First Report of the Year

[JustMark]

I had expected this winter to be a long one and was looking at probably April before I could get out there again. However, that changed when I got a call from Dave, the skipper of Kelly's Hero in Brixham saying he had spotted what looked like a four hour window and was I interested in an afternoon's fishing?

Mid day and I was on the Quay with half a dozen others as the boat arrived to pick us up.

The initial plan was to head out tosomeof the closer wrecks to see if we couold scare up some cod or pollock, but as we approached Berry Head it became clear that at best, going out any further would have been, shal we say, 'uncomfortable'

This was further evidenced by the big trawlers that were heading out. As soon as they passed the edge of the bay we lost them in the swell. Seeing as these boats have as much as 30ft of air draft, it gives you an idea.

The decision was made to just potter around and see what was about inshore.

First blood to me with a small but very welcome pout. I know I won't be saying anything complimentary about pout later in the year, but it was a first fish eh?

Several small whiting and a few more pout fell to the other rods when one of the guys was hit by a sudden, but very nasty bout of Mal de Mare. So much so that it was decided to go back to port and drop him and his companions off. He was a nice old boy who had recently had heart surgery,so good call there. Hope he feels better now.

This left me and a father and two sons team from Torquay.

Once we headed back out, we had very little action at Shoalstone,despite changing baits and rigs a few times.

Then it was off to near the mussel beds a bit further round the bay.

This was the best action of the afternoon. Small whiting were coming up with every drop and they kept everyone busy for over an hour.

The weather window was most definately closing fast by now and torrential rain settled over us. Coupled with the fact that it had started to go dark, and wind over tide was whipping up the water even in this sheltered spot.

Time to head home.

Score for the day, 1 pout, 10 whiting. No keepers, but not a blank either.

Things learned, my waterproofs aren't anymore

All in all a great afternoon

[pingu]

nicve one

dave

[the boss]

a good effort and nice to get out too.

[fullcreel]

Well done for getting out, I can't wait, but due to lack of wheels, floooding, frozen lakes and too much work piling up I may not wet a line for some time, sulk.

[Fishing Forum Admin]

nice one mate

[BaggieRich]

Well done mate.

[tjnorton]

good effort I'm still waitin to get out this year.

tj

[fishypaul]

well done mark

[paddy2k7_red4life]

well done mate

[paul p]

Well done