I very much have a love hate relationship with this time of year. Without a shadow of a doubt, it is a time of good fishing. But also a time of wind as cooler temperatures chase off the summer heat, and where they battle, wind is produced. So, to have what is looking like a whole weekend of light winds to play, seems almost like a gift from above. And really mild still also. Probably not a good thing in the bigger picture, but I will take it for sure for now.
Joining me for the first sailing, all regulars, Mark, Dave, Deyan and Shadi. And some fishing that really reflects the bounty of the season. Bait fish were everywhere, but bass have formed small packs, and I believe the better quality fish are settling down to some serious whiting feeding. This suits BIF1 and her light line tactics very well. Which is why quality fish featured well today.
With all ebb for this session, I had a good idea where to start. The only spanner in the works, that while working ashore these last few days I discovered a late velvet swimmer crab peel. With this in mind, we tried a shallow spot in close first, just in case. But nothing doing.
The main spot remained the only spot we fished. The fishing was to standard with a total of 30 fish landed. Maximum kill. Indeed, most were table plus with a 66cm fish to Shadi and one of 59cm to Deyan, who also popped a sweet little codling out. A most excellent morning, despite the drizzle.
2nd sailing and it was my pleasure to welcome back Jack, Suntus, Charlie, and Charlie bought a new to BIF1 chap along, who we will call Jamie. On account of that being his name. And now we had last drops of tide, bottom of the tide, and a tantalisingly small period of early flood with which to impress them all. A tall order. But we got someway towards it considering.
A lot of running around though. Back to where I left the fish previously to find them not there anymore. which was confusing. Until we spotted the porpoises feeding hard. We finally made contact all the way the other way, to make it to a grand total of just nine. Jack did do something a bit special though. A fairly hooked lesser spotted dogfish on a dark blue shad. Amazing. And everyone had something tidy with six killed for the table. Not so wet either. I think we all enjoyed ourselves.
OTHER BUSINESS
Clocks go back one hour tonight. You guy's tomorrow, you've been told...
You may have noticed that 8.5 years later, BIF1's bench seating is a little worn. I have an exciting new seating plan I am hoping young Alan Stubbs will be fitting in the very near future. Those of you with dodgy backs... I was listening. And with new coding standards for 20 knots plus vessels regarding pneumatic seating, and with mine taken to cruising five up at 30 knots since the last service, I thought I would treat you all... Just need to chat with the surveyor but I suspect all will get the thumbs up.
THE SEATING SOUNDS A FANTASTIC ADDIDION FOR MANY (ffs caps). well done for adapting on the hoof so to speak.