Smooth Hound galore !

dougwoolcott · #1 09-26-2009, 06:46 AM

After studying the local sea charts, I spotted a small ground about 500yds from my mooring place which I had never tried before. It was an area 30-40 metres deep and about 50 metres in diameter. The sea was flat and hardly no breeze so at 4.00pm my good lady and I sailed over to the mark and using my fishfinder, managed to anchor right over right over it.
The only bait I had was some frozen squid (3 peices) so while the boat settled I rigged up one rod with bait and one with a pirk.
I know a lot of ling have been caught round here lately so that was my target.
After about 45mins and no luck with a pirk I settled down to watch my baited rod. I saw the tip start twitching which looked like a typical flattie bite then after a few more heavier knocks, I struck and thought I had got snagged but after keeping the pressure on I felt a definate movement and knew I had something worthwhile on. For the first few feet winding up it fought like hell than I thought I had lost it but after another few feet it went off again, eventually when it sufaced, I could see a beautifully marked smoothound.
We netted the fish and weighed it - 7.3 kilos and returned it to the deep.
I rebaited with squid and within 10 mins had another one aboard about the same size which we decided was going to be fish and chips. Another 20 mins with my last bit of squid and another fish to the the top which was the biggest smoothound I have ever seen but it threw the hook just as I got the net near it.
This is the first time I have caught these fish here and they are now definately on my hit list !
Once I figure out how to upload photos I will do so, can anyone tell me how ?
The fish was skinned, cleaned and cooked within the hour and tasted perfect.
All the best for now
Doug (and First Mate Carolyne)