When Everything Goes Wrong… A Herne Bay Fishing Trip
we set out for what was meant to be a well-planned fishing trip. The idea was simple — head over to Barton Point, get set up early, and hopefully land a few flatfish.
But from the start, things didn’t quite go to plan.
We were running late, not fully prepared, and instead of rushing and forcing it, we made a last-minute decision to try somewhere new. We ended up on a quiet stretch of beach between Hampton and Herne Bay — a spot neither of us had fished before.
In all fairness, the conditions couldn’t have been better. The sun was shining, the sea was calm, and there wasn’t even a hint of wind. On paper, it looked like one of those sessions where something had to happen.
We set up with two and three hook flapper rigs, using size 2 hooks, aiming for flatfish. Our bait was a combination of black lugworm and squid — reliable options that usually produce results.
But this time… nothing.
Not a single bite. Not even the usual nuisance of crabs picking at the bait. It was one of those rare sessions where the sea just felt completely lifeless.
As the hours passed, frustration started to creep in — especially when a paddleboarder repeatedly drifted close to our lines. It was one of those moments that could easily boil over, but instead, it turned into something more valuable.
We took the time to talk about respect — for others, for space, and for the environment. It’s disappointing when people act like they own the water or the shoreline, but moments like that are opportunities to reinforce the right values. Teaching patience, humility, and understanding will always matter more than reacting in anger.
And that’s really what this trip became about.
Watch the Video Below
Yes, we blanked. No fish, no bites, no action.
But fishing has never just been about catching.
It’s about being outdoors, breathing in the fresh sea air, and spending quality time together without distractions. It’s about the conversations, the laughs, and even the frustrating moments that turn into lessons.
Looking back, despite everything going “wrong,” it was still exactly what we needed.
Because one day, it won’t be about the fish we didn’t catch — it’ll be about the time we spent together on that beach.
And that’s what really counts.
Until the next one 🎣
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