So I've been watching the weather all week and a NE breeze was forecast for today. Stronger than earlier in the week but at 12-24mph it was still doable on the Solent. I was expecting fog for the first couple of hours, but there was none.
My chosen mark was only a 20 min steam so anchor was down by 9am. Low water was 11.30am. Plan was to fish down, over slack then 2 hrs up. Cod was hopeful as two decent ones had been caught at the same numbers on Wednesday.
No cod showed, no bass, no pout, no whiting and no doggies appeared.
Just a constant supply of strap conger. For those that have never seen one, here are some pics to show you just how different they can look....
I had a misfortunate moment (like @GPSguru), I'm mentioning in now to save @JonC the effort. After launching my uptide rod and setting it in the holder, I paid attention to a down tide rod. 10 mins later looked at the reel on the uptide rod and realised I'd made a boo-boo.
Yep, I left the clutch off and 3-400 yards of 20lb night crystal unwound itself. So I built up a sweat reeling it all back in. After the effort, there was a fish on atleast. Can you guess what it was..?? No..??
Ok I'll tell you.... a strap conger 🙄
Then the wind picked up power and with a wind over tide situation the swell started to build, I sat it out for a couple more hours. Then at 2.15pm I decided to cautiously go upfront and bring in the anchor and go home.
THE END.