East Cork Beach, 30/06

Message

#1 Post by **Pat** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:21 pm

People:Me

Duration:5am - 7:30am

Tide:HT 06:06am

Weather:Stiff to strong SSW winds, p..sing rain

Bait:Lugworm

Rigs:2 up pats

Results:2 bass (7lbs, 3lbs)

Catch and Release:: Yes

Report:The previous morning headed off about 3:30 and was at a favourite rock mark by 4:15. I hadn't had a shore session since before the bass ban and was anxious to get off the mark again. Unfortunately, I could see that there was too much weed in the water for lure fishing and reluctantly headed home without wetting a line. However, as the water was very coloured I dug lugworm with the intention of heading out this morning. I was anxious to hit the beach before moon set at 4:25. Didn't finish work until 4 so it was 5 before I was up and running. At this stage it was bright enough. Still conditions seemed ideal. With the strong breeze there was a substantial surf going out about 100/150 yds. In fact the surf and surge was so strong that my flattened lead was racing across the beach too quickly. I set up with a breakaway instead and anchored the rig down - something I normally prefer not to do. For a full hour and a half I sent fresh lug after fresh lug out between 60/80 yds but alas not even a bite. Highly unusual for this spot and especially given the conditions. A flock of gannets were very active at 100yds out and although not diving were swooping back and forth intently. A few comorants were also hugging the surf line. There must be fish there I thought. If it were sandeel or mackeral the gannets would be diving - must be bigger fish. Time for a different tack. The next cast I lobbed the bait out barely 30 yds into the maelstrom. Within five minutes I had a result. Bang as if something hit the line and the line went immediately slack. I took up the slack quickly and felt myself into a good fish. At this stage he must have been coming straight towards me. After a few runs I was able to coax him in on the swell. A nice bass. Just under 7lbs on the scales. A photo and a quick return for him and I set up to lob out again. Then disaster. The mainline somehow got in knots on the centre pin under the spool. Wasted minutes trying to sort the mess out. In the end nothing for it but to cut the line and re-tie the leader. I hate this as I'm useless at leader knots and 2 out of 3 normally break on me. Up and running again but I'm at least twenty minutes out of action. I lob the bait out another 30 yds and almost immediately a good bite. I strike and contact another fish. This one is not as big and when I coax him in and weigh him he comes in at 3lbs. The thought strikes me that I have been overshooting the fish all along. At this stage the tide has started to ebb quickly and the spot where the fish are feeding is quickly uncovered. A few more casts close in yields no further results. I lengthen the casts but to no avail. Time to head home for breakfast. I am soaking wet but at least it was a good result - my best bass from this venue in years. The early worm does catch the bass!

#2 Post by **James Barry** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:40 pm

Lovely fish,, casting out to far has caught me out a couple of times when bass fishing and usually a bad cast which im 2 lazy 2 take back in catchs fish only 20 to 30 yards out!! Well done!

flip · #3 Post by **flip** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:51 pm

Well done that man , :D :D

#4 Post by **cortaz** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 4:28 pm

nice fish pat, we fished the moonset/sunrise tis morning 8) , i,ll let 2poc put up the report, he had 9, 5 of em around 5lbs.
your right about the rain i got soaked to the skin

#5 Post by **Pat** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 6:20 pm

I was watching you carefully Art. I was wondering were you going to still go with such a bad forecast. However, when I saw that it wasn't quite so bad I decided to give it a lash. Would have prefered to have been down an hour earlier - fishing darkness into light and catching the moonset. Would have also caught a few more I reckon if I hadn't overcast. What harm - another lesson learnt!

#6 Post by **cortaz** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:02 pm

we had 11 bass 10 of em in the good hour fron 4ish till 5ish. we fished from about 3.45 till 6ish, h.w.
just wonderin if its worth another go in the a.m. 8)

#7 Post by **Pat** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:51 pm

Yeah, I was trying to get down for 4. I reckoned that between 4 & 5 might be the best time. Just couldn't get there in time. Having said that I picked up both fish between 6:30 & 7. Sun am looks good aswell. Between 5 & 7 seems the best. Surf should be excellent. It's out for me though. I working till 5 and besides I'm out of bait. Best of luck down your way if your going.

#8 Post by **Pat** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:09 pm

Art, any luck Sun am?