Bass from a dead calm beach - 5th May 2009

[RockHunter]

People: Me

Duration: 8.30 pm to 1.00 am

Tide: HW at 10.10 pm

Weather: Westerly wind, clear, becoming more cloudy later

Bait: Lug

Rigs: 4/0 pennel pulley, two hook flapper

Results: 4 bass




Report: I had some lug left over from the weekend so headed out Tuesday evening to use it up as it wasn’t going to last much longer. The wind had picked up during the afternoon so I was hopeful that there would be a reasonable surf. I went to a beach that fishes well on the ebb but was very disappointed when I saw the surf – I have seen bigger waves on a duck pond. However, I have never failed to catch a bass on that beach when I have fished in darkness and since I had made the journey I thought I would give it a bash. Besides it would have been too late to head back to another beach that I know fishes well on the ebb.

I set up two rods, one with a 4/0 pennel, the other with a two hook flapper with 4/0 hooks, all baited with lugs. However, there was not a tap. I thought there might be something around dusk but the rods remained motionless and the baits were coming back untouched. I decided I would give it until 10.30 pm and if I hadn't a bite by then I would pack up and move to a beach that fishes well on the rising tide. It wasn't until after 10 pm that it got fully dark. But the rods were still motionless. I checked my watch, it was 10.25 pm, and I started to get ready to pack up. Then suddenly there was a sharp knock on the rod with the two hook flapper. I grabbed it and struck - hooking what I hoped was a bass and not a dogfish. It was putting up a bit of a fight but didn't feel very heavy. I hauled it through the ripples (I was going to say surf but that would be an exaggeration) and there was a 40 cm bass

Having been saved from a blank I decided to stay for a bit longer. About 10 minutes later I had a much stronger knock on the same rod but when I picked it up the line had gone slack. I quickly reeled in and connected with a fish, but he charged in towards the shore again. When I reconnected I could feel a much bigger fish than the first one - it was fighting strongly. I could see it in the shallows, it was bigger alright. It was a 55 cm bass

So what had initially looked to be a poor session was suddenly looking a lot more promising. The tide had turned at this stage and the surf was getting a little stronger. I rebaited and cast out again - then missed another slackliner.

About half an hour later I saw a very subtle twitch on the same rod and the line went slack. I grabbed the rod and ferociously reeled in until I felt some resistance, then struck, securely hooking the fish this time. This was again putting up a good fight so I reckoned it had to be another bass - it was a 51 cm bass

About 40 minutes later I spotted some more twitches on the same rod. I picked it up and waited. Suddenly the tension dropped on the line but I didn't feel a bite. I reeled in the slack for a few seconds before connecting with the fish and struck. This one was not putting up much of a fight and I was convinced it was a dogfish until I had it on the beach - it was a 39 cm bass

I had a few more bites after that but missed them. I stayed on until I had used up all of the lug although for the last hour it got very quite.

I fared much better than I expected. When I arrived on the beach and saw the lack of surf I wasn't expecting too much so I went home very happy.

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Last edited by RockHunter on Wed May 06, 2009 5:16 pm, edited 2 times in total.

on fire man - on fire!

at this stage frank i would say ud catch them in your kitchen sink ......well done and i hope you left me some for tonite

nice

you really are becoming "the Bass-king" frank.

fair play to ya for sticking it out.

that was a thumper of a session four nice bass
nice pic's too.....

Well done (again ) Frank,, at this stage you must be feeling the same about catching bass as we do about doggies,,,,,,,,,,,i dont think

Super stuff Frank Just curious how many did you finish last year on again?

Well done Frank. Your doin nearly as well as me these days Anyway, for the bad news - you n cortaz are right bout yer suspicions. Its not just wexford bass are bein netted at the moment - waterford gettin it too and it likely get worse. Can't be sayin too much on the web. Maybe there should be a waterford bass protection alliance

Frank,
this seems to be a case of deja vu,everytime i check the report section you come up trumps.Your on an unreal run,word on the grapevine is henry gilbey is looking for your number so he can do a session or 2 with you .Keep it up .Got out today but headed west in search of ray,long journey and tough fishing but did manage to get my first thornie of the year .Thank goodness for the last cast after 7hrs
Looking forward to reading your next report and trying to recognise the beach by examinining the sand grains closely
Tight lines

With regards to MORE netting why not voice our concerns to our local electorates as they come banging on our doors .Quite sure they would gladly help if it means getting our votes

You really hitting the bass hard before the ban. Great pics

Well done...losing track of all the reports at this stage...like I said previously, I reckon you'll have hit your target by July

well done fella, bumper bass session.

Thanks guys,

Super stuff Frank Just curious how many did you finish last year on again?

I had 36 bass last year - so with a bit of luck I might exceed that before the 15th

Maybe there should be a waterford Bass protection alliance

Good idea

but did manage to get my first thornie of the year

Well done Mike - I must have go at them myself this year - maybe during the bass ban.

thats some fishing again frank!!!! are they sure it's the netters scareing them off down there, or are you just catching them all cracking report and pics as usual man