PB Shore Rockling, Bray Harbour, 28th December,

People:me

Duration:10pm-12am

Tide:rising

Weather:extremely windy, but dry

Bait:lug/squid

Rigs:single hook rig, 2 hook flappers

Results:P B Shore rockling and 5 beard rockling




Report: I had intended to stay in but some loud screeching from some visiting kids woke me up .They had found my worms while searching for goodies in the fridge. Well it is a bait fridge,though at this time of year its full of beer and the overflow Christmas stuff from the "normal" fridge. Serves them pesky kids right for snooping . I headed for the relative comfort of Bray Harbour and after interrupting a courting couple on the pier, I got set up . They probably thought they'd be all alone on such a wild night,but they hadnt reckoned on me and my 20 lug .I just went out to use the lug up which Fishface had given me the previous night and I was hoping that I might get a few bites on my small rod, 10' Salt Bass , in close in the rough ground. I've had some nice rockling here before but anything would be a bonus on such a stormy night . As luck would have it, I got a massive bite on my first drop and picked up the rod. I could feel the fish bouncing around on the other end and lifted into him. I was shocked to see the size of him as he got to the surface , and just hoped i'd be able to get him up the wall as I was using 20lb line, no leader and size 2 hooks . Fortunately for me, he stayed on the hook and after a few nervous moments I landed him .He was a personal best Shore rockling, as thick as my arm and nearly 40 cm long. I was delighted, I could have packed up there and then and gone home but I wanted to give the other 19 lug a dignified end . I knew I wouldnt get a better fish here tonight but despite the gale force wind I had an enjoyable couple of hours in the comfort of the van . I managed another 2 rockling, a 5 beard and a Shore rockling, before i decided to call it a night. I could hardly hold the rod, it was that windy . Thank you Bray Harbour ,despite your reputation as a crab haven you have given me many hours of pleasure, and a few decent fish to boot ,,,,,and not forgetting to thank those pesky kids for giving me the motivation to get outa the armchair on a wild December night


40cm Shore rockling(well.....nearly )

outstanding shore rockling dave. althow the ISFC don't list that particular species. that is a cracking example of a specimen of the species mate. a good one would usually be around 35cm, but not nearly as chunky as your fella in the pic
a great example there man. well done

[FisherKing]

Fine pb Rockling Dave nice way to end the year & hopefully 2012 will be even better

Last edited by FisherKing on Thu Dec 29, 2011 11:41 am, edited 1 time in total.

thats a cracking fish dave, well worth the trip..

That's a bloody great rockling well done.

I could hardly get from the house to the shed for some coal in that wind but then I hadn't got the motivation of screaming kids.


Yappo

that is realy big guy, well done

Nice one Eyes. A great way to see oit 2011 with a PB. Ya must be really chuffed

one of the biggest i have seen well done dave

super rockie dave and well worth the effort kids dont you just love them

Well done on Ur new PB.

wow dave well worth the trip out,biggest rockling ive ever seen happy new year to ya mate

Beast of a rockling, well done

well done, lovely rockling.

a beaut of a fish well done dave .you certainly put the effort in .hurricane reilly

half thats mine,afterall it was my lug

monster rockling, a beaut,well done eyes

Well done Dave a cracker of a rockling, I see FishFace wants it now and I love the fact ya broke a courtin couple up!! Next time shout "WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH MY DAUGHTER!!???" Thats fun!!

wow cracker of a rockling dave.

you deserved that one dave.best of luck for 2012.....