Church Bay Dogfest

[chubbyshad]

Just had a couple of days at Church Bay, a new venue for me hoping for smoothound.
Nice venue, but the steep path and the rocks at the bottom of the path are tough going if you are on your own.
Couldn't get any ragworm at the 2 shops I tried so used squid and frozen hermit crab on day 1 which produced the expected mass of dogfish with just a solitary 6lb Bullhuss to put a nice bend in the rod.
Day 2 I managed to find some hardback crabs so hoped these would deter the dogs and give the smoothies a chance.
Started off quite a long way out towards where I had seen a charter boat the day before, but just a couple of dogs here. When the wind picked up as forecast I headed back in towards the cliffs and anchored in 40' of water.
Just as I was wondering if it was to be dogs only on the squid, there was a couple of taps on the crab rod and then it hooped over - fish on!
I have caught smoothies from a charter boat before, but off the yak this was something else. I don't think I have ever caught a harder fighting fish, at one point it nearly ripped the rod from my hands.
Finally got it in, a lovely ~9lb common smoothound, my first from the kayak and chuffed to bits.
Managed another, a starry this time at about 5lb before the wind prompted another move. Tried another couple of spots including a spell close in to the cliffs with a shrimp rig, but it seemed to be dogs or nothing so headed back in after about 6 hours on the water.

[gazza]

Nice report. On my way up there for the weekend. I might try to get to church bay and have another go, I was there a couple of weeks ago and got battered by the doggies. Did you catch your smuts on hard backs and more importantly did the doggies leave them alone? Gaz

[chubbyshad]

Yes, both smoothies on the hardbacks and the dogs left them alone.
The squid was nailed by the doggies every time, the place must be carpeted with them.
I must admit its a leap of faith using hardbacks as there isn't any smell and nothing else seems to touch them but the hounds seem to find them ok.
Just presented them whole on a 3/0 hooked through the tail end.

[gazza]

Thanks for the info. Gaz

[hooklineandsinker]

Gaz,
Give me a PM with your number and arrange to meet up this weekend
Brian

[shaun1118]

Weldone on a few smoothies There a great fight

[deerphil]

Well done chubbyshad , Oh yes Smoothies are exceptional
sport fish from the yak ! I love 'em. I like it at
Church Bay too, There is an easier launch a little along
the coast towards the HB but a further paddle to the mark.

Like you say, you need to have faith with the hardbacks but
I have had success with them - even frozen ones !

Glad you had a good day.

[chubbyshad]

Thanks for the heads up about the easier launch Phil.
Will check it out if I'm up that way again.