Ta da. Not blanking at Budliegh.

[BaggieRich]

Woo Hoo

The run is broken. After 4 blanks, I have finally managed to pull a fish on to the beach. In fact not just one, but (Wait for it) TWO!



Having been advised by Ping to set my sights slightly lower than moby dick, I made up a couple of 3 hook flapper rigs with size 1 hooks.

Got to the beach for about 8pm, with the tide on the flood. I set up one rod with fore mentioned flapper with rag and sand eel just lobbed out 40 yards, but couldn't resist the lure of a monster fish and so put a 2/0 pulley with sand eel/ squid strip and launched it as far as I could.

And so I waited.

The conditions were great. Very little surf and a bit over cast.

And I waited.

Various text messages. Lots from the missus pestering about feeding cats / putting bins out / tying own shoelaces...... Couple from Pingu taking the mick.

And I waited.

Changed baits at strict 20 min intervals. Decided that whole squid on the pulley rig was worth a shot. Bit upset at the quality of the rag I'd picked up, and quite annoyed I hadn't managed to get any mackerel. Also, starting to think that maybe I shouldn't re-freeze the squid 3/4 times.

And I waited.

Started to wonder how much I could get for my fishing gear, and which nice sensible indoor hobbies I could take up.

And 11pm came, and I decided that this was bl**dy stupid. I could be at home with a nice glass of port, watching the golf. Sod it. I'll pack up and go home. Another blank. My brother in law is gonna love this.....

Reeled the flapper rig in and bu**ger me if there's not a fish on it. A pout? of about 5". Taken on the rag worm. Never felt a thing all the way in. Cue Richard dancing around the beach like a lunatic. Right, now we have a real dilemma. Now I've caught one, do I stay, or get home for that port. Experience has taught me that I don't catch fish, so this must have been a fluke. And that port does sound really good.

So I returned the magnificent beast, and packed up the rod. Reeled in the second rod, and bu**er me if there wasn't another fish on. At least I could feel this one as I dragged it in, and low and behold, what I think was a whiting, at about 10". YYYYEEEEEEESSSSS. I am a fisherman again. Endzone shuffle.

The only problem is now, that I want to stay and see if I can get more. Only I've packed up everything apart from this rod, and it's getting late, and that port does sound good, so I quit whilst I was ahead and went home happy.

What is it about fishing that it will always lift your spirits when you least expect it? Top night. And the port did taste good.



Rich.

[fishypaul]

well done mate,good report
you now have your entry for the december fish of the month

[BaggieRich]

If I'd had a camera then it would most certainly have gone in.

Might have looked a bit stupid up against all the propper fish, but hey it's a new species for me, and it gives me gloating rights over the Brother in Law.

Rich.

[pingu]

well done rich
glad it worked, see if I can match tonight???

[tommy a]

Baggie,

Bloody good fun report that made me laugh mate - and I know what you mean about not realising theres a tiddler on the hook !!

Now get out of the chair, stop drinking and get a biggun next .......

[gullyworm]

Good report Rich and well done

[Norfolkboy]

Good read, and well done mate, there's no stopping you now!

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Great report and now the fish will fall mate

[Ben]

well done mate, its a great feeling aint it
advice for next time, take port with you, works every time for me and beer, best of both worlds

[Greenheart]

Excellent report mate, sounds like everybodys catching this week.
Bit of stilton always goes well with port.