Hayling Billies 3/9/09

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:31 pm

I had the chance to get a session in last night and checked the weather, gap in the rain, excellent! The wind was a strong westerly but not as strong as it had been. With these conditions I thought it was time I lived up to my username and headed to Hayling in search of spikies. I fished the eastoke end of the Island as I thought it would get me away from the schoolies and give me the chance of better fish.

I arrived on the beach at last light to find a big surf running with crashing breakers. I accomplished the most difficult task of night, putting up my beach buddy in the strong winds! Soon I was fishing, one in close with mackerel for the spikies and a second rod fished at various distances with sandeel and ragworm. First fish of the evening was a pouting at distance, i then had a greedy doggie that snaffled my mackerel fillet. I had a decent bite on the distance rod, hit into it and it felt a half decent fish. It came off in the surf before I saw it though.

Things then went quite for a bit, weed was there but not enough to affect the fishing. It was only a few minutes until high water when something bit and dislodged the gripper on the rod baited with sandeel and rag. Another doggie was responsible, as I picked him up and was walking towards my tripod the bass rod hooped over! Sorry doggie, you'll just have to wait! Putting the other rod on the tripod I quickly hit the bass rod, fish on!

After a quick scrap and some hairy moments in the surf I managed to beach the fish on a wave. It weighed in at exactly 5lbs, a new PB for me. Caught on a joey fillet on a 6/0 pennel about 25-30 yards out.

I rebaited the bass rod with the head, guts and remaining fillet of the same joey. About half an hour later I had just picked up my second rod when i heard line being taken from the bass rod. Turned round the tip was over but sprang back, I quickly hit it a again felt resistance. I initially thought this fish was bigger as it made a powerful run straight away into my other line. It was a smaller fish which I didn't weigh. I estimate it as getting on for 3lbs.

Final tally for the night 2 bass of 5lb and 3lb, 2 dogfish and a pouting. To top it off the second I got back in the car the heavens opened after a rain free nights fishing.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:45 pm

good report m8 nice pics
very nice fish too.
sounds like a good night i cant wait to get back out to do some fishing (the mrs has been working nights so i havent been out for a while sad

).

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 2:49 pm

Nice report mate,Ive got a week off in a couple of weeks so will be getting out for a few sessions,hope I have an evening like you big grin

well done on the PB

Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 4:03 pm

Nice one rob , well done on the pb mate big grin

, all your reports are making me jealous , god i need to get out crying

Member Joined: Apr 15, 2008 Posts: 88

Not bad matie, I had a simalar sort of night the other side of the harbour a 3lb bass, couple of doggies, a pout and... a 3lb codling which is a pb for me for a shore caught one happy

bring on the winter!