A chance decision

Following the weekend's storm, I decided to head out this morning after aborting Sunday evening's tide due to a combination of rain and wind. I set off early, planning to fish my usual spot, but for some inexplicable reason, I parked short of my mark and chose to fish a spot I hadn't visited in nearly ten years.

This mark has always shown great promise, though I've never had much luck there. Thinking back, I may have been fishing it at the wrong time of year to give it a proper chance. One advantage, however, is the short walk to get there, and I was soon fishing with half a mackerel close in.

The waves still had a bit of fizz, and the wind was slightly stronger than forecast. After 30 minutes, I began to wonder if I should have stuck with my original plan - but with so many good-looking spots, I kept recasting, hoping to find bass, as the conditions looked ideal.

I cast to the last groyne before the entrance to a small harbour and soon had some interest. A determined run followed, and I connected with what I assume was a very small bass that appeared to let go of the bait on the way in. This continued until I eventually hooked what I initially thought was another schoolie, but it turned out to be a beautifully conditioned bass measuring 23" to the fork—around 5lb+.

Later in the morning, I landed another one around 2.5lb, and that was it. A great trip, and I'm really pleased to have rediscovered a 'new' mark as well.