It's Good To Be Back...

This entry was posted on 14th May, 2013

It's Good To Be Back...

A phone call mid week saw me gathering together my sea fishing gear!

On the other end of the line was salty sea dog and good pal Jack Mills, he’d heard of a few fish coming off North Norfolk and was keen to have a trip. To be honest I didn’t take a lot of persuading, it had been ages since I’d last wetted a line, the weather was meant to be fine, and after a busy week in the office a few relaxing hours on the beach sounded perfect. Jack had done his research and explained it was a big tide, with high water around 8.00, this was perfect! If we could get to the beach around 6.00 it would enable us to fish two hours up and then as long as we wanted down to the bottom to low water.

It’s around this time of year when the Peeler Crab start to invade the shore ready for there annual moult, it’s also when the Bass and Smoothound start to grab the anglers attentions.  Over the past few years my sea fishing has changed, as no longer is it all about winter Cod fishing, big lugworm baits and chocolate coloured seas. Now most of my fishing is done in the spring/early summer, travelling light armed with a bucket of fresh peeler, with Smoothound and Bass as the main target.

I met Jack at his work place around 5.30, as usual I was running a little late!!! However soon we were on our way and after a quick pit stop for some cracking fish and chips at Walcot we arrived at the chosen venue around 6.15. Keen and eager to get down fishing and to get the last of the flood tide, we soon power walked our way about 3-4 groynes down the beach.

We both opted to fish one rod each, I often prefer to really concentrate hard on one rod as opposed to fishing with two, I always make sure I have one trace pre-baited ready to go, as this maximising fishing time. Rigs were simple, pulley pennels with 3/0 hooks, baited with 2-3 lugworm and half a frozen crab. I never have much faith in the frozen crab, but with everything being a little bit behind due to the unseasonal cold weather, my usual bait supplier was still awaiting his first delivery of fresh crab.

To cut a long story short, we fished hard for around six hours for very little reward, with just a few bits and pieces to show for our efforts, these included a few Dabs, Whiting and Dogfish. You’ll also see from the pictures I did… some how!... manage to foul hook a tiny Sandeel! At least my hooks were sharp…

All in all it was nice to be back out on the beach and nice to get in the first spring/summer session of the year, however with the wind swinging round to the East and light drizzle blowing right in our face, it felt more like the middle of winter! Even so it really wetted the appetite for the coming season and I’m sure we’ll be back, next time armed with some prime fresh peeler!

Here's a few pictures from the session...

On arrival the sea looked absolutely spot on for it, perhaps a little calmer than I'd have liked, but certainly very fishy!

The first cast of the session... just a waiting game now!

First blood was to Jack with this palm sized Dab... he's a Dab hand when it comes to catching these super little flatfish!

The obligatory Whiting, it wouldn't be sea fishing if you didn't catch at least one of these...

Another Dab for me, eyes bigger than his belly I reckon!

Smallest fish competition? How? At least this proved my hooks were sharp!

I know some people moan about Dogfish, but when there isn't alot else about they can offer some great sport.

Smile! A close up of another Doggie, not a bad picture considering it was dark and taken on an iPhone!

With scenery like this, who really cares if you catch or not? You can just feel the stress of the working week slowly ebbing from your body! The Tackle Box… Greys Pulley Pennel Rigs Ian Golds Super Match Rest Penn Mag II Multiplier Greys GRX-S Beach Rods Breakaway Impact Leads