for owner to catch!