Travelling slower than storm Amy

Like many bass anglers I was out trying my luck during storm Amy. I really enjoy fishing the storms, and when you get it right its so exhilarating and surprising just how strong a blow you can fish when you have access to the right beaches.

Having said all that I got it a bit wrong last night as the wind was more westerly than expected and I didn't really need the stepped-up rod with me holding it for over three hours. I was also using a larger 6000 reel with mono due to some braid knots recently.

Arrived and was fishing around 7 o'clock. Walked to my mark, half a mackerel, short lob around 10 yards out and I was fishing standing with my back to the wind. The rod felt like a broom stick and heavy coupled with a 6000 sized reel compared to my usual 9ft set-up and the feel through the mono felt like I wasn't really in contact with what was happening.

After about 30 minutes I started to receive some attention and then a lovely knock and run. Engaged the freespool, felt the line tighten and fish on. The fight after years of using braid was different and I really struggled to feel where the fish was, but it was a good spirited tussle in the crashing waves and undertow. Not the size I was after (around 3lb) but very welcome nonetheless.

As the night progressed I received a few aborted runs, which I hope were from schoolies, and the weed started to become a real pain which meant I couldn't fish as close as I wanted. I waited until high but after a spell of no action decided I had enough of battling the weed.

Driving home along a deserted road I was stopped by the police for speeding. They were apologetic as they issued me a ticket, but I reckon I was travelling slower than the gusts of wind that threatened to blow my ticket away.