Branscombe, South East Devon, 23/6/06

[basscatcher]

Its 4.30 in the morning and I just couldn't wait to load my photos and post this report. ;D

Had a solo trip down to Branscombe this evening with the target of a big, big bass.

Fished two rods, one set up with a clipped down up and over rig which had a snood of about 8ft long. The other rod was set up with a two hook clipped down rig. Used big baits on the first rod like whole squid and large sandeel. The second rod was to cover all options and was baited up with Lug and ragworm with small diamonds of squid as tippets.

Wasn't long before the bites started and they kept going all night. Trouble is it was all dogfish and they were n't fussy about baits. Had a cracking time trying to manage two rods that where always on the nod.

A large and slimy smily rockling broke up the session of dogfish and was another species on the night.

Was thinking of packing up after I had landed and returned around 20 dogfish.

Then a bigger bite and the rod slammed over. I picked the rod out the rest. The rod was bent right over and there was something more substantial than a doggie on the end. ;D I could not believe how well this fish was fighting and couldnt gain much on it as I checked my clutch was still set lightly. This surely must be one big bass that I was after. It ploughed up and down the beach infront of me. Excellent scrap and I was happy to have some sport. ;D

I got the fish into the surf and timed the last bit so I could use a wave to land it.


WOW - Couldnt believe my eyes, It was a Starry Smooth Hound on a small ragworm tipped with a bit of squid. I am delighted as I have never caught one before and was planning to target them on the North Coast this year. You dont get many of them from the open beach marks in South Devon.

Talked nicely to it and got it to sit still on my seat box so I could get a photo. It was then returned.



Didn't get that Big Bass but delighted with the session.

;D

[basscatcher]

Some better photos as Photobucket was down in the early hours of this morning:





Very dark and creepy fishing on your own.



Some photos of the venue I took earlier this year, Lovelly place.

[Animal]

ahhh you picked the right night for being out all night eh!!
i will try and get that bass for you on monday Ian!!

><((((((((((((((((º>

[tompa]

Nice pics mate and what a catch Lucky I just so happened to be checking out this section eh!! ;D

Nowt wrong with catching doggies all night either as they are top draw

Good luck with Mr b and try not to cut his line every time he gets a fish ;D

[mustfishmore]

Hello all. I have just got back into Beach fishing. Sort of stopped after going to Namibia. Been doing lot of fly fishing. Fed up with Trout. All fisheries going over to Carp so it seems.
Just I read with great interest about Branscombe. 5-6 years ago I fished it regular. It became my favourite location. Had some good close in Bass sport , whole calamari did trick for me..
The best night I had there was after a lot of rain. The sea was mud coloured up to about 20m out. One local , said no way with that much fresh water in close. I agreed, but nothing else to do so fished. 7lb & 8lb Bass. Another angler had a Bass of 11lb . You never can tell!
If you want a real lively session. Put 2 rods out with 3 Hook flappers , any old Mackerl for bait then try and keep up with the Dogs.
A diver friend of mine who dives off,off Branscombe reckons to have seen place , rays (type he not sure of) conger , all sorts in his words. How far out....3-400yds. Uhm!
Off down there soon.

[basscatcher]

Welcome to the site.

I have heard it is a good bass venue later on in the late summer and Autumn.

I am off down there over this weekend for another session.

Drp me a line any time.