Grey skies, cold wind, slippery cliff paths and a murky surging sea; winter rock fishing. Its cold its bleak but there is something beguiling about the scene as the daylight fades. We have tackled up and launched our offerings out into the briny large Ammo baits of bluey, sandeel and squid wraps on 6/0 hooks and a short wire trace.
Traps set, rod tips nodding to the swell. Don the Reeds Waterproof smock and poor a hot coffee. Time to take in the scene. Birds soar above the tide race, the setting winter sun paints the clouds in tints of pink.
The rod tip nods, I pick up the rod as the line falls slack. Tightening I lift the rod to feel pleasing weight pulsating on the end of the line. I persuade the fish towards Rob with the waiting net. A large spurdog twists and turns before being safely netted.
Success is sweet 10lb 13oz of specimen spur.
Half an hour later I cast out and the line falls slack as soon as the bait hits the seabed. I tighten and it falls slack I tighten again and then wind the reel handle hard before leaning back and setting the hook. The rod hoops over and that pleasing power of a big fish resonates back down the strong line. Then comes that sickening feeling only an angler can appreciate. The severed line blows limply at the rod tip. A big fish lost always leaves a bitter taste.
The cause stemmed from my previous trip when I had been unable to separate my rod sections. Whilst carrying the rod I had undoubtedly caused a hairline crack in the tip ring that had sliced the line. The rod is now minus its tip ring awaiting a new one.
