Rough as rats

Ventured out last night to fish at a venue that’s my favourite storm beach. Winds were forecast to be around 20mph following this morning’s 45mph storm. Well, they got that wrong - I was amazed at the strength of the wind as I parked up. Later, when I checked a weather station site, it showed the wind was a constant 37mph, gusting to over 40.

Conditions looked amazing, and unsurprisingly, nobody was out apart from a couple of hardy dog walkers. Walking to my spot, I noticed weed in the water and hoped it wouldn’t be too bad. The waves were really rolling in, and I couldn’t wait to get my half a mackerel out. First cast, out went the mackerel and a four-ounce gripper, and immediately the line was festooned with weed.

I reeled in to find it was the kind that clings to your line and blocks the tip ring, so I had to walk back up the beach to get all the line out of the water before clearing the weed. Second cast, a little further out in the hope I might cast past the worst of it, and almost immediately I got a knock, soon followed by a determined run. Blimey.

Using circle hooks isn’t always the best option in rough weather and weed, and sure enough, the extra drag and the freespool not being set light enough meant the bass dropped the bait. Still, it was really encouraging and confirmed how great the conditions were. I kept the bait out for as long as I dared before repeating the earlier process.

To spare you my moaning, the rest of the night continued in the same vein (without any interest from bass) until the arrival of my first braid wind knot, which meant I packed up early in a huff. As I type this, the rain (which wasn't forecast) is hammering down - but it won’t stop me venturing back out tonight.