early bird gets the worm but the late bird

As I walked along, being ambushed by the hordes of gnats & midges that were waiting in the fern – strewn hedges, pictures of the spot I was to fish were being relayed around in my mind what lure I would use?, where I would start casting?, and so on. With a fifteen-minute walk ahead of me I took it slowly so as not to get in too much of a sweat.

With the car locked up I headed off along the coastal path. I hoped it was just some late holiday makers out for an evening’s walk along the cliffs and beaches. Armed with all my gear and a small torch, I parked the car but to my horror there were several other cars parked up. I decided to fish an evening with high tide an hour before darkness. A good time, according to my records, to be in with a chance of a bass or two. The tides were just starting to make and settle out at 6.5 meters for the next week. This particular September was one of those Indian summers we have come to enjoy over the last few years. I don’t bother with chest waders unless I intend to get into the surf. Oh, I forgot … pair of good quality hiking boots too. With the lures & swivels in a small box, I just take my rod, reel, sunglasses, hat and a waistcoat to carry it all in, and I’m off in search of bass. For attaching the lures I use a small snap link with swivel. The lures I use are mostly Rapalas, with the odd Toby or Dexter wedge. For heavier work I use a 2½ lb Carp rod with a fixed spool reel loaded with 10lb mono. For light work in calm conditions I use a 1¼ lb specimen rod with a small fixed spool reel loaded with 8lb mono. I use two rods for my plugging sessions, both of which are fresh water rods.

Anyway that’s enough of me rambling on, let’s get on to the serious stuff. I am lucky enough to live a couple of minutes away from the sea, and have an unlimited choice of places to choose from. Over the years I have tried all styles of fishing, from beachcasting on flat sandy beaches to rock fishing off 60ft cliffs, but the style that has brought me the most pleasure is plugging and spinning. This is when I put in the most fishing hours, in search of those hungry bass that are feeding heavily before the onset of winter.

Early bird gets the worm but the late bird