North Coast Bass: They DO Exist! 8)

People: me + 2

Duration: 4.30pm - 10pm

Tide: high around 7.30pm

Weather: fine, settled, cool

Bait: rag, mack, sandeel

Rigs: flappers, 1 and 2 hook paternosters

Results: 1x bass, 4x shore rockling, 1x flounder, 1x teabag turbot, 3x coley, 4x codling, 4x dogfish

Upon arrival at the mark we noticed a handful of guys further up the shore so, after having no immediate bites, I walked up to see what they were at. The lads informed me that they had been fishing most of the day with lures, that all they had caught was "that sea trout over there..", I looked over their shoulders to see a huge female salmon kelt laying on the sand.
The fish had taken a hard plastic plugging lure and they had weighted it at 14.5lb; it was a fine fish but in poor condition, it had obviously not long returned from spawning. The fish was lean and lanky (big head and shabby thin body), and could easily have been over 18lb prior to spawning. It was a pity to see such a fish laying there dead - and it would have tasted like crap btw! - but at least it had already spawned, I suppose..

So anyway, back to the fishing...
well, it wasn't long before there was a bass on the shore not my own unfortunately but Cathal had caught a nice 2lb4oz fish on his first cast. He couldn't believe it and nor could I lol, it was the first bass that I had actually physically seen on the north coast. Is was a stunning fish, a fat bar of silver and a real prize after a lot of time and effort put in by us over the last while

Spirits were high and we went on to catch an array of other species, though no more bass - it did't matter as we were pleased with the one caught, other species here and there kept us interested.

I managed a doggie that had taken both hooks down deep and, after having been inspired by a report on here by someone saying that they had eaten deep fried dogfish in Spain - saying that it was delicious, - I knocked it on the head and took it home.
There was a right bit of work getting the thing skinned but having watched a few videos on youtube I got there in the end. The dogfish was tasty but nothing to get too excited about tbh. It was strange, the flesh before cooking was very very firm, almost rubbery, but after cooking it had turned really soft, almost to mush. It was just OK.
I also killed and cooked a rockling that had swallowed a hook. Now I have eaten rockling before and it was delicious but this one wasn't quite as good. Again, just OK

Got red-up and made home just about in time for MotD

A good session. We'll be back again soon too, "I will get my first one yet"...........

a few pics..:

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Well done Chuckaroo, I'll have one of those plates at the end please, with a pint

Good report Charlie, hopefully our next session is as good. Chances are next time the waves will be 10 feet tall.

Fine session lads

Very encouraging to at least see a north coast bass first hand Charlie, hopefully next time...........

that bass is in fine condition - 14.5lb salmon - wow!

Codling on the north coast and bass. Well done

What did the bass take chuckaroo

What did the Bass take chuckaroo

Hi Joebhoy,

The bass took fresh ragworm on a pennell. In the past any we have managed to catch were on really old manky rag, dead stuff. Its good to take one on the fresh worms also but I cant help but think the really smelly stuff has more pulling power in the surf in the darkness.

I've found they much prefer lug to rag up here - even thought there isn't a lug bed nor a rag bed within miles of the mark.

Fish are weird.

I've found they much prefer lug to rag up here - even thought there isn't a lug bed nor a rag bed within miles of the mark.

Fish are weird.

Gerry I have some freshly dug lugworm in the fridge for another assault soon. They are getting harder to dig now at this time of year but still just about available. I think they seem to go deep and out of reach in winter, is this true for others also?

I ate the bass last night, unreal. Just had a codling and spuds baked with butter and lemon and some herbs. It was virtually as good.

good few fish there well done with the bass

[fishonit]

Great report. I was told to boil the dogfish first to lossen up the skin. Bit late now but thought id throw it out there

Last edited by fishonit on Tue Nov 25, 2014 10:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.

bass on the north coast i have seen before, not a lot but have seen. the codling are the biggest i seen, i would be well impressed with those

thanks for the comments

Now we know why the chicken crossed the road, it was going to the dentist! Nice going to all concerned, two nice little codling as well.

Nice result chaps and good mix of species. Well done!

Nice result chaps and good mix of species. Well done!

thanks FISHYFINGERS

Great report and fishing there boys.

Cod and bass fantastic fishing well done