There was a window in the weather today. At least, that's what it said on my most trusted wind forecasting site and, as they rarely get it wrong, and the tides were favourable(very small) I decided it was time, once again, to target the blonde rays on my favourite sand bank.
My good mate and marina neighbour Brian had expressed an interest in catching these BIG rays , so it was him I called upon to crew for the trip and he didn't need much persuading.
With 1to 4kts wind forecast, we were both quite surprised just how bumpy the sea was, and the ride down to the mark was a slow plod keeping the speed down to about 10-kts to avoid losing any teeth. Sorry Bri, no offence mate.
It was rough out there.
Bites were slow materialising but Brian eventually had a blonde on of about 20lb but, experiencing some extreme difficulties wielding the landing net whilst being thrown all over the 'shop', we proceeded to lose the fish when the trace chafed through. I was devastated as this fish would have easily beaten Brian's former P.B of 16 lb but my crew was far more philosophical about the event and quickly dropped his bait back down.
A small thornback ray followed to my bait but with bites a bit slow, I suggested a move to a different part of the bank in order to search out the fish. If the sea conditions had been better, we'd probably have moved sooner but sometimes its easier, and certainly more comfortable to sit things out.
With the tide slacking I repositioned the boat on a shallower section of the bank and, this proved to be a wise decision as it wasn't long before Brian's whole squid was taken again.
Despite switching to a heavier rod, this Ray rally 'battled' and when she surfaced I could tell that it was a special fish and would not fit in my 24 inch landing net. Instead, on Brian's suggestion, I wing gaffed the fish and this proved to be a much more efficient method of boating the fish and , despite perceived wisdom, actually did very little harm at all.
When on board 'Jupiter' the true size of the ray could be gauged...and this was one very big blonde. Once we'd struggled to get her in the pike sling she whizzed the 'Avons' round to the red sector settling on 39lb , corrected to 37lb 8oz once the sling had been subtracted. WHAT a fish. As I found out later just 2lb 2oz short of the British record for the specie.
A few fumbled snaps were taken before she was slid back into the sea, perhaps to reappear one day at a record weight.If she does, and its one of us that has the privilege of capturing her, she'd still be returned. On that we both agreed.
With the winds freshening and on losing our anchorage I took the decision to 'call it' early and head inshore to calmer waters where we experienced similar anchoring issues before finally retiring, and returning to port. We'd had our day and what a day. Well done Brian for bringing such a superb fish on board 'Jupiter' and one that will certainly take some beating.
The big question is; How long do these Blonde Rays stay around.? I did well targeting them at this
time last year but, I have relatively little experience and knowledge of the specie and have been given mixed opinions on this question.
If anyone can throw any light on the matter,leave a comment on here or email me at completeangler@sky.com
Well done Brian ,what a nice fish mate . I can see you becoming a pro fish guide Jeff . I too thought about a first trip out from Chichester but decided to fit some extra cleats to the boat and have a clean . Keep the reports coming Jeff they give the rest of us some hope mate .
ReplyDeleteThanks Mick.Keep me posted on the state of the flounder fishing in the harbour. I've a mind to catch a few on the baited spoon.
ReplyDeleteWill do Jeff and my old Plaice spot . Please stay in touch mate .
DeleteI've been reading a superb book published in 1960 entitled 'Sea angling with the baited spoon' by J.P. Garrad. It's actually based fairly locally- Fareham creek and details some pretty decent captures of the humble flounder. Gerard refined the baited spoon method over several years and the book is,a detailed account of his findings. Whilst appearing on the surface to be quite a 'dry' subject, it's actually quite a good read and has inspired me to dig out my little 10ft rowing boat, which I built several years ago, and give the method a try in Chichester harbour.
ReplyDeleteYears ago Jeff I had an 11ft dingy I used to row around Dell Quay with two baited spoons over the back . Never struck but kept rowing until they were trying to get the rods out of the boat . Had trophy's and specimen medals for flounder over 3lb just opposite Chichester Marina . Not sure what the Flounder population is like now as some time ago the top of the harbour got netted out of Flounder by some idiots selling them to Portsmouth Fishing boats for pot bait . BUT . 3 years ago we were catching Smooth Hound Bass Mackerel and Bream inside the Harbour mouth and I have had Pollock from a deep hole just inside the entrance .And a few small Wrass . See what happens this year .
DeleteThat's an impressive sized flounder Mick. I'd like to think that they're still around but wonder if many fish for them these days with a baited spoon. According to Mr.Garrad, the method was by far the most effective way of catching them in numbers. To be honest, I'm looking for an excuse to use my little boat again. It's been a bit neglected since I've owned inshore sea boats and will need a bit of work but would be ideal for targeting those flatties.
DeleteWould be great in the upper reaches of the harbour Jeff , don't even need an engine just oars , that's all \I used to take . as for the rest of the harbour you don't even need a boat mate just give me a shout any time , you will be more than welcome ..
ReplyDelete