On a wrecking crew

Wednesday 16th March 2011, 2:29PM GMT.

Deputy Mike O’Hara is on fire, hauling his way to top rod spot on the day. (1109319)

HERE’S the wreck! Come up 10 turns.’ I cranked the reel handle, but before I got to 10 I felt my eight-ounce lead bounce against the side of the rusting, sunken ship 50m below.

Fortunately, my tackle did not get caught up, but seconds later, thanks to the lack of stretch of the braided line, I felt another knock… then my rod tip pulled down hard and there was suddenly lunging, living resistance at the other end.

Fish on!

Upon grabbing the live sand eel bait and feeling the hook, the fish made repeated dives for the safety of the decaying ironwork. I just hung on tight, light 6-12lb class boat rod bent double, hoping it wouldn’t find sanctuary in the twisted ironwork of the wreck.