Down on the south coast of England, summer still lingers. Sunny, calm days with little wind. Perfect for kayaking. I’m very fortunate to live within striking distance of Hayling Island. Here there are all sorts of fishing opportunities. In the summer the bay hosts mackerel shoals and the bass that follow them. They are still around in September, so I took to my kayak in the evening, armed with a couple of lures and plenty of optimism.

I paddled out about 1/2 mile and switched between trolling and drifting. Soon enough I caught a small shoal bass and a couple of joey mackerel. Good fun on light gear. It was low tide so the drifts were pretty slow. I found trolling to be more successful. On one such troll, I heard the reel’s drag sing its all familiar tune. The sound that brings instant excitement. I put down the paddle and grabbed the rod. Line was peeling off and the rod had a proper big fish bend in it. This was no mackerel! After some dives it surfaced about 30 yards away. I made out the large spiky dorsal fin, a decent bass at last! As I played it closer to the boat, I could see that I also had a mackerel attached to the lure. The bass must have smashed the mackerel! What fantastic piece of unrepeatable luck (fluke). I carefully played him in, and got him onboard the kayak. A lovely fish indeed. 70cm and my biggest bass.

I decided to keep the fish and make a meal of it later. I carried on fishing for a spell but my heart was no longer in it, this was my biggest bass to date and also the most exciting fight I’ve had from one. There was nothing left to play for this evening. As the sun sunk lower in the sky, I soaked in the beauty and serenity of my local coastline, counting my blessings, it never to be taken for granted.

Back on the beach, a nice chap was kind enough to be the photographer.

I’m looking forward to some shore fishing next, once some low pressure arrives. There is even bigger fish swimming about out there and you have to be in it to win it.

The trees turned golden some time ago. Their leaves were ready to drop.  One last burst of warm sunny weather blessed the Grand Valley in Colorado.  A storm was due.  The boys, Eddy and I decided to head north into Utah to Flaming Gorge for this last weekend of autumn. To see out the year with our final fishing trip. 

Again, we lodged in the Flaming Gorge resort.  It was sunny when we arrived. We dropped our bags and drove around to the Dam area and picked a shore spot.  Spoons and Kastmasters cast into the deep water brought out lively rainbows. Plucky fellows that fought well out of proportion to their size. I hooked something large on a spoon cast out to maximum range. Seconds later it was free. Damnation!  A hundred casts later still brought no relief.  I hate it when a good fish is missed!

The next day we started at dawn next to the dam.  The fishing was slow. We fished for a spell and then repaired back to the lodge for breakfast.

Next we took the foot trail to the river.  It was very busy with boaters, at one point it seemed like a Viking invasion was afoot, with flotillas of boats drifting past, their crews casting flies here and there. 

Just as we found a good spot and got to work, Eddy decided to bite through his leash. He didn’t see the point of being static with such a beautiful place to explore.  We had no choice, we’d have to end the session, and go back and get the spare leash.  With the river getting busier with boats by the minute, we would hit the reservoir again instead.

The afternoon/evening was spent catching some more small rainbows.  The air felt colder and leaves started lifting into the sky.

We beat a retreat back to the lodge, Jack treated us to steaks and we settled in for the night. In the morning a white blanket covered the ground and the rental car looked like it had a cream topping.  With icy roads and some steep switchbacks, we took a slow and careful drive back to Grand Junction. 

When spring is in the air, we shall return.

The next day it was even warmer and at the mark we chose near Bertnes, huge mosquitoes bit chunks out of my legs.  The fishing was slow.  We packed up and headed north across the ferry again and got into some more fish on lures.

On day three we went to my favourite fishing spot at Eidet.  This is the top end of a very beautiful fjord. 

No biggies today but I got a couple of baby halibuts that gave a good account of themselves.  They were both released. Otherwise, the fishing was slow. High pressure reigned and the humidity became tiring. I celebrated my 50th birthday on this day. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my birthday, than fishing in Norway with my boys.

We returned to Bertnes on day 4.  This mark always has potential for big fish.  There was quite a swell running and with steep rocky slopes, this isn’t the place you want to slip into the water. Water temps are frigid even in the summer and by the time you have recovered your senses from cold water shock, you would be swept away. 

We decided to go back to the apartment, rest up and return in the evening.

With much calmer conditions and a breeze keeping the insects at bay we settled in for an action-packed evening of fishing.

As I dropped a bait in, a large pollack snatched it, my personal best. The boys fished with lures as I waited by the big rods. 

Just as I poured some hot chocolate from my flask, the Rovex rangemaster heavy duty rod bent over and line started stripping off the reel. Fish on! 

I took up the slack and set the hook.  This was a big fish.  It was so heavy it felt like I was in a snag, though one that moved slightly when I applied maximum pressure. When the fish wanted to run, I could do nothing to stop it. I just prayed it didn’t run out all the line on my reel.  We fought for about 15 minutes. I let the line go when the fish ran and tightened up again when my strength returned. 

Finally, we got it in view, it was monster! I quickly decided I wanted to release it, as it was too big for filleting and keeping, much would be wasted.  Owen held the rod and Jack took photos as I dragged it up onto the ledge as carefully as I could, got some photos and then released it back into the deeps.  The bend in the gaff rather than the point took its weight so any damage was minimised. I wished I measured it to get an idea of the weight. I estimate at least 60lbs.  Again, it was certainly not worth killing it just for better photos and weight. 

Just as I took a break, I saw line peeling off the second rod as the reel’s drag sang its wonderful tune. I took in the slack and quickly reeled in another halibut. Much smaller, around 20lbs.  After the last fight, landing this fish was a piece of cake. 

After this we decided to call it a day. I was tired, very tired. That fish was magnificent and why we came here. The trip was a success!

On day 5 we took the ferry and went back to the same spot as day 1.  I set a challenge for the boys; biggest lure caught fish. They set about the task and get into some lovely pollack. 

Fish after fish was landed and after some rough adjudication, Jack won.

On our final day we returned to Eidet. 

Again, the fishing was quite slow but we all managed some nice fish on lures. Owen caught me some nice cod for eating and Jack hooked a monster pollack that would have smashed his previous record but it came off just as he was bringing it up to the surface. 

You win some, you lose some. On this trip we most definitely were winners. I won’t leave it as long next time between trips. Incredible fishing!

What a bummer. Colin and Becky have sold the Emma Jayne. My first choice when going boat fishing. Back to the drawing board. I managed to get two trips out on her recently, one being her second to last trip out.

We targeted Black Bream on both trips as it is the time of year for them. Also when things got quiet, some lads went for the larger fish species. I’m going to let the photos do the talking on this one.

Let’s wish the Emma Jayne all the best on her new mission in Scotland. Let’s hope Colin and Becky decide to get another fishing charter boat. Its not always just about the fish…

Nestled in the north east corner of Utah is the Flaming Gorge Dam. At 6000 feet above sea level, this collects the cool, clear waters of the 91 mile long reservoir fed by the Green river. 

Below the dam, the river continues its journey to join the mighty Colorado further south. The section below the dam is world renowned for its blue medal trout fishing.

The boys and I were long overdue a trip to Flaming Gorge.  Usually we fish the reservoir, rent a boat, that sort of thing.  With the thaw still in progress and not much action on the lake, we decided to try out the river instead.  We traveled there on a Thursday and made a long weekend of it.  Our digs were a pet friendly suite at the Flaming Gorge Resort. Eddy the Labrador also joined us.

You drive down to a car park on a road below the dam and then join the foot trail to the river below. 

Here the river is crystal clear, fast flowing in places with eddies and back washes where large trout may be lurking.  There is a path along the river that has several fishy looking spots along it.

None of us are fly fishers, so we used spinning rods and lures.  Either Krocodiles or Kast Master metal spinners.  We found success catching small rainbows, casting across the river and winding them slowly back in with the current. 

Boats rowed past us, brimming with fly fisherman casting their streamers.  A couple hooked fish right in front of us, spurring us on when the action was slow.

As the water gurgled past, I paused many times to reflect on the sheer natural beauty of this river.  I likened it to living in a dream, a fisherman’s dream. 

This weekend was a small taster session. We are definitely going back for another crack at the big ones waiting in the dark pools below.

In October I was fortunate enough to make 2 trips out on the Emma Jayne, a fishing charter boat based in Selsey. It is crewed by Colin and Becky. In the summer months, they are moored at Selsey East beach and in the winter at Chichester Marina.

The first of the two trips was a productive day catching mackerel. Always a favourite of mine to catch, eat and keep a few for my bait supplies and on this day I wasn’t disappointed.

We also did some bottom fishing, but there didn’t seem to be much about. A few pout and bream came aboard to those that persisted.

The next trip, was a much more exciting affair. We headed out into the morning sun and hunted the bass shoals, who locations were marked by excited sea gulls.

The fishing was pretty simple. Dropping or casting a metal lure like a Dexter’s wedge into the melee, would get an instant hook up. Cast and retrieve or jigging also worked well and everyone got into the fish. No huge fish but plenty of fun all round. I managed to snag 11 of them.

A fantastic day, looking forward to the next mission!

The strong winds and rain squalls weren’t a show stopper but it was close. A band of low pressure moved into today and it was time to fish.

I set up two rods, casting frozen mackerel baits into the churning channel. Upping the sinker weight from the usual 4oz to 6oz seemed to work. After about 30 minutes, the first fish came ashore, a 30cm school bass who had greedily wolfed down the bait.

Then as the time passed, I noticed that my baits were being stripped by robber bream. No sooner the bait settled on the sea bed, the fish started ripping the baits apart, baits not meant for them. A quick change in tactics was required until they moved off. I switched one rod to a three hook flapper and small circle hooks, baited with smaller pieces of mackerel. Soon enough a nice bream fell foul of my trap.

He swam off after unhooking and the fishing continued. The weather started to worsen, more rain and the stronger wind. I put my hood up and tried to avoid the worst of it. Then with 30 minutes left to go, the main rod tip pulled down and line spooled from the reel, fish on! Typical bass take. I reeled in the slack and bent into the fish. No biggie but decent enough. He swam towards me for a spell so I had to wind fast to keep the line taut. In the net he went, 48cm. Not bad and signs of better to come.

I’d had enough of the weather by now, time to go. Next time, I hope the bream aren’t there!

I hadn’t been fishing much recently due to family/work commitments. When I had free time, high pressure and marvelous sunny weather took hold, which was not really great for fishing. I patiently waited and soon enough a storm brewed in the Atlantic sending a wonderful wave of low pressure our way. On my first session down Portsmouth harbour, the winds were still a little too high and great rafts of weed floated by making fishing impractical.

The next day, the weed had gone, but waves and low pressure remained, it was perfect.

Recipe:

11ft bass rod 2-4 oz and size 4000 fixed spool reel loaded with 20lb braid, and 30lb leader.

Running ledger rig, 5/0 circle hook on a 50cm long hook length 30lb mono. 4oz lead weight.

Chunk of fresh mackerel.

High water slack/first of the flood.

Low pressure (most important bit)

I cast out a frozen chunk of mackerel and then started casting feathers on the 2nd rod and caught a mackerel after 5 or 6 casts. I switched the frozen chunk with a fresh one and cast out the bait towards the middle of the channel. About 10 minutes later, the rod tip bent over and line was pulled from the reel at a fast rate. Bass on! I readied the net and made my way to the waters edge and took in the slack line. The hook was already set, thanks circle hooks! It wasn’t a huge fish but it gave a good account of itself. A nice 53cm specimen.

I managed three more mackerel on the feathers to top up this winter’s bait supply then called it a day. No more bass graced me with their presence.

A few days later I returned. The low pressure remained but the wind had dropped somewhat. Also there were far more mackerel present in the harbour entrance with huge flocks of gulls making a feast of the bait fish driven to the surface. I adopted exactly the same approach and repeated the results. Same bait, same rig, same part of the tide, roughly same cast out, slightly smaller fish.

• 

I managed a few more mackerel this time, a couple for eating and some for bait.

Now looking forward to End September/October and a real effort to get the big one! Be back soon!

The fishing mark on Hayling Island at the south eastern end is a beach leading to a deep tidal channel. Through here the vastness of Chichester Harbour is filled and emptied daily. It is really only fishable from low water up. When the tide ebbs away, the water rips through.

I had done a couple of sessions here in May already, after a spring bass. It seems it is still a little early. Currently the sea bed is carpeted with dog fish. On both sessions I caught one almost every cast. The doggies greedily snaffling squid and mackerel baits with gusto. No sooner did the bait settle on the sea bed and the dogs were on it.

My favourite rig for this mark is a two hook flapper with size 3/0 octopus hooks tied to fairly short snoods. These hooks are a good size to fit a nice sized bait on and seem to hook fairly consistently in the corner of the fish’s mouth.

This session was no different and I was up to 7 dogfish and counting. I wearily cast out again, set the drag and awaited the next dog fish. After about 10 minutes the rod tip twitched and then pulled down far more vigorously than previously. Could it be? I picked up the rod and slowly tightened the line. The rod tip bounced back and forth and I connected with the fish. The rod slammed right over and the fish took line. This was no dog fish! A lively tussle ensued and I loosened the drag a little to make it easier for the fish to take line. It put a fair bend in the rod as we fought back and forth. This was more like it! I slowly got her in and beached the fine lady.

What a fantastic catch! The biggest smooth hound I have caught from the shore. I didn’t weigh her, just unhook, quick photo then sent her on his way. Easily a double figure fish. Sometimes you have to go the the dogs and just fish through them.

After some recent fruitless sessions in locations that produced the goods last year I was left unfulfilled. Was the water temperature still too low, was the bait selection correct, were the tides optimal, did the air pressure matter? Whatever the answer was, the fish were simply not there taking the bait. Its never been simply the case of turning up at the waters edge, casting a line and then pulling fish after fish in, not in this current climate of over fishing our dwindling resources. So we use our knowledge and experience to try and gain a measure of success. To stack the cards in our favour.

I choose a local fishing mark inside Langstone Harbour. The harbour consists of mud flats and weed covered stones, perfect habitat for crabs. As the tide covers the crabs habitat, the bass follow, hunting these tasty treats. The mark I choose starts to get covered three hours after low water and the best fishing is during the hour or two afterwards. Any longer than this and the fish have moved on elsewhere.

Only light tackle is required using 3 oz weight and a simple running ledger. I have found success with both rag worm and lug worm baits. I don’t bother with peeler crab as it is often difficult to come by. Four or five worms lightly hooked through the head seems to do the trick.

A short cast of twenty to thirty yards into water between waist and knee deep and then wait. The fish make themselves apparent with their swirls and wakes as they cruise around rooting out the crabs. Its only a matter of time when one finds the juicy bunch of rag worm sat waiting to be eaten.

About 4 hours after low water, a bass found my bait, took it and the rod bent savagely. I sprang from my perch and tightened the line into the fish. It swam towards me at first, then when its nose got into the shallows turned about and swam away rapidly. I kept a fairly tight drag, it wasn’t a big fish by any means and the fight was over rather quickly.

50cm and my first of 2021.

I fished on for another hour and caught 3 tiny bass that replace the decent fish that have moved on. When this occurs, its time to go home. Its a good start and I am sure better fish will follow.