Dovercourt: Girl's surprise fish catch (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

1:54pm Friday 3rd July 2009

A NINE-year-old girl was shocked to catch something much bigger than she was bargaining for when she was fishing for crabs.

Leah Gillman, of Dovercourt, caught a 5lb bass at West End beach last month when it took a fancy to the bacon she was trying to attract crabs with.

Mark Gillman, Leah’s father, did not believe his daughter when she told him.

“We were just about finished crabbing when Leah's line went tight and she yelled that she had caught a fish,” said Mr Gillman.

“I didn't believe her at first and told her not to be silly but then I saw a silver fin cut the surface.”

Mr Gillman helped his daughter pull the bass in to shore before he realised what she had caught.

“We could not believe our eyes and the passers by were amazed too especially as the bait was only bacon.”

The pair, who were fishing with Leah’s brother Thomas, aged three, took the fish home before cooking it for their supper.

“Leah's Grandad pan fried it for our dinner and it was delicious.”

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