Some time ago, a fishing competition was organised by one of the Dorset members of WSF. It was to be fished at West Bexington in Dorset on 31st May. For some reason, it all went udders up and was cancelled. Not to be deterred, a few members of Shoreham Angling Squad decided that they would still attend as arrangements had already been made. The only difference was that this now just a friendly get together with a bit of competitive spirit and Fishyrob’s hat as the victory spoils.

Being one of the few, I set off early on Saturday morning to avoid the traffic and to arrive at the venue in time for the 2pm book in. I stopped off at The Newhaven Angler to pick up some previously arranged hermit crab as there was a chance of smooth Hounds where we were fishing. Once on the road proper, it was a pleasant drive until hitting the various queues of caravans and other assorted traffic heading out in my direction.

Following my trusty directions which I had quickly printed off from ‘Multimap’, I got lost soon after leaving the A35. I went through a couple small villages before admitting defeat and asking for directions.

After finally finding my way out of the maze, I arrived at the car park and awaited the arrival of the other competitors. Looking along the beach, I couldn’t believe the amount of people there. It was one long line of bathers, sunners and people fishing. Nearly every person I could see ‘fishing’ was chucking strings of feathers out obviously looking for that summer staple – the mackerel. There was hardly space between each. This did not look good for any serious fishing.

Not long after my arrival, WSF and SAS members, Steve and Shaun arrived in Shaun’s ‘Surf, dive, and fishy wagon’. After a brief chat, we trudged onto the beach so that they could have a quick feather session for mackerel to supplement the bait supply. After a few thrashes, they gave up with one solitary fish to show for their valiant efforts.

A few of more WSF lads from Dorset turned up and swelled the ranks by about four. We waited in the car park for more to arrive before we would decide whether to stay or try another venue along the coast.

By 4pm, we decided to stay and began the slog of carrying our gear across the Chesil shingle. The Dorset lads strode off into the distance, while we three, found a spot near enough that did not necessitate the use of an iron lung and sports therapist to revive us.

Finding a spot large enough for three to fish in comfort, I began to unpack, only to find that along the way, I had lost one of the supports on my tripod. Inconvenient but not disastrous. after getting everything up and running, I cast out one rod with a long ‘n’ low baited with peeler crab and the other using a ledger, baited with ragworm. After erecting my beach buddy and sorting out my ‘camp’, I sat back in anticipation. To say that the action was slow, would be an under statement, no knocks not even the slightest indication of fish activity.

Steve was the first in with a 35cm bass which was followed by nothing. Soon afterwards, ‘Fishyrob’ and Andy turned up and encamped just along from us and began fishing in earnest.

There were no more fish caught during the daylight hours. It wasn’t until soon after the sun set that activity started. Bites became common but these turned out to be Lesser Spotted Dogfish. These pestered the baits for the rest of the night. No sign of any smooth Hounds at all.

Highlight of the night was a wonderful Paella cooked up by Steve in his makeshift kitchen set up in his and Shaun’s camp on the beach , This was washed down with a hit of Riocha. It nearly didn’t happen as Steve had forgotten the rice, He and Shaun had had to drive off and search the area for somewhere that stocked it. I don’t know where they found it but managed it luckily.

By 3am, I had enough and was dead on my feet. I packed up my gear and retired to the car park for a couple of hours kip before setting off on the long journey home. This had been my first visit to the location and although the fishing was dire, the place itself was a delight and made a lovely change to my usual haunts. Would I go back? Sure, but only if better fishing was assured.