Big year shows why Apuldram anglers are hooked

Members caught some good fish throughout the season, including a bass weighing more than 5lb during the first 2012 competition in March.

Eels, flounder and wrasse were also caught off East Beach during a competition in September.

It was a warm pleasant occasion on a full moonlit evening and lovely conditions enjoyed by members.

In October, off West Beach, Selsey, small skate, whiting, flounder, pout and bass were caught during another fruitful evening.

Someone caught an 8lb skate which was returned back to the sea.

In and around the harbour, some members of the club caught excellent specimen mullet. One member landed more than ten good fish in the 2012 season, many weighing between 4lb and 5lb, using bread and light tackle, and should receive the Roy and Sue Webb Cup associated with these fish.

As the weather became colder in the autumn, the run of fish slowed to the middle and later stages of the tide.

However, good bass from different beach locations all around the harbour were caught up to 5lb 8oz.

In early November, in the mornings and evenings, some members caught a number of excellent bass all well over the

length limit and between 3lb and 7lb - the longest 69cm. These were all caught after the bass ban dates.

The Christmas competition, held on a huge tide which was perfect for various styles of fishing, both in the shallows and with a huge movement of water, turned out to be a challenging event.

The weather was kind and there was an excellent atmosphere with up to 20 people taking part from our club

and the Barnsea angling group. A number of members had good bites and fishermen just to the south of the quay and at Copperas Point, and near the Crown and Anchor pub, in a different event, caught some flounders.

The social event in the club house on Dell Quay immediately after the Christmas competition sparked an excellent gathering with seasonal food, hot and a great atmosphere.

Already in 2013, a number of members hired a charter boat from Hayling Island and enjoyed a very successful day near the Nab Tower.

One member caught nine good fish, including whiting and pout. Everyone caught similar fish and early in the trip a member had a very large cod. This straightened out two hooks on a sliding tackle with a whole

mackerel as bait, after lifting a fish within 6ft of the surface from a depth of almost 80ft.

Another member has already caught his first bass for 2013 weighing more than 4lb in Chichester Harbour, well away from the Quay, near Copperas Point.

For more information see www.apuldramfishingandboatclub.org.uk