Lads Lurefish the Lleyn
Sept 25, 2015 15:10:00 GMT -1
Post by deerphil on Sept 25, 2015 15:10:00 GMT -1
We had finally made it ! After four years without a holiday, because of family
circumstances, Teena and I had arrived at the cottage overlooking the bay for a few days.
The bonus was our two boys had joined us too and the even bigger bonus ? - they wanted
to go fishing !
Our plan was to share two yaks and fish very light with lure set ups on 5g - 10g rated rods.
Jonathan wanted to try out spearfishing for the first time with his recently purchased
speargun.
Here we are just before the off with the weather gods smiling - We would soon find out
if the fishing gods were doing likewise
Mike was away on the little Perception Scooter eager to work his way along the rocky
coastline and soak up the atmosphere and beauty of the bay.
Jon was a little slower off the mark with his spearfishing. He had an imposter hunting HIS
fish, and it was putting him off somewhat ! I have not known the seals to be this tame and
so close to the beach here before.
Jon swapped speargun for yak and the Mackerel were soon displaying their fighting abilities
on our light rods, we wanted to take a few fish for our evening "fish fest fry up"
Such an underrated and beautiful little fish, they provided plenty of action for the lads
but they were not prolific in number and required some proper fishing !
Time for a rest and a chill in the nearby cove. We love this spot and have been coming
here since the lads were in nappies ( and tiny little wetsuits )
Back on the beach
and the lads were forced to pose for the "after" photo. Success ! and what a time we had.
Mackerel and Pollack on the yaks and Jon had eventually managed his first fish with his
speargun - a big fat Flounder and a Dogfish.
Later we enjoyed a stroll along one of the many coastal walks on our doorstep, before
our mixed fish grill supper Guess who gutted, filleted and prepared everything ( incl.
a skinning dogfish demo ) The lads did the cooking though, four species grilled , baked and
fryed and it was superb !
I had set myself a little challenge - to catch Mackerel, Pollack, Bass, Garfish and Wrasse
on lures in one day.
The Mack and Pollack were easy of course.
I knew the next three would be alot more difficult.
Bass next, so I moved to the shoreline marks where I have had success before. After
drift casting around in about 12 feet of gin clear water amongst the submerged boulders
over clean sand, I soon hooked my target fish and what a fight on the 5g rod !
Wrasse was to be next. Having had a few attempts at catching wrasse on a lure in Lleyn
seas - and failing miserably
I was not optomistic. A rest was in order first.
Now off to deeper water and a change of lure to a soft plastic sandeel. Well I stuck
at it, but was near to giving up when I got a big hit. I had stepped up my rod to a
meaty 10g but just could not stop the fish from diving straight into a snag.
Letting the line go slack for 20 seconds did the trick and up it came, my first ever
lure caught Wrasse was in the yak !
The final fish required to complete my "Summer Five Lurefish Slam" was the Garfish. So a
change of lure again to a small silver Toby , fished fast- I was hopeful a Gar would oblige.
Mike had caught one earlier, so they were around, but alas, it was not to be - I had failed !
No matter , it just means that I will have to return and try all over again !
I have been in my element. With my family together and my lads having some fun holiday yak fishing in
one of our most loved locations.
Mike and Jon got away from work and enjoyed some time together doing what brothers do.
As well as the new experience of spearfishing.
Here's to the next time and another attempt at my "Summer Five Lurefish Slam". With a
bit of luck, it will take me many, many attempts to succeed !
Stay Safe all and enjoy your Kayak fishing
Phil
circumstances, Teena and I had arrived at the cottage overlooking the bay for a few days.
The bonus was our two boys had joined us too and the even bigger bonus ? - they wanted
to go fishing !
Our plan was to share two yaks and fish very light with lure set ups on 5g - 10g rated rods.
Jonathan wanted to try out spearfishing for the first time with his recently purchased
speargun.
Here we are just before the off with the weather gods smiling - We would soon find out
if the fishing gods were doing likewise
Mike was away on the little Perception Scooter eager to work his way along the rocky
coastline and soak up the atmosphere and beauty of the bay.
Jon was a little slower off the mark with his spearfishing. He had an imposter hunting HIS
fish, and it was putting him off somewhat ! I have not known the seals to be this tame and
so close to the beach here before.
Jon swapped speargun for yak and the Mackerel were soon displaying their fighting abilities
on our light rods, we wanted to take a few fish for our evening "fish fest fry up"
Such an underrated and beautiful little fish, they provided plenty of action for the lads
but they were not prolific in number and required some proper fishing !
Time for a rest and a chill in the nearby cove. We love this spot and have been coming
here since the lads were in nappies ( and tiny little wetsuits )
Back on the beach
and the lads were forced to pose for the "after" photo. Success ! and what a time we had.
Mackerel and Pollack on the yaks and Jon had eventually managed his first fish with his
speargun - a big fat Flounder and a Dogfish.
Later we enjoyed a stroll along one of the many coastal walks on our doorstep, before
our mixed fish grill supper
Guess who gutted, filleted and prepared everything ( incl.a skinning dogfish demo ) The lads did the cooking though, four species grilled , baked and
fryed and it was superb !
I had set myself a little challenge - to catch Mackerel, Pollack, Bass, Garfish and Wrasse
on lures in one day.
The Mack and Pollack were easy of course.
I knew the next three would be alot more difficult.
Bass next, so I moved to the shoreline marks where I have had success before. After
drift casting around in about 12 feet of gin clear water amongst the submerged boulders
over clean sand, I soon hooked my target fish and what a fight on the 5g rod !
Wrasse was to be next. Having had a few attempts at catching wrasse on a lure in Lleyn
seas - and failing miserably
I was not optomistic. A rest was in order first.
Now off to deeper water and a change of lure to a soft plastic sandeel. Well I stuck
at it, but was near to giving up when I got a big hit. I had stepped up my rod to a
meaty 10g
but just could not stop the fish from diving straight into a snag.Letting the line go slack for 20 seconds did the trick and up it came, my first ever
lure caught Wrasse was in the yak !
The final fish required to complete my "Summer Five Lurefish Slam" was the Garfish. So a
change of lure again to a small silver Toby , fished fast- I was hopeful a Gar would oblige.
Mike had caught one earlier, so they were around, but alas, it was not to be - I had failed !
No matter , it just means that I will have to return and try all over again !
I have been in my element. With my family together and my lads having some fun holiday yak fishing in
one of our most loved locations.
Mike and Jon got away from work and enjoyed some time together doing what brothers do.
As well as the new experience of spearfishing.
Here's to the next time and another attempt at my "Summer Five Lurefish Slam". With a
bit of luck, it will take me many, many attempts to succeed !
Stay Safe all and enjoy your Kayak fishing
Phil
