It’s a big bass angling competition this weekend.
Only once every 2 weeks is there a day when the tide is perfect for a night dive. Last night was the night but factor in weather, sea state, sunset times etc and opportunities are few and far between. Despite the imminent longest day and therefore night diving not starting ‘til 10.30pm I decided to go, after all it was a Friday and time is running out (for old men). So went out to try for a few flats in my favourite night diving spot, having suited up at home.
Got to the spot but although the vis would probably have been okay the wind was straight in force 4 or 5 and a sea was running. It was fishable but not nice. Plan B was move to the lee coast (easy in an island). Did I mention the bass angling competition? Second spot was a small sandy cove except it had little twinkly lights all around. Loads of anglers head torches. Talk about lit up like Christmas. Plan C was a not so good flatty spot but more “chance of a bassy” spot.
Got to plan C spot to find … Did I mention it was bass angling competition weekend? Actually the beach was clear but they were gearing up in the carpark. Went over for a chat and agreed to enter the water first, then cross “their” fishing spot and bugger off further out and away from them. They seemed okay about it and I told them I’d be looking for flats and not bass (had my fingers crossed on that one).
In the water, the sea was calm and vis was okay, fishable but not great. Straight away saw bass. Mainly schoolies, but a fine sight, fins up, bristling in the reflected torch light. Forgetting momentarily my promise to the anglers I was tempted but decided not and moved off. Did I mention it was bass angling competition weekend?
Moved half a mile away from the pesky anglers, did I mention it was …..? Looked for flats but no luck, plus was distracted by all the bass and Pollack. Selected a few good ones and left some size but small ones. Also saw all the usual nighttime suspects and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
As I was heading back ashore to land a long way away from the anglers (and then have to walk miles) I saw the “lights” leaving. They must have caught them all. Did I mention….? This saved me a walk and as I arrived back to the car some other anglers turned up, did I mention …? They looked at my catch and we had a good chat. There was no animosity, in fact they seemed encouraged, especially as I shared knowledge and anyway they were after the “big one” to win the competition, not after a feed (like me).
Seems to me that we should be open about our catches and not afraid to show them off to other fisher persons. I don’t say advertise or flaunt your catch but personally I am not ashamed of the amount I catch. I selected my fish last night and I left some for another day. That was my best ever nighttimes catch of bass and today they will be shared with my family.
Dave.