A BASS fish-in has been described as, a gaggle of BASS members, who converge on the same stretch of coastline at roughly the same time, in order to fish for bass and socialise. BASS fish-ins are always relaxed affairs and a very good way of meeting up with old friends and making new ones. Over the years fish-ins have been held in places like South Wales, North Wales, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, the Channel Islands, Ireland and several other places around the UK. Today’s bass angler bait fishes, or lure fishes, or flyfishes, or fishes from a kayak or boat and these occasions give members a good opportunity to seek advice, or learn, different bass fishing disciplines.
[photo – selecting a fly over breakfast]
Fish-ins are held over a weekend, or bank holiday, although sometimes members like to extend the trip by arriving early, or staying on for a few extra days. Accommodation varies between, bed and breakfasting, renting a local cottage, however most tend to camp. All participants enjoy the social side of camping as much as the fishing and over the years some members’ culinary skills have become legendary and added to the occasion.
Any member, in liason with the BASS Committee, can arrange a fish-in. Usually the organiser has local knowledge of the area and is able to suggest various places for the participants to fish. All fish-ins are coordinated by the BASS Committee, who will work with the proposer, giving advice concerning any health & safety aspects, as well as ensuring that any official BASS fish-in complies with the public liability insurance cover, which the Society holds. Normally at least one committee member will attend any official BASS fish-in. Details of all fish-ins are publicised in the BASS magazine, or on the BASS members’ forum.
Here are a couple of reports on previous fish-ins to give you a ‘flavour’ of what they are all about.
[NB – You will require a copy of Acrobat Reader on your computer in order to download and read about the fish-ins. A free copy can be downloaded from the Adobe website]