Sunday 23rd May with Roker Ron

[Ron]

As it was going to be a day with very little wind and small tides it was an ideal situation to get way offshore and have a go at the Tope which I guessed would be here around this time.The first thing needed was some fresh Mackerel.I bought a box yesterday at Billingsgate but to be honest they were pretty crap and I had little faith they would even catch Dogfish let alone a Tope.
We soon managed to catch a few Mackerel so things were looking good!




After getting a few Mackerel,it was still another hour or so run to the Tope mark.With a dozen or so Mackerel in the box,we were still going to need a few more so I hoped there would be some where the Tope live!
We arrived just on high water so over went the feathers and few more Mackerel hit the deck.Once the tide started the Tope baits went over.A couple of hours into the tide we only had a few Dogfish to show for our troubles.It never put us off as Tope fishing can be a waiting game.Having had plenty of Tope here before,I knew we in the right area and as the Mackerel were here,if the Tope had arrived in the Estuary,then this was the place to get them.
We were not to be dissapointed. Andy had a bite....Dogfish he said....Then it screamed off and he was soon into his biggest Tope so far,a nice male fish of 34lb,as Alan lifted her aboard I was well made up for Andy as It is always good when someone gets something they have never had before.



Mission completed at least,found some Mackerel and found a decent sized Tope.Summer has arrived at last!
It was then slow until just before low water.Still getting a few Mackerel we at least had a steady supply of fresh bait.We were getting a few twitches but no positive runs.I then had a decent knock and pull on a live Mackerel which I had on the Bass rod......It then absolutely screamed off and another Tope was on.I knew I was going to have a problem because I half heartedly scaled this rod down.80lb biting trace and no leader.I thought the lighter gear would entice a Bass but at the same time giving me some sort of chance if a Tope did take it.The fish stayed deep and I knew it was a decent female.After 3 screaming runs,I thought I had her beat...Wrong,just as Alan was going to lift her aboard,the trace gave and she slid back down to where ever a Tope lives.Still,we had her alongside and copped a few pics.I estimated her at between 50-55lb.Not as big as we do get them but still a nice fish.





Lets hope the weather holds for the next set of Neap tides and we can get off and have another go at them.Thanks to Andy and Alan for making it another good day out.

[TURBOTAKER]

How are you Ron???? Catching a few fish still mate!!!!! You will know me as a different name in the "good old days" on another forum,i did a romantic nightime rowing boat bass report!!!! LOL I am getting on the ladder at the inshore boat "fishing" thing.