Popular Post moonlighter Posted November 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted November 30, 2020 For the first time in ages I was able to get afloat this Sunday 29th. I had planned on launching from Herne Bay as the wind was forecast a lot lighter than on the South Coast. With this in mind I planned a blast over to the NE Spit area to try and find a Cod or Spur. Unfortunately, upon arriving at Herne Bay for an 8.15am launch there was more wind than expected and it was coming in from the North East, so on the nose (almost) if I were to run to the Spit. As the tides and daylight hours were making for a short day I decided against the long run east and settled on a mark in the Copperas Channel, west of the Reculver towers. The bottom here is a mix of sand, mud and chalk boulders and holds lots of shrimps and crabs. I anchored in 7m of water and set-to fishing. I wanted to get a good scent trail in the water so had 2 x 12lb class downtiders with size 1/0 hooks bated with lug and squid, and 2 x uptiders with 2/0 hooks baited with herring and squid wraps. I needn't of bothered trying to draw fish to the boat as the sea-bed was alive with 6oz to 1lb whiting. My first rod was bouncing away to a bite before I had the second rod baited. In all I must have had 70 whiting in the 4 hours fishing! I mentioned 2 surprises and the first was in the form of a very welcome change from whiting, a nice big, meal-sized Dab. The second surprise started when one of the downtiders rattled to a whiting bite. Before I could put my quiche (posh I know) down the rod buckled over and line started to pour off the reel at a good pace. I dropped said quiche and grabbed the rod, tightened the drag and thought (as the pull was very good and solid and heavy) BIG COD. I have to say the quiche was wasted in vain as the rod went very light after about 20 seconds and i was left to reel in the rather mangled remains of a sad looking whiting. Whilst unhooking the carcass I was looking at the damage to it and wondering what had taken it as the tooth marks weren't Cod-like or Thornback-like either. My answer came 10 seconds later when a Seal surface not 20ft off the stern of the boat! I'm not sure whether he or I were the more miffed at lunch being spoiled! High tide came and went and the ebb got underway and the whiting just kept coming. It was a shame more were not of a better size but at least I got out, gave the boat a good run and had a very pleasant, short day, getting home in good time to a lovely hot beef stew. Until next time, tight lines and keep safe. John ever optimistic, mick, Andy135 and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintly Fish Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Thanks for the great report John. Sounds like a good day at sea to me. Who cares if the cod didn’t show up? A nice fat dab and a wink from a seal could put most days to shame. All followed up by a stew! Hope there were dumplings?👍🏻 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy135 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Cracking write-up! Well done. Sounds like a great session, seal notwithstanding! Did you keep any of the whiting? The better sized ones make good eating. Quiche eh? Careful or you'll give @Saintly Fishideas for when he's on my boat next - he'll be expecting full silver service before we know it! 🤣 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonC Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 There seems to be loads of seals in the Thames are, always see a couple when I’m out but I don’t mind them, even if they do ruin the fishing. I'd like to take a run out for the spurs, I’ve been told I need to clear the sands to find them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintly Fish Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 8 minutes ago, Andy135 said: Cracking write-up! Well done. Sounds like a great session, seal notwithstanding! Did you keep any of the whiting? The better sized ones make good eating. Quiche eh? Careful or you'll give @Saintly Fishideas for when he's on my boat next - he'll be expecting full silver service before we know it! 🤣 Do you have a fondu grill ? Andy135 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy135 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 3 minutes ago, Saintly Fish said: Do you have a fondu grill ? See @moonlighter, I told you he'd get ideas! 🤣 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintly Fish Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 6 minutes ago, Andy135 said: See @moonlighter, I told you he'd get ideas! 🤣 At least a breville toasty maker ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzook12 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Good write up, eounds like a good day 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonlighter Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 14 hours ago, Saintly Fish said: Thanks for the great report John. Sounds like a good day at sea to me. Who cares if the cod didn’t show up? A nice fat dab and a wink from a seal could put most days to shame. All followed up by a stew! Hope there were dumplings?👍🏻 Always dumplings unless there's a suet crust topping! Saintly Fish 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonlighter Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 14 hours ago, Saintly Fish said: Do you have a fondu grill ? Or a Raclette? Hog roaster maybe? Saintly Fish and Andy135 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy135 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 1 minute ago, moonlighter said: Or a Raclette? Hog roaster maybe? Lordy! I can see you're getting right into the Outlaw spirit 🙄🤣👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonlighter Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 14 hours ago, Andy135 said: Cracking write-up! Well done. Sounds like a great session, seal notwithstanding! Did you keep any of the whiting? The better sized ones make good eating. Quiche eh? Careful or you'll give @Saintly Fishideas for when he's on my boat next - he'll be expecting full silver service before we know it! 🤣 Yes I kept 6 of the larger ones and 5 that didn't looklike they'd survive the unhooking process. All filleted off, panko breadcrumbed and fried in olive oil. Delicious. Andy135 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonlighter Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 3 minutes ago, Andy135 said: Lordy! I can see you're getting right into the Outlaw spirit 🙄🤣👍 I don't have the horse power unlike some of you other guys but if I did I think this would make the perfectboat fishing accessory: suzook12 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonC Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 It’s all good and well having 300 horses strapped on but they only take you to the dogfish quicker ! GPSguru and Andy135 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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