A large LNG tanker bound for Qatar was making its way out of the Haven. All shipping was expected to clear the channel to make way for this leviathan. There’s no time to be wasted so I decided to troll for bass along some cliffs.

I’ve quite a collection of my favourite lure: the Rapala Down Deep Husky Jerk, but some of their hooks are looking rusty and unreliable. I’d previously bought a large pack of barbless treble hooks (for pike fishing) which looked the right size. I was keen to try these out to see if they would hold a bass as good as the barbed hooks. As most of my bass are released these days, the barbless hooks would surely mean an easier release.

It didn’t take long before a bass took the lure and was soon in the net. The points of the hooks penetrated the landing net’s mesh, as often happens with three trebles, but the absence of barbs meant this was not an issue today. A quick measure (38cm), photo and the fish was back in the sea.

A 36cm bass soon followed, and what looked like a 34cm bass was hooked right after. I contemplated if I would the landing net, or not. The bass took advantage of my hesitation and slack line and kicked free.

The marine traffic cleared and we made are way out to the reefs in the mouth of Milford Haven. A few pollack and cod took the feathers.

I gutted and filleted the cod. In its stomach was the part-digested remains of a small fish. All the of skin was gone, but I could still identify it as a butterfish. A homemade butterfish lure could be an interesting project.

One more small bass on the way home rounded up today’s total. Back at the marina, a large mullet lay temptingly close under the neighbouring boat. Maybe one day, I’ll work out how to catch these…

Total Catch:

  • 3 Bass
  • 4 Pollack
  • 2 Cod