Plankton?

Dived South coast yesterday. The water has warmed up to 10c, but the plankton seems to have started blooming.

Dived a wreck in about 60ft,had a couple of nice pollack of 5lb and 7lb, and missed getting a shot on a nice bass. Second spot of the day produced a small black bream, then on the 3rd and final spot I got a 1.5lb red mullet.

Things were definately looking a lot livelier than a couple of weeks ago, summer is coming!

First bass of the year

Went out on the South Coast on a mates boat on Saturday. Water is still cold (7-8c), but clear, 40ft viz in places.

Lots of small pollack, but nothing worth shooting. I was lying in the kelp, enjoying the scenery when I suddenly realised there was a big blue head looking at me from 2 feet away, also down in the kelp. Very slowly I brought the gun down, and shot the bass as it moved closer and went side on. A good solid shot just behind the head, and it was soon on the float.

Carried on diving for a bit, but my heart wasn't really in it so I headed back to the boat. There was a bit of swearing from my companions as I hauled the fish aboard. It went 9.39lb. 

I think this is the earliest I have ever shot a decent bass, heres hoping its a sign of a good season to come