Catch Report - Duckpool Bay - 16th May 2020 (1)

Date From: 16/05/2020 19:00:00

Date To: 16/05/2020 22:30:00

Time of day: Evening

Location: Duckpool Bay

Mark: Main beach

Low Tide:

Moon Phase:

Weather: Sunny and windy.

Sunrise/Sunset:

Sea: Clear and fairly rough with a large swell and waves forming over 150 yards out

Method: Ledger (shop bought up and over rig) | Ledger (shop bought up and over rig)

Bait: Frozen large sandeel | frozen peeler crab

Caught:

The Session:

I wanted to try for Smoothhounds and rays and went to this mark because I checked a nearby webcam and the sea conditions looked quite calm despite the current weather conditions which was fairly windy. Whe n I arrived there were two other anglers there already fishing so I walked down to the other side of the beach and set up both of my rods. As I was doing so I realised I had forgotten to bring any grip leads with me and a walk back to the car to check the boot for a rogue one failed to save me. I had to use my 4oz pyramid leads but I expected them to roll around everywhere, especially as it was already clear I would not be able to wade out too far to cast due to the waves being big, frequent and rolling for 60 yards or more.

To my surprise after I waded to just over waist deep and cast quickly to be able to turn and begin walking back before the next big wave hit me I pulled the rod tip as I held it low and the tip bent indicating the lead was holding. I switched off the anti-reverse and walked back to my tripod and watched the line for a while. Even though the line had soon began to gather a bit of weed the weight showed no sign of moving so I cast the other rod, this one with the sandeel on.

This one didn't do so well and rolled over to my left and tangled with the other anglers line. I apologised sheepishly but he was ok about it, so thanks to him for being a great guy. I recast and pulled the rop tip while keeping it low again and this time it held too.

It was a quiet session though and there were occasional casts when the lead didn't hold. It seemed I had to get everything just right, the cast, taking up the slack as soon as the lead hit the water and then keeping the line straight while I walked back to my rod, letting some out bit by bit. The other anglers left just as light started to fade. I decided to give it a little longer but wasn't hopeful. then, just as the last of the light went the rod with peeler crab showed a bite, the tip bending around once and then looking like it was going to go as far around again so I grabbed the rod and struck. Nothing! Oh well, just get another bait back out there. So I recast, now a little nervous as I couldn't see any rocks as I waded and the sea was making dips in the sand. As I walked back to my rod I brushed against the line on my other rod and thought it was odd how my line was now going off to the other side. I grabbed the rod and struck. soemthing was on. It was easy to guess what it was. A dogfish. It was as welcome as any other in these conditions and at least a sign that fish were about in the surf somewhere.

I left the baits out for as long as I could while moving back 10 yards or so each time the sea reached where I was. It paid off and I had another bite on the peeler crab. I decided to wait this time and the bite faded away. when I reeled in and checked the bait it had been chewed up. I had a bite on the next cast too, not as bold as the previous one but I put them both down to being dogfish.

I became a bit anxious afterwards as I was backing up onto weed covered rocks and I didn't feel very comfortable. I kept telling myself if I stuck it out until I was back above the high tide line I might get a decent fish when I was effectively casting into the rock I was currently stood on and the leads would have no problem with staying still, but I was also aware the slope of the beach was shallow and with the long rolling waves I might need to wade out far and risk a lot just to cast out into deep enough water. After the next two casts I was beat because trying to carry my tripod back over slippy rock was rather tiring and I guess the poor start and lack of fish got he better of me and I packed up. I think if I return I'd have to make sure the sea conditions were ok before deciding to unload the tackle and if not, go elsewhere or back home.

Tackle used (price) [ time since first used ]: