Multi-hook rigs, 2 and 3 hook flappers, replaced the normal pennel pulley rigs, a reduction in hook size from 3/0 - 4/0, to sizes 6, 4 and 2 with smaller baits to suit. Long hook lengths using a fine 15lb flurocarbon, with luminous beads and plain leads, to allow extra movement in the bait.
Arriving at Cemlyn Bay around 1:00PM saw the full tide just starting to drop. The weather was fine, with a very light breeze and a very calm, flat sea.
I set up the shelter, tripod and rods and proceeded to put the first cast out, around 50 yards, just to the side of the rocks. The second cast, on the second rod, was put out to the same distance but around 50 yards to the left of the first cast.
Fishing was slow during daylight, just two gentle taps on the rods in 4 hours, resulting in two small Rockling of around 8 - 10oz each. Both Rockling where caught using fresh mussel tipped with black lug on a size 8 hook.
The most action on the rod tip during the day, was when an Oyster Catcher got the tip of it's wing tangled in my line. From the shore I couldn't see where the line was tangled, and as the bird was panicking, I had no option but to wade out, catch the bird and release it. I also got a nip on the finger for my troubles! A young family didn't help matters, throwing stones and rocks into the sea about 20 or so meters up the beach. Some people just have no sense!
With the daylight hours being slow, it allowed me to crack open the fresh mussels I had bought from a supermarket on my way down to Anglesey. Thankfully, I wasn't eating them as they were tiny! Skewering them onto the baiting needle, I created a sausage-like length of mussels bound together with bait cotton. This would save me some time later on, as all I would need to do is cut off a small piece and bind it onto the hook.
With the light fading and tide turning I started to charge up the luminous beads on the hook lengths.
Now baiting the 3 hook flappers with a mixture of Black Lug, Blow Lug and fresh Mussel, I started putting my casts out at an even distance, around 30 feet apart, to maximise the scent trail.
Within 5 minutes of the second rod being settled in the rest, the slightest twitch on the tip was visible. Leaving it to develop, I could clearly see there was a fish on. Nothing sizeable, but a fish, and a welcome fish at that!
Not much of a battle proceeded and the first small Whiting was landed, around 9 inches in length. This one had taken a small Blow Lug. Gently unhooked and returned, the rig was baited again with a mixture of lug and mussel and cast back to a similar location.
Returning the rod to the tripod, the second tip went, a little more obvious and frantic this time.
Lifting the rod, I could feel some real movement down the line. With the shockleader now coiling around the spool, silver flashes could be seen through the waves. More Whiting, this time 3 of them, one on each hook. I was definitely into a small passing shoal.
With all the fish safely returned, the rig was re-baited and cast out again.
As the tide continued to flood in, the Whiting where continually nibbling and taking the small lug and mussel baits. At one point I was pulling landing them with one on each hook, two or three at a time.
The last cast of the night saw the rod tip shoulder, a typical Dogfish bite! Sure enough a Dogfish was landed at around the 4lb mark.
As the tide started hitting the car park wall it was time to scarper.
Not a bad session for February, the total count was 11 Whiting, 2 Rockling and a Dogfish, an Oyster Catcher too but I'll not count that!
Changing my rigs, hook and bait sizes seems to be the key at this time of year. The fish may be small, but I'd rather be catching than sat still not doing anything.
A few more weeks and hopefully the first of the Thornback Rays will start to come into range.
Roll on Spring!!!!