I spent a few hours analysing the weather and ocean currents to determine the programme for my first two days as a fishing guide. Off Dieppe, we're directly exposed to the wind and swell. There's no fallback zone. So we need calm seas and an almost total absence of wind to hope to set sail in comfortable conditions for our clients.
Heading offshore in thick fog
Persistent fog on the coast is also present offshore. The Simrad Halo 20+ radar and my VHF AIS RS20 play their part to the full in these conditions. We set off at a moderate cruising speed, just long enough to get to know the new team.
On arrival, a container ship appears in the fog, its foghorn blaring. A ghostly atmosphere emerges.
Big fish from the start
Our anglers of the day are attentive and follow the handling instructions. Right from the start, the rods bend. Kerfil bait-casting sets are put to the test. The Mustad Slow-Bouncer rods take the rushes of the lees perfectly and their supple tip action avoids stalling.
Two beautiful yellow lees put out to dry
Once on the surface, we put the two beautiful yellows in the landing net. The customers were delighted, and the bites were not long in coming!
As on the previous day, we were looking for quality rather than quantity. After four nice fish, including two specimens of 78 and 81 cm, we decided to look elsewhere.
Diversified fishing on the ridens
We're looking for mackerel to use as bait for a more diversified multi-species fishery.
Sand ridge fishing and early arrival of sea bass
On the ridens, we change equipment and technique to target other species. Slide or tenya mounts are perfect for this.
Among the species, the first sea bass are arriving early and have been released, which is compulsory before April 1.
Tenya fishing is interesting because of the lottery of species involved, such as whiting, jacks, turbot, dabs and skates. It's impossible to predict with certainty which species will bite, as in the case of this greedy dogfish whose mouth is unable to swallow the large mackerel.
