Tope - Attempt Two
May 21, 2016 12:48:30 GMT -1
Post by deerphil on May 21, 2016 12:48:30 GMT -1
Last Friday a very exciting and enjoyable Tope session ended with two hook-ups, but
both were camera shy and released themselves before I had the chance of inviting them
to join me in my yak. It would have been great to have one aboard for a pic or two.
So with a weather window this week, a second attempt was in order.
After a near 3 hour drive, I arrived for my afternoon session with the sun shining and
a light breeze .... Perfect !
I would be fishing for 3 hours either side of high tide and felt quite optimistic about
my chances.
It seemed it would be a solo effort again though, as there were no other vehicles parked
up, but just as I was launching along comes local lad Barry - sharing his Hobie with his
dogfishing partner
Barry told me that he was new to the sport and sea fishing in general, and so was his cracking
little dog with it's un-pronounceable ( for me ) Welsh name. They had however caught 2 Greater
Weevers using Fiish sandeels. Surprisingly colourful, "interesting looking" and between one
and two pounds, they were to make a fine meal - apparently
?
Barry was intrigued to hear about my Tope attempt and was quick to accept my invite to join me
out on the reef. First though we would have an hour fishing lures , to see what was about.
Immediately a little Garfish grabbed my silver Toby.
Fresh Tope bait - Yes !
Chomping at the bit to get into Tope territory, I was soon anchored up with my fresh Garfish
waiting for Tope attention. Unfortunately a Huss found it first.
Barry joined me and fastened alongside - much to the delight of his dog, who kept jumping ship !
I think he liked me ..... or maybe it was the smell of the frozen mackerel he was after.
I couldn't get away from the dogs last time out, but this was ridiculous
A few Huss wrestling matches later and with Barry also set up, one found its way into his hold ,
exchanged for a Weever. I've never eaten a Weever - and still havn't, because I chickened out
and threw it in the freezer ( minus its poisonous end )
Then it happened , .. Tope on !
..and this one DID come aboard.
Back he goes
It was a fantastic afternoon, with my target Tope achieved and meeting a new yak angler ( and dog )
Barry had a long way to go back along the coast, so with the sun getting low and the weather closing
in - it was time to say our goodbyes and "make wakes".
It was great to meet Barry and I think we both learned a lot from each other about the fishing this
beautiful area has to offer.
So I did get my trophy shot, or two !
It will be nice to look back at these and remember a very special day.
I think I'm getting addicted to this Tope fishing
Stay safe all
and enjoy your kayak fishing,
Phil
both were camera shy and released themselves before I had the chance of inviting them
to join me in my yak. It would have been great to have one aboard for a pic or two.
So with a weather window this week, a second attempt was in order.
After a near 3 hour drive, I arrived for my afternoon session with the sun shining and
a light breeze .... Perfect !
I would be fishing for 3 hours either side of high tide and felt quite optimistic about
my chances.
It seemed it would be a solo effort again though, as there were no other vehicles parked
up, but just as I was launching along comes local lad Barry - sharing his Hobie with his
dogfishing partner
Barry told me that he was new to the sport and sea fishing in general, and so was his cracking
little dog with it's un-pronounceable ( for me ) Welsh name. They had however caught 2 Greater
Weevers using Fiish sandeels. Surprisingly colourful, "interesting looking" and between one
and two pounds, they were to make a fine meal - apparently
?Barry was intrigued to hear about my Tope attempt and was quick to accept my invite to join me
out on the reef. First though we would have an hour fishing lures , to see what was about.
Immediately a little Garfish grabbed my silver Toby.
Fresh Tope bait - Yes !
Chomping at the bit to get into Tope territory, I was soon anchored up with my fresh Garfish
waiting for Tope attention. Unfortunately a Huss found it first.
Barry joined me and fastened alongside - much to the delight of his dog, who kept jumping ship !
I think he liked me ..... or maybe it was the smell of the frozen mackerel he was after.
I couldn't get away from the dogs last time out, but this was ridiculous
A few Huss wrestling matches later and with Barry also set up, one found its way into his hold ,
exchanged for a Weever. I've never eaten a Weever - and still havn't, because I chickened out
and threw it in the freezer ( minus its poisonous end )
Then it happened , .. Tope on !
..and this one DID come aboard.
Back he goes
It was a fantastic afternoon, with my target Tope achieved and meeting a new yak angler ( and dog )
Barry had a long way to go back along the coast, so with the sun getting low and the weather closing
in - it was time to say our goodbyes and "make wakes".
It was great to meet Barry and I think we both learned a lot from each other about the fishing this
beautiful area has to offer.
So I did get my trophy shot, or two !
It will be nice to look back at these and remember a very special day.
I think I'm getting addicted to this Tope fishing
Stay safe all
and enjoy your kayak fishing,
Phil
