Boat fishing for bass Weymouth

[Portland Pirate]

Hi Greenheart.

I am looking out the window now and I can see loads of boats working the Race right now. Weather and conditions are perfect.
There is still loads of good quality bream around as well. No need for small hooks and baits for them round here. Size 4/0 or 2/0 at the smallest. Ragworm and the very small whole squid are fantastic baits.
I am out next Wedensday after COnger and Blonde ray.

[Portland Pirate]

Just called my mate up who is fishing out there.
They are not having a great day!! They have only managed 150kg this morning All caught on Mackerel coloured Red Gills. Biggest so far is 4kg

[Greenheart]

"Is that all" , let me know when the cod arrive then!!!

[Portland Pirate]

The cod have been on the beach for about 3 weeks now.
Most of them are from the Portland end and Bridging Camp.

[Portland Pirate]

I am guessing that your Bass trip was called of today.
Easterly wind 6 -7 not good.

[Greenheart]

Yes the weather was too rough for Bass fishing out in the Portland race, however we did manage to get out into Portland harbour for a species competition. Colin Penny & His boat were excellent & a good time was had by all. I think the final tally was about 13 species. Plenty of wrasse of various types, Pollock, Black Bream & a fish that I had not heard of or seen before called a Red Band fish. (I should add it was not caught by me) apparently quite rare. I got the following info from the English nature website.

Red band fish

These mysterious ribbon-shaped fish are most often found in deep water such as Scottish sealochs. At Lundy they occur in much shallower water (about 30 m below sea level) in a tiny area of sandy seabed around the Knoll Pins. Marine biologists are not sure why this population exists at Lundy. Because the water is so shallow the fish are best spotted when diving at night-time. Red-band fish’s almost eel-like body is a very bright orange-red body colour with the long fins running along the top and bottom of the body an almost neon blue in colour. These funny looking fish actually dig deep burrows in the sandy seabed. They spend most of the day hiding inside their burrows but can sometimes be found with their heads poking out, snapping at small prey in the water.

The Skipper took some digital photos & I have asked hime to email me a copy. If he does I shall publish it on the forum site.

I am now booked on another Bass trip on the 31st of this month aboard Revolution out of Weymouth. Hope the weathers better next time.

[Portland Pirate]

At least you got out.
Colin certainly knows where to find fish and yes the Red Band fish s quite rare. Portland Harbour is one of the few places that you can catch them if you know where to go.
You should have a good time with Josh Simonds on Outrage. He is a freind of mine and he was a comercial Bass fisherman until recently. He is a great laugh.
Good Luck