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First double figure bass 2008..


alun j.
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Just got in from a last minute decision to go [just for the morning as I'm working !! later]

 

Didn't look too good at 7.30 , with a breezier than expected S.Easterly.

 

Slow getting mackerel on the last of the ebb.......so , when i had a dozen or so in the barrel, thought I'd better get started.

 

Ebb had eased and wind blowing me across and back inshore was all wrong. It was nearly 10 and little was doing........but then the tide turned on and it started pushing more than the wind..........and the bass came on the feed.

 

One or two fish each drift.... and each drift a different line as tide got stronger and wind eased down

 

Best fish went 10 lbs 8oz. ; a couple over 8 went back easily [ lip-hooked] a couple over 6 and a few smaller ones and then I ran out of livelies.

 

Returned to get some more..........but could find any mackerel ........several reliable spots all blanked.....then it wasn't worth trying any longer so finished early and back for lunch.

 

I'll put a pic up later ...... and look forward to repeat this trip soon!!

 

Alun.

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Here's a pic of the best of this morning's seven bass weighing in at 10 lbs. 8.

 

Others went 8 - 9 ; 8 - 5 ; 6 -5; 6 - 0 and two just under 3.

 

Cracking scrapers on light solid C spinning rod. Float method = 4; Freeline =3; so not much in it when the bass are feeding! tongue.gifbiggrin.gif

post-4-1211917433jpg

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Nice fish Alun - I must get out after some Bass myself soon - work keeps getting in the way sad.gif

 

Do you know what length the fish was ?

 

Also, could you let me know the size of the biggest fish returned please, so I can keep track for the Catch and Release award.

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Nice one Al! biggrin.gif

 

Q - What are the best size fish to return? Personally I have a boat rule that ALL doubles go back. I return undersize and small fish (obviously) and prefer fish in the 4-7lb bracket to take - and I only take what I can eat without freezing.

 

Other's thoughts?

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I think I've said this before........ but I'll repeat my observation\experience.

 

The best eating bass are the ones in best [fat] condition and size is more about prepping portions \ cooking method.

 

I'll take any sizeable bass [ as I love to cook bass]; once my supply is assured, I'll put back lip-hooked \ mouth-hooked fish [ like the two 8 lbers today]..... but if a treble goes in the stomach, it's very hard for that fish to survive; it may swim away well but it won't be able to feed and will starve.

 

I agree about fresh..... not frozen! WE eat a lot of fish and my wife has a big family who also appreciate.........so none goes to waste.

 

Alun.

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Paul,

 

I agree with the sentiment of your catch 'regime' [sounds better than 'rules'], but what would you do with deeply hooked fish?

 

From a biological point of view, I doubt a fish with a damaged stomach is going to live long.

 

My regime is :- two sizeable fish, then return what you can; which is why 2 fish between 8 and 9 went back [ in tip top condition] yesterday.

 

Alun.

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check the jokes section, djredrupp has posted some areas on there laugh.gif Ive pm'd you a bit of info, but most of the areas are clear on the charts. Most tidal races will have fish in it really, but look for shallow(ish) water, a distorted bottom and a nice tide rip and there will be fish there.

Edited by Gnasher
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Al,

 

Im in no position to judge anyone - each to their own in my view

 

I am though delighted to hear this:

2 fish between 8 and 9 went back

 

PJ

 

Damaged fish - well yes it's better to keep them i would however switch methods or techniques if it happened frequently

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I am the same as Carl ( Overdraft ) " well nearly "

The biggest Bass I've had must be only about 3 lbs in 15 years.

 

Any chance of a bit of Advice for Poole area Dan?

 

Jim

 

 

Ps That's a lovely boat Carl. I wanted to buy it when Kim sold it but it was outside of my price bracket. I get over to Wareham quit a bit and often admire it on the mooring.

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PJ,

'switching methods'??

 

I started this livebait fishing using a large single but found the point twisted round back into fish and I lost about half takes; switching to trebles sorted that but they are difficult to extracate if deeply hooked. Flattening the barbs doesn't make much difference if hooks go down.

 

Gordon was using a big single and outfished me on Sunday...... but I think some of his fish were deeply hooked and may not fare well after going back. A few years ago I got a bass in really poor condition [ wasted\satrved] in mid-Summer; unhooking it you could see the end of a big hook inside. It went back but I wouldn't have given it long and was no good to eat.

 

One of the problems of livebait fishing is the bass hit so hard this time of year, when mackerel are just here and bass are warming up and feeding better. Any suggestions on hook options?......maybe open a thread in Tackle Forum??

 

Alun.

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