Church Norton Meet, Sunday 27th September - Report and Pics.

Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 11:22 am

10am in the car park by the church. Five members of the forum waited patiently for an important event to take place - northendpompey was about to light his gas stove and prepare egg and bacon sannies. We shared the car park with a group of 'twitchers'. I've always wondered how they came by that name but as the scent of sizzling bacon drifted in the morning air, their twitching noses perhaps gave a clue.

None of the group had previously fished this venue, so the decision was made to head for the enterance of Pagham Harbour and fish the incoming tide. I think we were all stunned by the natural beauty of the harbour and surrounding areas, enhanced by a back drop of clear blue sky. We progressed along an area of raised beach until arriving at a sheer cliff. Below us lay a wide channel of clear water, almost like a river in appearance, which contained impressive numbers of Mullet. It was a case of getting down to the waters edge as quickly and safely as possible while attaching 'Mullety' looking flies to our leaders. Despite the presence of so many fish, a couple of missed takes along with a few small Bass were the net result of our efforts. Good fun all the same and it truly was a pleasure to fish in such a beautiful setting.

Curiosity gradually compelled most of the group towards the harbour enterance, again an area of stunning beauty. We arrived a little after low tide and met a group of fellow swff'rs more intent on catching rays(uv) than fish at that moment. The lads came from Dorking and regularly fished this spot. They kindly advised us as to where and when the fish were likely to materialise and to expect Garfish amongst the shoals of Bass. In their opinion it would be an hour or two before any serious action could be contemplated but the whole area looked so 'fishy' we gave it a go regardless.

Considering the water clarity, fabulous weather and house fringed beach it was easy to imagine being in New England rather than this old country of ours.
Three hours before high tide and things began to happen. Bassfly made an appearance (having escaped the clutchess of mother-in-law). Gulls began to work the water immediately in front of us and northendpompey was catching some plump school Bass and loosing Garfish. The beach emptied quickly as all and sundry headed for the developing blitz, mercifuly within casting distance. Large numbers of Bass were visible in the clear water, attacking baitfish with clinical efficiency. Moments later they would be followed by hordes of Garfish, spearing through the water in pursuit of their prey. To see all of this unfold a few feet from where we stood was a privelege indeed.
Plump, feisty school Bass were soon coming to hand as we put our Clousers to work.

(RichHL poses with his first ever Bass)

(Dainger enjoying his day)
The Garfish were proving more difficult to catch. Often they would chase and harry our flies without fully commiting themselves. Drawing the fly slowly through the water prior to re-casting would often reveal three Garfish in close attendance, nipping at the Clouser. Once hooked, the Garfish became extremely acrobatic, tail walking and leaping high in the air, usually parting company as a result. MulletFly eventually landed a nice Garfish (his first).

The fun continued until 4.30pm, with the group catching many more Bass and a second Garfish. Suddenly the blitz abated, the long walk back to the car park beckoned and the perfect day drew to a close.
The day was indeed faultless - fantastic weather, shoals of obliging fish, good company and scenery that will live long in the memory.

Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 11:41 am

Nicely written sir,a top afternoon out indeed.Shame i missed the food though.
Cheers
Simon

Member Joined: Jul 22, 2009 Posts: 93 Location: Chichester

Top write up, awesome day. To be repeated one day I hope

Dainger big grin

Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:26 pm

Awsome stuff chaps and what scenery winking

looks like you all had a cracking time big grin

Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 4:07 pm

Well done all, looks like you had a perfect day out, food, fish, and fun!
Can't ask for more than that!

Looks like a lovely venue, and one i bet will become a regular on the 'meets'.

I'll try and hop over for some myself next season and try and host one over here for you, till then keep up the good work!

chris.

Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 4:28 pm

cracking report col.what a brilliant day we all had cant wait to repeat it some time nxt year with the group again.tightlines mick,i found 1 egg aand 2 bits of bacon if you want to call in for it simon.

Member Joined: Jun 10, 2009 Posts: 91 Location: Winchester

Well done Col - I don't know about the rest of you but I slept well on Sunday night! Thanks very much for such a great write up and pics. I suggest we nominate MulletFly as our chief reporter and photographer!! Definitely a day for the memory banks. Can't wait for the next one. Rich

Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:23 pm

great pics i bet that fat beardy bloke on the end didnt catch anything,mind he did catch some small bass on the hamble this eve from his kayak still not on the fly though little jelly worm, then i lost my van keys so got to go back when the tide has dropped enough to see if i can find them.

Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 3:35 pm

I would be more than happy to be official reporter, as RichHL suggests, for future meets. However, I would also like to nominate Mick as official chef following the lovely breakfast treat provided on Sunday.
It certainly was an enjoyable day, with weather and scenery that will be hard to surpass. It is always a pleasure to meet new faces and swap fishy tales.
I propose an early season meet to blow away the cobwebs. Details to follow.

Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 5:07 pm

i look forward to the nxt meet at the start of nxt season and i dont mind doing the catering.tightlines mick

Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 6:02 pm

hi
there was some nice mullet about whilst i was out on the kayak on the hamble today ,not that i got to grips with them,and i did find my lost keys after i had butchered the ignition but hey ho.

Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:48 pm

Lost keys,next season,no bacon for me..whats the world coming to eh!
This season is far from over.
Last one to catch a bass before December 25th wins all.
My tenner is here.
Who will take up the gauntlett?
Chairs

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 12:43 am

wonderfull report.....the pics are top notch......great stuff

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 7:37 am

a tenner !!!!! i should be so rich ,not me anyway with my track record.

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 3:41 pm

bassfly wrote:

Lost keys,next season,no bacon for me..whats the world coming to eh!
This season is far from over.
Last one to catch a bass before December 25th wins all.
My tenner is here.
Who will take up the gauntlett?
Chairs

Here's an idea . Christmas Eve meet at venue to be decided. Hot mince pies provided by northendpompey. Biggest Bass of the day pockets Simon's tenner. Santa hats optional. Any takers?