Yesterday I had my first inshore trip on a small boat since last July when Alun invited me aboard Gastronaut to search out a few bass. I was very exited. The weather was not as ordered with overcast skys, a very brief shower and quite a chilling wind on the water.
Mackerel were not easy to find but they were there, just being a bit elusive. First cast and I'm into my first bass for a year, nicely hooked in the upper lip so it gave a good account of itself; about 6lbs of bristling spikes. After this encouraging start I knew it was going to be a good day. I must have upset someone upstairs because that was my last one to come to the net. Alun landed one that was an exact copy of mine shortly afterwards and, apart from dropping a few more, that was it.
Still a good day out in anyone's book and especially for me, a real treat. I found the day really tiring, it's much easier on a bigger boat. I'm sure I could launch my boat but would definitely struggle recovering it so I'll stick to invitations for a while yet. Many thanks to Alun for being my carer for the day, I now have bass fillets for supper and a good supply of mackerel for hot smoking, which will keep Dilys happy.
Terry.