Adapting your fishing and fishing techniques
When the basic plan doesn't work, always have a plan B. Indeed, it's a good idea, from time to time, to change your mind when things don't work out as you'd like. This early autumn session is proof of that, and allowed me to perform a little tataki versus bichi-bachi match.
First of all, the context. The launch takes place at high tide with a coefficient of 91. Wind is forecast for around 12:00, but it's quiet until then. Two days before, I went out with a colleague for the high tides, and we did our usual harvest of Dungeness crabs, abalone and clams. On the way back, I took him to a spot where I know sea bass often frequent. And so it was, we'd found them before returning. So, this morning, the basic plan was to find them at the start of the descent. After an hour looking for them, without finding them, I thought I'd have to change my technique.
The squid have arrived
The squid have been active for a few days now, and just as well, I've taken my mounts with me. I head for a spot where I know there are some. I start with the tataki method . My rig is simple, classic and kayak-friendly. A jig leaded at the bottom (Aurie-Q 3D Yo-Zuri) mounted 50 cm above a 50 gram lead and a mini ultra buoyant calmero, also from Yo-Zuri. Both jigs are pink.
From the very first drifts, the rig seems to be the right one, and I start with a cuttlefish that stings itself on the bottom jig. As a result, I let the rig drag a little less close to the bottom and the squid followed, all on the floating jig.
From tataki to bichi-bachi
After a dozen squids pricked in this way, I decided to change my method. I switch to bichi-bachi. Always a lead sinker, the tidal current is starting to be strong, and a lead jig mounted on a short stem above it, always a pink Aurie-Q. This color was the unanimous choice for the first part of the session, so I'm sticking with it. This method is also an active one: the jig needs to be animated by a few quick jerks followed by pauses. Here again, cephalopods will be reactive.
A few cuttlefish that I won't be keeping, but above all a dozen squid. For the pleasure of the table, I prefer squid to cuttlefish, which is finer for me and, above all, easier to prepare. These will finish with peppers and merguez sausages.
In the end, the match was evenly balanced, but fortunately I had my cephalopod mounts with me, which enabled me to have a good time and make this little match. As you can see in the video attached to the article, the wind picked up as forecast on the way back, with a little sea spray. For the record, I'll even make one last squid on the swimming fish I always drag along on my travels.
