Downheartened I drove back from Lake Lothing and grabbed a quick coffee before ehading down to the beach after whatever scraps I could find. One rod, size 4 hooks and pinches of rag, that was the plan. Anchor off kiddie’s corner and hope for a scorpion and a shanny. I took my coolbox too with the rest of the rag Garry and James had left on Sunday as Brian said he’d be heading down to the boat and I’d offered it to him; I’d paddle in and hand it over when he arrived.
A five minute paddle and I clipped off to a buoy; did these belong to the thief who’d taken my pot? I don’t know, but I don’t mess with other people’s gear, it’s not cricket, and they could have been taken by anyone. I cast my three hook flapper (under a 7bb float) and watched. A bit swelly for this and I struggled to get it where I wanted it or even keep it in place so unclipped and anchored closer. This did the trick.
Well I say it did the trick but it didn’t as far as catching anything was concerned. To be fair it was too lumpy anyway but you have to try these things – apart from shanny and sea scorpion I’ve also had pout and my only local wrasse from here and I’m intrigued as to what else might be down here in this small but beguiling spot. Anyway, an hour’s fiddling and a snag that left me with one hook decied me, I headed to the inshore side and tried drifting briefly before Brian gave me a wave from the pier. I paddled in, dragged the kayak onto the sand, stuck my bait next to the sea wall and passed the rag up while having a good long chat about all manner of things. Then I noticed a twitch…I started to walk to the rod but things seemed normal so I left it for a couple of minutes before I became intrigued and reeled in…oh yes! I wasn’t blanking today after all!
A beautiful shanny, three inches long and with glorious markings. This bit dries out at low tide so it was a surprise being only mere inches deep…I passed it up to Brian to have a look – he doesn’t mess around with tiddlers like I do – and he mentioned my tank…what a fine idea! I emptied my bait box and filled it with water, popping him in. I’d just started filling my new tank the night before, a 4ft tank given to me by a mate which is in the dining room where it’s a bit cooler and a bit darker than my office upstairs. I love these mini species.
That was it, a quick play after Brian wandered off and then back after an easy landing to let him make himself at home while I got tea on…
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