Eling

Yesterday we decided to try something new, a trip from Eling. With a Spring tide and 18mph winds forecast we thought the water around Eling would be safer and more comfortable.
After setting off at around 9.30am it wasn't long before we had caught our first of many small Bass, trolling as we made our way out to deeper water. It was surprising how shallow it was initially but as we got closer to the container ships the water shelved off to about 60 feet.
The fishing wasn't great, Tim caught a Pouting and a small Whiting but that was all so, we moved off towards the railway bridge. For some reason I had it in my head that I had to give this place a try and now that I have I probably wont return. I didn't get so much as a bite . Tim got a larger Bass but nothing else was happening.
Although feeling safe, the wind was a nuisance and made paddling and peddling hard work so to end the day we tried our luck at the mouth of Eling creek. Again, lots of small Bass and, a Flounder.
Not the most successful of days but worth a try and still an enjoyable day.

Makes you feel a bit small!

Kayak Sandwich

Snap Happy

Wildlife

Chris at the railway bridge

Tims Bass

Fish Cleaning

Ben at Eling Creek

Me and my Flounder

Four Yakers in fishing frenzy....read all about it!!

ok ok,  I'm exaggerating but it was a good day.

Tim and I were joined by our sons Chris and Ben in a trip from our regular venue, Lepe. It was a perfect day, next to no wind and, for the most part a clear blue sky.

We started fishing in about 15 feet of water a couple of hundred yards out. Ben was the first to catch with a small Thornback Ray, but very little else was happening so we moved back to the mouth of Beaulieu river where Chris and I caught a couple of small bass. Apart from that it was very quiet so, another move this time just under half way to the Isle of Wight in 55 foot of water. Almost immediately the bites started and the fish, mainly dog fish were coming to the yaks. I know dog fish are looked upon as a bit of a nuisance but I think they are nice looking fish and I still appreciate catching them.
Then came the Smooth Hound, a fish in a different class in it's ability to fight. It wasn't the biggest smooth hound I've caught but it was the first from a Kayak, great fun. Next it was a Bream, small but another species to add. Finally I managed a Thornback Ray, a bit small but another first from the Kayak.

Eventually the tide got the better of us and we were dragging anchor so we moved closer to the shore for safer fishing. However, getting in proved a challenge as suddenly we found ourselves in the middle of a Yacht race. Even when anchored the yachts were coming a bit close for comfort and, with the breeze freshening we decided to call it a day.
Tim and Chris did ok with Bream, Bass, Dogfish and a Mackerel. Between us we managed six different species in a day, I'm already looking forward to the next trip.

Boys like their toys.

Ready to go

Ben with his Thornback Ray

Me and my Dogfish

Tims Dogfish

Tim in action

Tim with his Dogfish

A perfect day for Kayaking

 Dogfish

Me and my Smooth Hound

Thornback Ray

Smooth Hound

A boat full of Kayak watchers.

A bit close for comfort!

On target?

Between us we got some nice photos. Thanks again to Tims for his, better than mine I think , hmmm, does he take better photos than me or does he have a better camera?? mutter mutter.  I still have not mastered the head cam but hopefully next time I'll have something worth looking at