In Anticipation

The rod tips sway to the pull of the flooding tide, lines disappear into the darkness. In the distance across the water lights from the Welsh coast shine brightly marking the populated areas where people are busy living their lives.
I lean back against the rock face studying the rod tips in anticipation. It had been a while since I had savored a night on the rocks. What fish lurked within casting range? It was great to be back once again at an old favorite mark.
I am fishing with Kevin Legge whose enthusiasm for the sport never seems to wane.
On this occasion he is hoping for a late season smoothound and hooks his target species within half an hour. The fish gives a spirited account before being engulfed within the waiting net. At 8lb 13oz it’s a quality fish that fights well above its weight.

As the tide floods in the rod tips rattle from time to time as dogfish, small conger, pouting, rockling and a tiny huss are tempted. These fish fall to squid and mackerel cocktails fished close in. Kevins smoothound takes fresh peeler crab and highlights the importance of selecting the right bait.
Flounder fillets await the attention of a tope. At one point my pulse rate rises as the rod tip nods and on picking up the rod the line falls slack. I retrieve rapidly hoping to feel the power of tope instead I feel only moderate resistance as a conger of around 7lb struggles on the line.

High water arrives all too soon and we are soon picking our way up the cliff path already talking of the next trip.