Day Four: Boat Trip and a Potential Specimen Scad!
Greetings from an exhilarating day on the water at the Sea Angling Festival, followed by the nail-biting wait for the results! Today's adventure aboard the fishing boat "Paintball" was a rollercoaster of emotions, weather challenges, and triumphs.
We set off from Dartmouth harbor with hopes of favorable winds, but Mother Nature had other plans. The wind quickly picked up, churning the waters and making for a bumpy ride. With Plan A out the window, we switched gears and headed for a mark known for blonde ray and other bottom-dwelling species.
The fishing started slow, with only small gurnards and dogfish biting at slack water. But as the tide picked up, so did our hopes. Unfortunately, the wind intensified as well, making it difficult to fish effectively. We decided to change tactics once again and ventured towards Start Point in search of big bass.
After a promising bite that had my rod bending, the fish was lost. Inspecting the line afterwards revealed a clean bite-off, a telltale sign of a tope. While losing a potential catch is always disappointing, the presence of tope in these waters added another layer of excitement to the day. Plus, in the grand scheme of the competition, it didn't significantly impact my chances.
As the day progressed, we ran out of live bait and decided to try a small inshore wreck. This turned out to be a game-changer! After a few casts, it was clear that there were some decent-sized scad around. A quick adjustment to my tackle, scaling down my bait, proved to be the key.
Then, it happened. A series of subtle taps on the bottom, barely perceptible amidst the rocking of the boat. I felt the weight of something on the line, a gentle pressure that hinted at a fish investigating my bait. With a swift but controlled strike, I set the hook. The rod tip dipped, and a steady pull confirmed I had something on. The fight wasn't explosive, but it was thrilling nonetheless. A slow, steady wind, keeping the pressure on, careful not to let the fish slip away. Every turn of the reel brought a surge of adrenaline, a mix of excitement and the fear of losing this potential prize.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a flash of silver broke the surface. A magnificent scad, gleaming in the afternoon sun. I knew in that instant that this was something special, a potential specimen fish.
With the wind picking up and time running out, we rushed back to Dartmouth Fishing Club to weigh in my catch. The scad tipped the scales at an impressive 1.3.6, making it a strong contender for a specimen award. A wave of relief and elation washed over me. It was a moment of pure angling magic, a reminder that sometimes, even when you've done everything right, you still need a little bit of luck on your side.
Back at the weigh-in, the camaraderie among fellow anglers was palpable. Stories of the day's triumphs and challenges were shared, creating a sense of shared experience and mutual respect. The excitement was contagious as we all awaited the online results. Would my scad be enough? Where would I place in the rankings? The suspense was building, adding another layer of thrill to an already unforgettable day.
Now, the waiting game begins. The Torbay Sea Angling Festival has embraced technology this year, with results being posted online. I find myself constantly checking the website, refreshing the page every few minutes, my heart pounding with anticipation. Did my scad make the cut? Will it be recognized as a 100% specimen? The suspense is almost unbearable.
This rollercoaster day, filled with unexpected twists and turns, perfectly sums up the essence of the Sea Angling Festival in Torbay. It's a reminder that fishing is not just about the catch, but about the journey, the camaraderie, and the unwavering hope that keeps us casting our lines, day after day.
scad
Tight lines and happy fishing to all!
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