Recent trips have been, how can I say, unproductive as far as bringing home “summat for tea”. As nice as it is, being in tranquil surroundings, observing nature and just being out in the fresh air, it would be a treat to take something home for the table.

In an effort to prove to my wife that I am indeed possessed with the “Hunter gatherer” instinct, I set off on Monday night armed with bait I had left over from the previous outing to Seaford. My chosen venue for this was Brighton marina, the East arm. The target was the delicious sole.

I wandered out as far as I could to the favoured ’50’s’ bays to get a decent spot. My normal favourites are around the high ’50’s’. However as these were occupied by a large group of people who were obviously camping there, I set up at bay 56.

One set was baited with lugworm and cast out about 20 yards or so. The other rod was set baited with squid and gently lobbed out a few yards out from the base of the caissons.

The weather night was still with not a breath of wind, warm and humid. The sea was flat calm with no wave movement. A distant thunder storm provided a fantastic light show with lightning bolts striking the sea. In fact as it got closer, I did consider leaving as I didn’t fancy waving thirteen foot carbon fishing rods around and acting as lightning conductors.

The baits were continually bombarded with bites from Pout which were savaging the squid and worm to pieces.

The next bite I saw was different, not the ‘rattling’ sort you get from a Pout. I left it a few seconds before the rod tip dipped right down and stayed there. I lifted into what felt a reasonable fish. Got it to the drop net and brought up a nice sole (along with some weed).

Then the inevitable happened. I had just lobbed a new fresh calamari and was busy sorting some bits and pieces when the ratchet screamed and I turned in time to see the rod arch over and then bounce back. I left it there for a while longer but there was no more action on it. Yet another example of “Sod’s law”.

By about 3am, I was just about ready to go home to a nice comfy bed. I began to retrieve the set baited with a whole squid and thought it felt unusually heavy. It was bound to be another clump of weed entwined in my line. As I dragged the weight up the side of the caisson, I felt a vague ‘flapping’ sensation from something on the end. Once the lot reached the top, I was pleasantly surprised to see a lobster firmly gripping onto what was left of the bait. An absolute bonus to end a pleasant evenings fishing and something to earn some brownie points with my wife.

Tuesday’s lunch was a real treat. The sole was simply grilled with butter, salt and pepper. The lobster was steamed and served with Mayonaisse dip.

I have now been ordered to make a return trip and do the same again.