A most enjoyable trip, for December

I nearly didn’t go today, but I had a real urge to fish my 'new' spot - despite it being a daytime tide and open to a lot of people seeing where and how I was fishing. But I went, and I’m so glad I did.

This time, I decided to fish down the side of a groyne at the entrance to the small harbour, so I brought along my extendable landing net.

I made another small change: I dispensed with the lead weight and chose to freeline. My plan was to fish literally under the rod tip, tight against the groyne. Last time, the resistance between the rod tip and the angle created by the lead meant the bass couldn’t run freely. I had a couple of dropped or aborted runs, and I’m sure that was the reason why.

So, first cast in - and things were looking good. I started getting knocks straight away, which I assumed were from crabs. Then the reel sang as a bass took line and the mackerel into the central channel. I picked up the rod, watched the braid cut through the surface, and engaged the spool. The line slowly tightened to the rod tip, and then the bass, visible in the water, turned and dropped the bait.

That was encouraging, although it looked like a schoolie. I quickly made a second drop as the bait was still intact. I sat back in my chair, placed well back from the water’s edge, and typed Rob a message saying I’d just missed one.

Only minutes passed before I heard the reel again and watched the line tighten. The same (?) bass went on another run. This time, I connected. Despite using half a large mackerel, I was slightly disappointed to see a small bass breach the surface.

It tried its best but was soon scooped up in my net, unhooked, and, after a quick picture, returned to fight another day. I’d say it was around 1.5 lb, but it really shows the potential of this mark.

I missed another run about two hours later, and that was it for me. With hindsight, I should have arrived earlier, but work got in the way. I can’t wait to get out again - and in December as well. It’s a funny old game.