First sailing, and new to BIF1 Rick and Nick were taking the whole vessel, for first and third sailing. Original plan was to fit in some fly fishing, as well as the lure fishing. A prerequisite of fly fishing on BIF1 is maximum of two anglers, due to safety considerations. But to get going, the guys wanted to start on the lure rods. Very happy they did, as it was quite hard work from the off. First thing was an unexpectedly large swell. Quite safe, but causes big issues with lure presentation. And plenty of hunting, before finally we dropped onto a proper shoal of bass. Where we proceeded to land eleven of them, with four for the table, which was a big relief, as satisfying their wives with fresh bass was a big part of the mission. Lots of mackerel around as well, big, prime eating fish. Second sailing, I was happy to welcome back Stacey and his amazing casting kid Brody, as well as Lesandro, and Lucas, first timing it. What a struggle it was as well. Even the mackerel were less abundant. I ran the whole range for just three small bass. And who caught all three? It was the amazing casting kid, Brody, and they were the first three bass of what I expect to be a long and successful bassing future. Final sailing was again Rick and Nick, and similarly a struggle. A little less pressure knowing they had really enjoyed the first sailing, but I dont do pleasure cruises so I hunted as hard as I could. Same end result, a bass each to make three. Plus some mackerel. Needs to all settle down. And it actually looks like that might be happening. As with many a tinder date, it could be false hope, but Summer does seem to be materialising Monday onwards. Weekend however, looks shot.

The tiniest of windows, that I regretted sailing into as soon as we exited the marina mouth, into a very deep swell. No breaking waves and all perfectly safe, its just that the lure control, and the bait shoals, are both affected, making for scratchy fishing. Joining me, Asia, her husband Sebastian, Tonino and Kas. And scratchy fishing we had. Lots of running around for just two bass, a cuttlefish and a mackerel. Highlight of the session was the appearance of a spitfire over Ovingdean, doing every aerobatic manoeuvre it possibly could. Just to see what lures we were using...

Just the one sailing, snuck in before the wind once more. And the final sailing of July 2023 unless the forecast reverses a real lot. Joining me this morning Dan, Mark, David and new to BIF1 Clive. Out we headed. A light breeze which jumped around a bit, finally deciding to die, until the very last moments of the session when the stuff coming showed its first presence. In the end, the numbers suggest a good session. And it was. For Mark. The guy was very much the coiled spring today, and likely had ten of the 16 bass landed. Big mackerel around today as well. I have been telling customers, even these guys just before the following happened, that the squid are there, but just a bit too small to fish for. One of the mackerel then proved the point. I noticed something protruding from ones mouth. So I gently pulled, and a whole squid emerged. And yet. despite quite literally being stuffed, this mackerel was still triggered by my axia mighty minnow. Lessons there. A little bream was another surprise, fairly hooked. And a lovely morning to be afloat. Four killed from that tally. The fishing died off with the tide. I am sure if the wind had not arrived, a similar session could have been expected on the new flood. But the wind has arrived, and I am off mushrooming in the woods. There are some consolation prizes for this damp, cool summer we are having.

First sailing, and Omar and Gabriel were back on board, accompanied by Max and Kas. The first time Omar and Gabriel came to visit me, they wanted a bass on the fly. Omar got a cracker, around 5lb, almost first cast. Then the rod smashed, and I managed to end up with a mighty minnow deeply embedded in my hand. I was hoping for better things this time round. It was a bit of a few here, a few there, until finally we settled on a decent shoal. Max and I are fairly certain that one fish, that bounced off, was a cod. "Too early" I hear old timers saying. Old timers need to realise that the gradual upward creep of sea temperatures means things changing all the time. Local beach marks all saw codling caught on the last few tides, with many in the 4-5lb range. These are what is left of those 1.5lb fish that swarmed everywhere last late summer and autumn. How many are left? I suspect a fair few. Time will tell. As for bass, we ended up with 25 in the boat. Just two were killed, and one by Omar, at 62cm, exceeded the maximum kill size of 59cm that you sign up to when you book a session with me. Ive been doing this for over six years now, but very few do, and now we are missing an awful lot of 5bl+ fish. It takes a long time for a bass to get to that size. I would argue, slot sizes should be added to bass protection measures, and implemented across the board. The only people really affected by a lack of supply of commercial caught and sold big fish, are the restaurants and hotels that like to buy them to display them, slowly rotting away in the display chiller. I think they might as well put a big farmed salmon in there. The sort of clientele they get are unlikely to notice the difference. 2nd and final sailing thanks to the wind, I welcomed aboard once more Mathieu, and his friend Bob, Bob's ten year old lad Oliver, and friend and work colleague Laurent. Laurent and Oliver were first timers. Which is why it was the wrong time for the fish to switch off. Plenty there. Wouldnt open their mouths. For a long long time. Indeed, it was close to the end of the session, when the wind assisted drift pushed us that bit faster, before the fishes really started to play. 11 bass landed, plus a couple of nice mackerel. And yet sizes were missing. Poor Mathieu. He already had the wine in the fridge ready. Which is why I guess, on the very very last drift of a few bonus, post alarm drifts, he got a 46cm. IMHO the perfect table size. FOOTNOTE. The last image, highlights why, when you are a crab about to leave your old skin, you should never do it on an ebb tide...

First sailing, and out with a bit of NW breeze to keep us company. And to keep us noticeably chilled, to the point that two hours in I was regretting not having gloves on board. Some Summer this is. The us I refer to, being all returnees, bar one. Ian, John and Mike returning, and Mike had bought along Chris, who had never fished before, bar distant knee high memories on the shingle with grandad. Never a problem, and boy, am I having a good run. Another pro caster stepped off the boat three hours later. As for the fishing, that was a little like this Summer. I find myself thinking "Its July, come on...". Numbers, there are. Sizes, allude. Worse one yet from that respect. From fourteen bass landed, not a single one for the table. Plenty of 41cm, a testament to efficient commercial harvesting perhaps. However, there was a brace of big mackerel in the well, one of which was Chris's first ever fish. Still an awesome session, if only for creating an angler. His smile was large and never stopped. He will be fishing again. what to do for the second sailing? Three rods all returning. Martin, Paul and Nicolas. And the sailing taking precedence over my breakfast. A very rare thing as breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. And second breakfast. But the wind was coming, and I wanted to get more of my guys out, as the weekend and into next week is screwed. So, breakfast went by the way. As did the routine I had gone through this morning. We needed bigger fish. I didn't want to go offshore too far, as the forecast meant wind from the SW wasn't too far away. So, I took us onto the deep craggy stuff. It was a good call. We only found eight fish, and six of those were 41 or less. But there was one of 56cm for Nicolas, and one of 46 for Paul. And Martin, he hooked the biggest one of the day. A really epic first run, this was a fish too big to kill. I expect. We didn't get to see it. A deft turn was all it took for the shad to drop out after a minute of anticipation of delight. A crashing realisation it was no longer attached. And yet... Martin will wake tomorrow still thinking of that moment. Whereas a fish landed, leaves the memory far faster... Driven in after two hours by the waves getting all a bit pushy.

Just the one sailing today, in part due to wind arriving later in the day, and dentistry in the middle part. Although as I type, it would appear the stiffening SW winds have arrived ahead of time, so perhaps the dentist actually saved disappointment, as I would have called the 2nd sailing on based on the forecast. With me, all been aboard before. Max, David, Ian and Jon. And straight into fish. A good one lost first drift in the super shallows. Then some bird chasing to get to double figures in smalls. The some running around to find some bigger fish, which actually worked for a change, with the tally being raised to twenty four landed, fish killed for all those who wanted and other table fish returned. Biggest two were 57cm, which isnt so bad considering how this season is going, as 60cm plus fish are in extremely short supply this year so far in Sussex seas. A most enjoyable three hours. And far more preferable than the forty five minute session I am about to pay stupid money for...

A very topsy turvy day. And first sailing for nine days thanks to our lovely July's now seeming to be THE windy month of the year. I dont mind as long as Neptune guarantees me a flat December as the fishing is better then. But I suspect it wont be. Yet, there is nothing that can be done. I will keep running, as long as you guys accept the reality of light line lure fishing during the end of days. Even in summer, there will be more trips cancelled than sailed. But why was today topsy turvey? I wasnt sure this morning. But now I am on the home end of three sailings, I can confidently put rhyme and reason into the days proceedings. Other than lack of co-efficient in this mornings tide that is. I have no idea why there really wasnt any power to the flood. Not seen that weak a tide in the six years I have been afloat daily, or where possible, daily. But it didnt matter. The bass simply were not shoaled up inshore. And that I can explain. Nine days of wind, colour and weed, had scattered the bait shoals, and early this morning few had found each other. And the effect scattered bait shoals have on bass, is they are also scattered. Whereas after long spells of settled, (you know, like 48 hours. Long gone seems the weeks on end) the bait shoals are often merged into super shoals, with equivalent shoals of predators in attendance. How do I know all this? In part, my recent investment in Lowrance HDS LIVE, which has given me a down scan with far more detail. I can easily separate bait fish from predators, which my HDS GEN2 and its CHIRP down scan does less easily. And in part, the sequence of events that happened today. First sailing, and four of my very well trained rods out with me. David, Loz, Martin and Nick all hopeful of great things, as on paper, the morning session was the winner. But paper is not bass. Instead, we did a fair bit of running around for just seven fish, with two killed for the table. A struggle to find much at all really, except weed which was plentiful. It did not bode well for the rest of the day. And so it seemed, as I took out Mathieu, returning, and his friend and colleague Rob along. Rob, who had never fished before... I was almost despondent at the prospects. But Mathieu's enthusiasm is infectious, and Rob was a dream to teach, his casting being absolutely amazing at the end of the session. And during that session, we finally happened upon some good bait holding in position. And from that, thirteen bass were landed, with quality meaning a max kill of table fish and more released. Biggest at 57cm. A triumph where I had only seen potential failure. So what would the last sailing bring. Joining me, Kas and Simon, on a sailing that had looked fifty fifty all week, but the forecast improved literally on the morning. Usually it goes the other way around. So, we were off and out there. We did two spots for not a lot. But on the 2nd spot, there was a lot of marks of both bass and bait. And yet, we werent getting a single tap. It simply didnt make sense. I changed method completely. Bang, missed one. Bang, missed another. Bang fish on. "Guys, you need to be doing it like this...." Which is why we went on to catch twenty fish, with max kill and more tables released. One after an adventure with a seal by the looks. The perils of swimming much further east than Brighton, as seal numbers are increasing rapidly around the Eastbourne area. We did lose the fish, for perhaps the last forty five minutes of the session, but smiles all round for what had easily been the busiest three hours of the day. And tomorrow? Wind just too much for me. Big boats will all be fine.

Finally, able to complete a whole 3 sailings in a day. The amount of times that has happened this year is on just the one hand. So, please. Stop driving your cars. Dont turn on your gas heating. And grow kelp in your back garden. Whatever it takes to reduce carbon and chill the planet out a little. I want those long settled high pressures back, that used to be a right pain in the bottom for the carp fishing in the eighties. First sailing, and Max, Bruno and Dave and Natalie, all aboard. Lovely calm seas meant fish spotting was particularly easy, which is why we nailed 53 bass. 6 killed. One returned for being over the 60vm at 62cm. Both Dave and Natalie had their best day so far with me, and they really were buzzing from the action, which always lifts me, as I love to see people developing their lure skills as they visit me time and time again. So, James, Maggie (new to BIF1 as a result of dating James. Very keen and extremely capable), Leigh and Nick, all returning. James has fished with me for a very long time indeed, and introduced me to Leigh, but I also bump into Leigh with great frequency on my trips to Fraggle rock (Fuerteventura) as we tend to book similar tides for our "holidays". This session was quite horribly menaced by mackerel. Using small shads when mackerel are around produces plenty of action, but less bass and more mackerel. Thats not to say we didnt find bass. The tally for the session was seventeen fish landed, with two killed. Third and final session was also the toughest. Finding fish was not a problem, but with the tidal flow being quite dead for much of the session, persuading them to feed was much harder. With me was Damien (celebrating his 50th from last month) and friends Mike, Michael and Grem. And these three guys, were new to fishing. Not completely, but not since kids, so effectively. Yet, with light line lure fishing for bass on BIF1, all you need to do is listen to the instruction, repeat with the rod, and catch fish. Often easier to get newbies fishing effectively, than those with their own thoughts from years on the rods rattling in their heads. We moved around a lot but struggled to put a bag together. Mackerel no problem, but bass, a different kett... no... too obvious... A different issue to resolve. Indeed, I think we caught most of the 12 fish we landed on the first trickle of ebb tide. Coinciding with my guys now fishing like pro's after two hours on the job with poor results. It is true, that often the birthday boy or girl catches the fish of the session. But when I tell my clients to tell Neptune it is their last cast, I lie and say we have often caught the best fish of the session on the last cast. Whatever it takes for them to fish that one the most perfect. And yet, today, Neptune rewarded the birthday boy Damien, with the biggest fish of the session. Looking like at least 5 days of wind now, last time I checked the forecast. Anyone find me that "Big Issue" wholesaler yet? Else pester me for some river guides.

First sailing, and all regulars. Suntus, Loz, Max and Richard. Nice calm seas, and with lots of bird action close to a surprisingly empty shingle, we began in tight. Fish immediately, and some fun, but nothing for the table. We moved on. A few fish at each mark we fished really. Happily, in slightly deeper water, table fish existed and we max killed on our way to 23 landed. Quite chilly while the wind was stiff North East. But, as the air warmed in the sun, so that wind got switched off, and replaced with a very light easterly. A very nice way to spend a morning really. And happy faces leaving the boat, despite returning to the reality of their working day. Cancelled the next sailing based on the forecast of a stiff Easterly breeze which would be against a large flooding tide, and likely conditions would not be good for lure control. But the third sailing, a birthday gift from myself to my friend Jon, was on. A very pleasant few hours, but the Easterly did return as predicted, and I was happy for the six quality bass we landed. Final sailing cancelled, due to said stiff Easterly.

It would seem there isn't, other than daylight hours, much difference between winter and summer these days. Indeed, I am wondering if it isn't the autumns where we get long established high pressure systems, as we are not seeing any in the near future that is for sure. As such, lots of cancelled sailings, and just the odd one getting away here and there. Such as today, where it was only the 1730 sailing that had favourable conditions, despite the forecast looking great right up to yesterday. At least it was a full boat. Andris, ever more regular, David, who had joined us after quite a long break due to... of course, wind. Of the climate change type, I hasten to add. Also along was Joel, with his dad, born, bred and always fished around Brighton, Jeff. And Jeff was on a mission. The fish that had always eluded him these many years, was a bass. "This will be your lucky day" I suggested, regretting making such a rash statement immediately. A direct challenge to Neptune, and he hears all. And it was a struggle session. The first four, maybe five, fish to the boat, didnt make it on board, due to lack of commitment on the take, and very light, lip membrane hook ups that tear out very easily. We see this every year when the whitebait, which suddenly has become the main event, is still small. A move to deeper water saw just a further six fish to the end of the session, but happily, these fish were at least all good table fish. And I guess, most importantly, Jeff made it to cover girl on the blog.

Another day ruined by the wind. But not the whole day. The tiniest window existed with a 0500 start, so I called this trip on. Joining me all returnee's, Richard, Mark Alex and Patrick. Wind and sea state dictated where we could fish, which was a shame as I really wanted to get back to where the numbers were. Yet we were going fishing, which, in this ever windier country, is a triumph in itself. Fishing was actually ok. I didnt find any mega shoals, but just enough small groups to be entertaining. One definite theme of the day were the shoals were constantly moving. Normally, we find some fish, drift through them, go around and repeat. This time, if we went round, the fish were no longer there. I found it better to find a shoal of fish, and keep the drift running until no more fish showed on the sounder. This bought slightly better interest. I say slightly better, because of course the bass are still obsessed with little things. None of the takes were slamming, and way too many fish just dropping off, due to tentative hook holds, in itself due to the fact the bass arent really wanting the shad. Its just the technique has triggered their response. Many absent fathers will recognise that moment, when you cant hold back. Bass are no different with their food. We landed a total of fifteen bass, and from that five were for the table. More interesting facts. Four of those were from the same small patch. This suggests a food source so worth the effort, bigger fish have taken over the table. And is an area I will be investigating more. Most likely a concentration of spider crabs. However, with the next 7 days blown out at sea, and weeded out on the open beach, anybody wanting to get going on the rivers, drop me a text to 07970 112774. Next week has good opportunities, and I have some vacancies remaining.

Quick report, as I am quite kaput and trying to squeeze one more early sailing in before what looks like seven days of autumnal winds. SW and strong. Actually happening on some fairly big tides so Fishyrob the bait guide will be haunting the rocks over this period. Anyone who fancies a reef rummage / stick it out there session, who owns waders and leather gloves, should drop me a text on 07970 112774 First sailing, cancelled. 2nd sailing, cancelled. Third sailing, new to BIF1 Alex was joined by regulars Nick and Henry. And a no show from "Billy Sharkie" who would have been new to bif1 but no show with no communication means all his details are filed on the naughty column, and he wont be playing on BIF1 or BIF2 or learning anything from me whatsoever. Because, I had to say no to one of my very regulars, and that hurts me. Sea was bouncier than it should have been,, and half way through a fairly stiff Southerly, not forecast. I found the fish where I expected them to be, but they were playing hardball. Plenty there, and yet, they were not hitting the lures as they were the last time I visited them. One very promising fish got me excited. It clearly wasnt a bass, but I thought ray, until the slimey reality revealed itself. The second ever conger on a lure on BIF1, to Alex. Final tally was 17 bass landed, just 2 for the table. Supporting role from Mackerel to Nick who got around the "NO FEATHERS" rule on BIF1 with a fly teaser. Plus that conger. Quick turn around and it was my pleasure to receive Mark. Alan, Shaun and Jim back to BIF1. I almost cancelled, as sea state was still quite lively, but with the forecast insisting the wind would drop, we headed out. Wind did drop about twenty minutes into the fishing, but the sea state remained bouncy. Not at all unsafe, just very difficult to work the lures with efficiency. And it showed with the results. Just eleven fish landed, and only one for the table. Lets see what the morning brings...