Sunny Rhyl Sea Fishing Diary
Kinmel Bay - 20/10/2006
Venue - Kinmel Bay
Tide - High
Time - Day
Bait: Frozen Lug, Frozen Sandeel
It was a last minute decision to go fishing, so I had to take my chance with what bait I could buy on route to Kinmel Bay. Luckily for me, Geoff's Tackle was open promptly at 9am. Unfortunately, due to the small tides and my lack of foresight, they only had frozen lug available. I was advised to try sandeel to give my a chance of a doggie, or two. With my frozen lug and sandeel safely tucked into my tackle bag, it was straight down to the free car park just beyond ASDA
The wind was slight and coming off the land, so the sea state was calm. Tony Parry's boat Jenson was visable, fishing an inshore mark throughout my stay.
I set up 2 rods. My 12ft Fladen beachcaster with Abu fixed spool reel had a 2 hook clip down rig and 6oz gripper attatched. I set up my 14ft Fladen with Shakespeare fixed spool with a string of feathers and a 4 oz bomb. The feathers were definately a long shot, but I had heard that Mackerel are still being caught on the charter boats as well as occasional catches from the beach at Llandudno. You have to try these things!
I baited my 2 hook rig. Lug on one hook and Sandeel on the other. This was the first time I had used sandeel, and acting on advice from the tackle shop, I whipped it on with bait elastic. The frozen lug was not fun to use. Having been used to digging my own or buying fresh, frozen always seems a poor substitute. I cast out but I wasn't feeling confident.
I periodically tried the feathers, but to no avail. I had caught Mackerel here earlier on this summer, I will definately be returning her next year to have another go.
After 2 hours fishing, and with high tide just gone, I was getting a bit disillusioned. My thoughts were rapidly switching to whether or not to have black pudding with my fry up from Taffs Cafe! I was just about to pack up when..........Low and behold, I had a knock! I reeled in a small dogfish. Caught on lug tipped with sandeel.
Forget the black pudding, I was now happy to carry on for a while. Next cast, almost immediately, I had another bite. This time it felt heavier. Another dogfish was landed, slightly bigger than the last one.
Half an hour later, about 1 hr after high, my rod was bouncing again. This fish was heavier again. Still not entirely sure what it was, until the surf threw out another doggie. This one was a totally different colour to any dogfish I had seen before. Very grey in colour with dark grey/black markings. Larger than the other 2 and actually quite mean looking!
I stayed for another half hour, with no further bites. A great session in the end. Just glad I hung on when my mind was pondering a nice fry up.
I have to say that the info from Geoffs regarding the sandeel was spot on!
Happy Days!!!