Full of vim and vigour

It was great to feel the enthusiasm once again as I was getting ready to get out. As I mentioned in the previous post I was trying out a different location with the hope of finding a slightly larger stamp of fish. Arrived and was soon up and running. This mark has a line shredding structure that has lost me a few good fish over the years so the clutch was wound down tight as I didn't want any repeat performances - especially as I still get upset thinking about it even now.

The night was as forecasted and the drizzle remained just that, and when combined with the warm conditions meant it was just lovely to be out again next to the sea and enjoying the solitude. It remained quiet though on the bite front, the complete opposite to last night, but it was ok. 

Using circles there is a need to let the bass run before engaging the spool which is always tricky when fishing against a structure, so when a bass picked up the bait and ran I was in two minds how far to let it run. However, the decision was made for me as it dropped the mackerel, bugger. Thankfully it returned and ran with the mackerel with great enthusiasm. I engaged the spool and it was bass on!

Bass aren't always the greatest of fighters but give them an opportunity to escape they can really pull, and this one tried its very best to reach the line shredding obstacle. I never had time to get out of my chair so leant far left and lowered my strained rod parallel to the beach and tried to pump the fish away from danger.

It was then I realised my recent purchase of a new reel was not one of my best buys. Shit is probably a better description as the handle, along with the reel, felt like it was going to collapse at any moment. Who said buy cheap buy twice! Anyway, it held up to my pumping and after a great fight I beached a lovely, proportioned bass at 23" to the fork, so roughly 5lbs. I was really pleased.

Sitting back following a recast, all was great with the world when after about 20 mins I received another run that I held on for as long as I dared before engaging the spool. Boring deep and strong I was leaning from the chair once again with the rod pulled right over. After a few moments I started to think this one may be a bit special as I couldn't move her from the snag, but eventually I won the battle and after a few spirited tries in open water I beached my prize.

I stood and laughed in disbelief as I could not believe how small it was. I guess around 2lb ish, but even now on reflection, I have never had a bass pull like that under 5lb. She was returned without a picture still all pumped up, full of vim and vigour, roaring off on her release. Imagine how big I would be  speculating if I had lost her!

Next run was a first for me, it took three attempts to finally connect before pulling in a squid that was easily 18" in length, maybe more. Never having caught a squid before I was amazed how much they pull on the first run.

At around 10.30 I called it a night as I am going to fish with Rob on the next night tide, but I do now wonder if I should have carried on as there was a potential for another one. I will let you know how we get on.