Robin’s new book
done yet though, and made several powerful runs in a frantic attempt to regain her freedom. But I knew I had her beaten, and looked down to see a 6lb bass thrashing in the inky water. “You beauty!” I shouted, fist pumping the air, when she was safely ashore. But this was no time to stand around congratulating myself: the fish tend to move through in short bursts here, and I was eager to see if I could repeat my success. After quickly unhooking, and releasing the fish, I was out again. Winding in, I felt like some junkie mainlining on bass, senses heightened by this flush of success, and amplified by the darkness - the suspense was killing me! Halfway in, the lure was nearly stopped dead in its tracks, as a 5lber bit off a bit more than it could chew. Two good fish in two casts was good going for any method of fishing.
Congratulations to Robin Bradley from Hicks Close upon the publication of his first book A Bass Angler’s Life published by Treviscoe based InstructUK Resource Ltd. Robin’s 160 page book reflects on over thirty years spent shore fishing for bass in Cornwall and elsewhere, with lures and bait. The book describes Robin’s journey into bass angling and the people that have inspired and fished with him. It’s the how, when and where of his fishing, learning about bass fishing, interesting tales and some good fishing days with his faithful golden retriever Toby. Here is a short extract with Robin’s kind permission: Preface I plugged up to dusk before, as usual, switching over to crab bait as the darkness came in. An hour later I hadn’t had a single bite, and began to wonder if the fish had stayed away. I decided to experiment a bit more with plugs in the dark, and clipped on a Jointed Thunderstick. I crept out to the end of the rock, using as little light as possible, and cast out. I was just wondering why the fish weren’t around, in such good conditions, when what felt like a steam train slammed into the lure. The take was electrifying, jolting through my hands, and nearly making me fall in! I couldn’t make out exactly what was going on out there in the darkness, but I knew I was into a good fish. Both captor and captive knew they were locked in a desperate struggle. Slowly, the odds turned in my favour, and I inched the fish towards me. She was not
More information can be found about Robin and his fascinating passion for bass fishing on www.robinbradley.co.uk 40
