Winter 2024 was particularly windy. In mid-March, at last, some fine days to set sail. The first two fishing trips with my customers were marked by very different weather conditions: bright sunshine on the first day and thick fog on the second. But the result was yelloweye of over 80 cm on both days.
From boat to fishing tackle: everything is ready!
I'd never had such a bad winter in terms of weather. The wind in the Channel was permanent, making it impossible to head out to sea. I had to wait until mid-March to be able to head offshore. I can't wait to get to the offshore spots. At last, we're having some pleasant sailing in calm seas! The preparation of the equipment is particularly meticulous, both for my boat and for the fishing gear. The new livewell, aft fish tank, electric motor, Zipwake stabilizer and all the verified electronics further optimize comfort and performance.
The brand-new Kerfil equipment is ready to be put to the test.
A powerful first battle gets us off to a flying start
Arriving in the area, I set the Motorguide Xi5 electric motor in a fixed position and explain the technique. There's no current yet, so Patrice puts his rod in the water and practices the elevator technique. A few minutes later, he's hooked on a big fish. At the top of my voice, I make my predictions: 80 cm, no 75 cm, maybe 80 all the same... Indeed, the fight looks powerful, Patrice takes his time, as I tell him, we've got all the time in the world, we've got to savor this moment without making any sudden moves.
The first yellow venue of 2024: a monster!
The pollack comes to the surface, it's a big one! Patrice dries a very long, plump fish. What a pleasure, and what a great motivation for the crew. The fish fills the new livewell, a superb sight.
Difficult fish, but quality fish
Difficult fishing ensued. The fish were there, but the current was weak and the bites were timid. After a few misses and over-hasty hook-ups, it was Stéphane's turn to catch a fine fish. A beautiful pollack approaching 80 cm.
Dolphins hunting around the boat
While we're fishing, dolphins surround us and bring a shoal of sardines to the surface. The sardines dance on the surface and the dolphins feast on them before our very eyes! A tasty first outing!
Make way for multi-species fishing
The aim is not to catch a lot of yellow leaches. We're satisfied with the quality of the catch and quickly move on to other spots to find fresh bait for other species: turbot, skate, dogfish, whiting, whitefish and many others.
The first outing was truly delightful, both in terms of the weather (oily seas and bright sunshine) and the quality of the fish. The two years I've spent preparing to become a fishing guide instructor in Normandy have paid off. What's more, nature was generous with the spectacle of the dolphins that came in the middle of the fishing action as well as three times during the navigation. Let's hope this is a good omen for the 2024 season.
