Evening Fishing for Smoothhounds
After a successful days fishing at the weekend targeting Smoothhounds we decided that we would check out the same fishing spot for this evenings ground fishing trip.
We met up with Nick and Dave down at the marina’s tackle shop and stocked up with enough crab to last us the 4 hours of the trip. At the last minute Frank who I had chatted to outside the tackle shop just half an hour before joined us.
All prepared and eager to get out there we set off at 5.00pm.
Nick and Dave were new to sea fishing, Frank was taking his first trip out for 20 years and for me this was a chance to catch my first Smoothhound.
Ray steamed out for half an hour, during which time we had to recapture a few crab who had decided that it was more fun to be running around on the deck rather than sitting nicely in their box.
We had a good amount of tide running so we quickly got on with baiting the hooks. Keeping the crab whole and still active we gently broke the shell on their back and sent them overboard for a swim.
The tide was running through so we trotted out baits down tide and sat back to wait for the first knock.
We also threw out some Mackerel feathers, as Nick and Dave wanted to pick up some for a barbeque.
The first fish to put in a show were Dog Fish but this wasn’t what we were here for so back they went and on with a fresh bait to try again.
Not long after my rod started to tap, tap, tap resisting the urge to snap up the rod I waited for the bite to develop before lifting the rod to set the hook. I knew straight away that this was a Smoothie and I carefully played the fish in. Ray was ready with the net and I had my first Smoothhound – a gorgeous fish and I was thrilled.
So who was going to be next?
Well after the lads polished off some huge fruit buns it was another Smoothhound for me followed by one for Nick.
At this point it seemed that the Pouting had decided to join the Dog Fish in pinching our baits. Crab really is wasted on these fish but I am sure the Pouting thought it was a well earned treat. We did see a couple of really nice sized Pouting though and I am not suprised looking at the size of crab they were dining on. Whilst Dog Fish, Mackerel, Whiting and Pouting were being caught it was time to get the kettle on and take a few minutes to enjoy the glorious sunset.
The sun was starting to drop and the sky was turning a lovely shade of red. Time to see if we could catch a couple more before home time.
Well time up and time to head for home. A hot drink made the anchor up and a gentle steam back to port. A really great evening.
Thank you guys for great company and Frank I will be trying out some of those recipes. See you all again soon for some more fun.
