A Fishing Trip We’ll Never Forget at Walmer Beach
Some fishing trips are enjoyable. Some are productive.
And then there are the rare ones that stay with you for life.
Our recent trip to Walmer Beach near Deal was one of those rare days — the kind that reminds you why you started fishing in the first place.
A Simple Plan Sparked by Good Advice
Like many great sessions, this one started with a recommendation.
Reece from RP Sea Fishing pointed us towards a mark at Walmer, mentioning consistent action and the chance of rays. That was all we needed to hear. With free parking at Borrow Pit car park and a stunning stretch of coastline ahead of us, it felt like the perfect opportunity to try and tick off a long-standing goal.
For me, catching a ray from the shore has been years in the making — something I’ve chased time and time again without success.
Still, fishing teaches you patience… whether you like it or not.
Setting Up with Hope in the Air
We arrived at low tide, giving ourselves plenty of time to get set up properly. The sea looked promising, there was a light wind building, but nothing uncomfortable — especially with the sun breaking through just enough for me to get the Terminator sunglasses back on.
There’s always something special about those quiet moments before a session really begins. Rods set, bait prepped, eyes on the water… and that familiar feeling of anticipation.
We were soon joined by Aaron, and with the tide starting to push in, it was time to get fishing.
A Start We Didn’t Expect
It didn’t take long.
First casts… and fish.
That alone felt like a win. Anyone who fishes regularly knows how rare that can be. A dogfish and a small plaice came my way, both carefully returned, followed by Connor getting off the mark with a dogfish of his own.
After a run of slower trips, that instant action gave us a much-needed boost. It felt like maybe — just maybe — this was going to be our day.
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The Dogfish Take Over
As the tide built, so did the activity… but not quite in the way we had hoped.
Dogfish.
And then more dogfish.
And then… even more dogfish.
Me, Connor, and Aaron found ourselves in a constant cycle of casting, retrieving, unhooking, and rebaiting. While it became repetitive, there was still something enjoyable about it. Rods were bending, we were laughing, and most importantly — we were out there together.
Every fish, no matter how small or common, was handled with care and returned safely. Respect for the fish and the environment is something we always stand by.
A brown crab made a surprise appearance at one point — a welcome break from the dogfish — and for a moment, we allowed ourselves to think things might be changing.
But the dogfish had other ideas.
A Small Gesture That Changed Everything
As the session went on, Aaron had to head back home to his family. Before leaving, he handed us his leftover sprats — a simple gesture, but one that would end up meaning far more than any of us expected.
With the dogfish still dominating everything else we tried, we thought… why not?
Sometimes in fishing, it’s the smallest decisions that make the biggest difference.
The Moment That Made It All Worthwhile
Not long after switching things up, Connor’s rod signalled something different.
There was weight. Movement. Purpose.
This wasn’t another dogfish.
As he reeled in the fish, you could feel the tension shift. Hope turned into belief… and then into something even bigger.
When that thornback ray finally broke the surface, everything else faded away.
A stunning fish.
7lb 11oz.
A wingspan of 54cm.
After so long waiting for a proper fish, Connor’s reaction said everything. Pure, unfiltered joy. The kind you can’t fake.
And honestly, as his dad, that moment meant more to me than catching one myself ever could.
Pride doesn’t even begin to cover it.
A Hard Decision — and a Meaningful One
We always practice catch and release wherever possible, and every fish that day was returned safely — apart from this one.
The ray was respectfully kept and will be used for something special: a well-earned victory meal.
After years of trying, near misses, and patience, it felt right. Not wasteful, not careless — but meaningful. A way to truly mark the moment and appreciate the catch in full.
One hell of a victory lunch, and one we won’t forget any time soon.
The Final Hours
With spirits high, we carried on fishing, hoping lightning might strike twice.
But as the tide began to drop away, things slowed back down to the now-familiar pattern of dogfish. Eventually, we made the call to pack up and head home.
Tired, a little windswept… but completely fulfilled.
More Than Just Fishing
This trip wasn’t just about the fish.
It was about:
Time spent together
Patience paying off
Small moments turning into big memories
And while I’m still chasing my own shore-caught ray (the fish gods clearly still have it in for me), I wouldn’t change a thing about this session.
Because sometimes, it’s not about your catch.
Sometimes, it’s about watching someone else achieve something they’ve been waiting for — and knowing you were there to share it.
A Final Thank You
Massive credit goes to:
Reece from RP Sea Fishing for the recommendation
Aaron for the bait that changed everything
Without both of them, this day might have been very different.
Until Next Time…
Walmer gave us a session we’ll never forget.
And we’ll definitely be back.
Because if fishing teaches you anything…
it’s that the next cast could always be the one.
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