Whitby to Llandudno
On Saturday 10th September, eight of us, would be heading out to sea on the Whitby charter boat “Sea Trek”,
taking part in the Autumn Boat Fishing Festival. 7.10pm on Friday 9th it was time to ring the skipper for confirmation
of that trip. OFF, was the Skippers reply, minimum 15 mph Easterlies was forecast with the sea kicking up?
We had prepared for this day, Pirks all made up, reels loaded with Braid, wrecking rods at the ready. BUMP again we had been blown off, 4th time this year. The skippers must be pulling their hair out, there livelihood been taking away, natures way of being cruel or the Gods testing us to the full.
Contingency plans, we were hoping not to use, were now going to come into action. The lads were going to ring up to ask if the boat trip was on, one at a time they were given the news. *%”%%*+! Were most of the replies, this was expected as we all built up our expectations on catching those Whitby Leviathans, 20lb Cod, Well that was the dream.
When there’s strong easterlies, we look to,
Go West
our plans we’ll head to Wales. Llandudno pier would be our venue.
Only four of the eight, said they would make the long journey. So dejected they wished us luck and agreed to meet up later in the month. 2.30am we all met up then headed for Wales. M1, A50, M6, M56 and A55 with a stop at Knutsford Services, half way, for that cappuccino. Time to talk tac-tics, what tackle would we require and what species could we expect to target. We were geared up as we shared tackle if one was struggling. A Bait n Tackle shop would be a necessary visit, as always, hoping we would not hear those dreaded words, “sorry but if you’ve not ordered!!!!!!” After the refreshments we were on the road again, soon we were trying to read those road signs with double LL’s. Yes we were in Wales. Anxiety was getting high and talk of us getting that double figured Bass from on the pier, Llandudno here we come.
Arriving, at the pier gates, to be greeted with hefty chains and big lock wrapped around them. Where they closed
Because of storm damage, all matter of things crossed our minds. One man and his dog came from nowhere and told us that since the pier had gone private they open at anytime. Next door to the gate, is Paddy’s Tackle Shop, 8.30am was the opening time. So it was back into the car and into the town of Llandudno to look for a Café. One of the side streets we came upon Llandudno Tackle shop, open 6am and a walk around the corner was a Butchers shop. On enquiring where’s the nearest Café he said that they do filled bread rolls of our choice. Taking a seat we were soon scoffing into large Bacon n Sausage filled bread baps and lashings of Tea. With our stomachs filled we made our way to the Tackle Shop and to our delight it was open. On entering we asked what bait have you got for sea fishing, “sorry but if you’ve not ordered!!!!!!” was what we expected. The Lad replied that they got a number of offerings. Smiles all round we each made our order, bits n bobs we always seem to need when in a fisherman’s toyshop. Gathering up our goods we were soon off, back to the pier.
On arrival Paddy was just opening his tackle shop and one angler was waiting at the locked gates. The car park is right outside the entrance with Pay n Display, all very convenient. Soon the pier keeper unlocked the gates then we made our way along to the end. On approaching the end go left of the Café, on the right and there’s a ramp taking you down to a concrete platform. This was to be are fishing arena for the day.
Getting our rods n reels ready and baiting up the rigs, soon we were casting into the Irish Sea and with anticipation running high.
Settling in we had base camp set up and were looking forward to a days fishing.
David - Dave - Cliff
Other anglers started turning up and were positioned all around. Strangers we never met were to become friends with the Cracc and laughter soon filling the air.
Soon the calls came of fish on, small Pouting, at first we were throwing them back. Some of the other anglers were using them as live bait fishing for Bass. This we soon picked up on and our second rods were doing the same. Sitting comfortable I soon got that different rattle, then the spring of the rod, jumping up to take on whatever was on my line. Taking on the pressure and feeling the knocking of whatever it was, I started to retrieve. Come on John E keep your rod up, were the shouts from behind, this felt like a good fish. Then it broke the surface, a Doggie, which I hauled ashore.
John E
Photo taken it was soon back into the sea.
That made me happier it was time for the others to follow my fortunate catch. Doggies were to be the main fish with lots of small Pouting being caught.
Dave
A Pollack and large Flattie were caught from the higher level and reports of the odd Mackerel along the pier was reported. Not a busy day but a different days experience fishing a new venue.
This is a tackle hungry venue, so go prepared, rotten bottoms and small leads with no grip wires, are probably the best. The tides don’t seem to move your lead weights about. I could well imagine this could be a fruitful venue on its day, talk of some good Bass being landed. The amenities are just a short walk up the ramp, there’s a Café, Bar and well looked after toilets. There is a charge for being on the pier, but at £1.25p, who’s going to complain. At one stage I did treat myself to a well cold pint of Smooth, MAJIK. During the course of the day we did have rain, wind and sunshine but protected with Cliffs fishing umbrella we had a comfortable set up.
Cliff Cleaning up after a day on Llandudno Pier
We fished till early evening, 7pm, before finally giving it our best, decided it was time to head back home. Again a long trip along the North Wales A55 we were soon taking that break of cappuccinos on the M6 at Knutsford Services. Arriving home after 11pm I was FFFFFFF Physically FFFFFFFF Fatigued, but happy. A long journey, a long day, I definitely recommend giving Llandudno Pier a go, we enjoyed it and may just try it again in the winter months.
Go West to Llandudno Pier