My kids' first 'night fishing' venture (Yes...I did go too!).

[andy colmer]

After a fairly busy and stressful week (you know the one....where, although you are 'never' surprised by sheeiite being thrown at you, you get a week when you are suddenly surprised by it!.... Several times).

I was delighted to be taking my kids (Reece, 9 in a week and Jasmine 6 1/2), down to Robbie's chalet in the New Forest, for the weekend. The other half was visiting friends up North, so we hatched a plan to let the kids try a bit of night fishing for the first time.

They were both well excited at the prospect and last night we headed to Hordle Cliffs (comfort of the beach-hut paramount, just in case enthusiasm waned too quickly for Dad's liking!).

I had arranged for us to meet Andy (wildinguk from here) as we had failed to meet for 2 years, despite trying....and we were due a catch-up. By 9.15pm we were set up and having not received instant bites....the kids were off playing on the beach, while it was still light.

Robbie came down too, but didn't fish, very kindly saying that he would take the kids back to the chalet, if they got too cold and bored once it got dark; this would enable me to continue my overdue meet with Andy.....very good friend that Robster.

I lobbed a whole squid into the surf as 'Dad's' rod and did manage to get Reece involved in baiting up the hooks on the scratching rod. (Jasmine decided she didn't want to know ragworm at all!). This rod was going to be Dad's (until I saved a blank!), and then become Reece's. Andy was busy concentrating his efforts on getting a ray on one rod, while scratching with the other.

I had been concerned about the weed situation, what with the recent blows, but amazingly, there was almost none....even in the gulley right in front of us. The weather forecast was for 20 mph winds from SW, W or NW (talk about covering their options!!).....but soon after we set up, there was almost no wind at all! The surf was still half decent mind and I was soon dreaming of the huge bass that the gulley WILL eventually produce for me?! (Please!).

Let's forget about the big bait rod.....that produced nothing all night! However, the scratching rod kept us entertained. I had a couple of schoolies in the first two casts and as it got dark, Reece was determined to have some........and Jasmine decided she wanted her bed! Robbie took Jasmine back to the chalet, Andy had already had the first fish...also a schoolie and I settled down with Reece, to try and get him his first 'night caught' fish (he has had a couple of day time bits).

Fourth cast, Reece had his first schoolie and we then took turns bringing them in; nothing over about 1lb and a bit, but great for Reece's entertainment......we finally packed in at about 1.30am, by which time we had shared 12.

Andy managed 4 schoolies and also got the ray he was after....again, not big (about 1 1/2lb), but a target fish, nonetheless. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable session.

Reece is hooked (and I suspect Jasmine will be even keener eventually); most of the night we had a stunning view of the Moon, Mars and a firework display of shooting stars....the company was just about as good as it gets, with my kids there, Robbie and Andy; and we got some fish too. Beautiful!

I have some piccies which I will post later....Reece wants to join the site and is desperate to see himself on a report! Seeing him pull in his first bass, at night, was just about the perfect moment for me. Sniff!

A.C.

[andy colmer]

Robbie's superb lodge. (For those who haven't already seen it!).

Reece's first bass.

Andy's ray.

Another schoolie for Reece.

Another pic of Andy and his ray...I like this one 'cos' it looks like he's eating it! lol.

[fishypaul]

great report andy,some nice fish there too,

and a big well done to reece , you are a star !!!

[Norfolkboy]

well done all

[Twiddler]

Cracking report Andy and a super well done to Reece, not long before he shows his dad how to catch the big ones

[andy colmer]

Thanks for the replies guys.....Reece and Jasmine are totally made up to feature on Dad's websites. It all helps to keep them interested.

Cheers all.

A.C.

[silverfish]

Well done to the kids.Great report.

[pingu]

nice one andy

and happy kids, job done

dave

[barbelblanker]

Ahh! The magic that is passing on such a passion. My eldest wants a rod for christmas . She'll no doubt want to come down Sandown pier in a few weeks too. Great stuff and I am glad to see you all not only enjoyed the wonder of fishing but also the amazing sky at night.

[Paully]

I took my old dad (73) to Hayling saturday night and caught more than him,so looks like the kids will outfish their dad for years to come.Also saw that red moon rising over Selsey .