I joined fellow members of South Molton & District Angling Club on an evening Lure Fishing Trip out of Ilfracombe on Daniel Welch’s Predator 2. I had been looking forward to getting out on the water after having two trips cancelled already this year due to the weather.
I had already gathered that fishing had been difficult so far with the influx of bass and mackerel a bit behind expectations due partly to a prolonged May algal bloom. On climbing aboard we were greeted by Dan who gave us a choice of up channel targeting pollock with the chance of bass over the reefs off Hangman. Or to head down channel and fish the reefs off Morte for bass, wrasse and pollock. Dan explained that bass were proving elusive and that the sea would be a bit lively down West around Morte.
I kept quiet and left the decision to Chairman Ed the rest of the group. I was pleased when the option to head up channel was taken as I always relish time spent beneath the towering sea cliffs between Combe Martin and Heddon’s Mouth. The highest sheer sea cliffs in the UK descend beneath Great Hangman. These cliffs show scars of historical mining operations a reminder of a bygone age. In addition to fascinating history of mankind there is also a timeless aura to these wild cliffs.
This magnificent backdrop provided a spectacular setting for our fishing adventure. The fishing proved hard going despite large numbers of fish showing on the fish finder. I think everyone caught a at least one fish with pollock averaging around 1lb with a few fish of around 2lb. Dan worked hard searching the grounds and positioning the boat to drift over the fish that were reluctant to feed.
