Late report Brighton Marina 12.6

[vicfisher]

Report from 12.6.09 at Brighton Marina

I was up early in the morning in order to be at Brighton Marina for first light so I could stock up on some fresh Mackerel for the evening's planned assault on the Bass there. I was out on the East arm ready to start by 4.30am and like clockwork, the Mackerel appeared soon afterwards. Although there were no huge shoals, they were about in sufficient numbers that before too long, I had enough for bait.

I was back down at the marina for about 6pm and wandered out on to the East arm to find a decent spot. After two moves due to excessive (for me) noise and activity, I eventually started fishing seriously at bay 32, about an hour before low tide which was at 9pm. I fished two rods, both using a running ledger set up with 4/0 hooks baited with Mackerel heads.

Two hours after low tide, I was busying myself re-baiting one of the rods when the reel on the other rod started to click a few times and then screamed as a Bass ran with the bait before stopping. I picked up the rod and lifted gently and watched as it arched over as the fish went off again, I struck and all hell broke loose. The fish took off like steam train, ran right and then out before taking a left turn and running in the direction of Beachy Head. After a short while, the fish was under control and ready for the net; this can be difficult at this venue as you are some height up from the surface and there is no clear view from above as to what the net and fish are doing. Luckily, there were a couple of blokes fishing just along from me so I called out and both came over to assist to land it. Both of them did a sterling job, especially the guy who clambered over the guard rails to net it. Thanks again, I might not have got it if they hadn't been there. It weighed in at 9lbs on the dot; a lovely fish by any means and my best from the marina but I was hoping (perhaps optimistically) that it might have nudged past my personal best of 9lbs 13oz. I will have that double figure fish by the end of this year!

I later missed another run which did appear less spirited and also landed another Bass, although a schooly of around the pound and a bit mark that took a very small joey head.

[spur]

superb bass vicfisher, awesome report.

[pingu]

cracking fish, and a great report as well

dave

[cuckoo]

Cracking bass ian , well done mate