Visitors Questions and Answers

(Questions 1 - 49)

Last update: 

21 April, 2003 22:00

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Want to know a good fishing spot or the price to fish on Southend Pier ?

If you can't find the information on the site, post your question her and hopefully one of our visitors can give you the answer.

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Question

No:-

Are there any generally good times to fish during the year. If so what months and what fish should I target.
I know every where is different but there have to be some links

VISITORS ANSWER: - 

August and November. Well thats nice and simple! Fueled by many pints of Murphys, the final answer of the fishing brain trust in the Silver Goblet, is August and November. The reasons for this are so complicated and open to conjecture that I'll leave it at that.

Answer supplied by: "Billy the Bass"

Webmaster comment:- Confused, Good because so am I !!!

Another answer....

November heralds the first run of codling in our area as with many others, and august is the height of the summer fishing with plenty of top feeders about for newcomers to the sport to sling a feather at.  IT really is a very hard question to answer......

Answer supplied by: "Now sober Billy the bass"

Webmaster comment:- Ah, now I understand !!!

Could someone please explain what neap, ebb, spring tides are to me because books and mags talk so much gibberish.  just explain tide terms to me in plain English.

Being new myself this question got to me too. Until someone told me the easy way is to look at your tide table and the tide height.
The highest tides i.e. 3.6 are springs and then the best to fish.
The lowest tides i.e. 2.6 are the neaps.
Springs and neaps come around about every fortnight so if you read it right you will hopefully understand them now. My tip is to mark the springs on you guild and this makes it even easier. Good luck

Answer supplied by: "Rob"

ANOTHER VISITORS ANSWER: - 

Most shallow water marks fish well on springs, but I know of plenty of deep water marks that produce best on neaps. Mainly because of fast tide runs that make fishing in big springs imposible. The best way to get to know a mark is to fish it at all states. Best of luck.

Answer supplied by: "Billy the Bass"

Can anyone out there get me in touch with any sea-angling clubs around the Dublin bay area as I don't know any how much do they cost and what benefits are there?

Visitors answer

Check out  www.ifsa.ie

Answered by: Donal Domeney

46

Does anyone ever use spinners?  I've never found them to be any use.  where do you use them and for what species.  I've always found feathers to be better. which ones are a good choice are some useless? do they catch only bigger fish?

VISITORS ANSWER

Black and red! Black and red! Black and red! These are the colours for pollack but why bother spinning? I've always had more sucess with rag over rough ground and at night. myself and 'EDD BURKE!' have caught 4-6 pounders from Dunlaoighre pier this way in late September- early October I use small snood lengths. Oh and to set the record straight I caught more and the bigger fish! you can try floats over shallow water over rocks- I've seen this done but the fish are smaller.

Answer supplied by: Luke Scully

ANOTHER VISITORS ANSWER: - 

When targeting bass with lures always have imagination when your reeling in.
Another thing is to always use the brightest lure you have in marina's and boat yards as the bass chase the small mullet and smelt underneath the boats and platforms. Try Sabiki feathers for mackerel and try Mepps spinners or a favourite of mine is the Abu little wiggly.

Answer supplied by: Tom 

ANOTHER VISITORS ANSWER: - 

I find spinners and spoons are good for flounder.I have caught flounder up to 2lb with a pearly white spinner

Answer supplied by: Cameron Lindley

ANOTHER VISITORS ANSWER: - 

I worked as fisheries observer off the southwest coast of Ireland on a albacore tuna trollin vessel about 60 miles out of Castletownbere and that was around mid September. On dark days dark coloured surface lures were used and on bright days white or other bright lures were used with success.
Whilst commercial fishing for squid off New Jersey, by night we used to enjoy a lot of sport with Yellowfin using a weighted drifting squid as bait with a lot of chum in the water.

Answer supplied by: Billy Waters 

I plan to give them a shot in the coming summer months but Dollmount is no longer a decent option compared to what it once was.

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Recently my son & I have took up fishing as a hobby and are interested mainly sea fishing.  Although we have rods & reels e.t.c. we donot appear to be having much luck catching the BIG one.  I would appreciate any tips you could give us.  I have down loaded some some pictures of the rigs that I found on your site, but we would like to know where can we obtain such things as boom's e.t.c.  I hope that you can help us.  I am 47 years & my son is aged 10 years.

We all dream of catching the "big One" but unforetunetly today in our over fished water, their are far fewer of the big ones, but don't be put off as you never know what you might catch. For tips etc, check out our pages, our special section for those new to the sport may be of particular interest. As for buying booms etc. you should be able to pick these up at any semi resonable tackle shop around the coast, else you can order on line from several good on line tackle shops. Check out our related pages section for details.

VISITORS ANSWER

Where do you fish? what bait are you using? are you fishing low water or high? there is a load of questions that need to be answered and the best place to start would be your local tackle shop and if they are half decent chaps then they will surley help you out, As for the big one well....don't we all a good sized whiting gets a cheer these days.

Answer supplied by: Chris

VISITORS ANSWER: - 

Very big ones! that stretch to the Bay of Biscay. According to local legend there have been about four or five fish caught about a days journey from Waterville in Kerry. I remain to be convinced.

Answer supplied by: Billy the Bass

ANOTHER VISITORS ANSWER: - 

You can use a Rapala double jointed lure for tuna or just make your own lure out of tin and any other materials you have lying around the house. I have fished for Marlin and tuna in Mexico and have been successful using home-made lures whether they dive or not.

Answer supplied by: Tom

Can anyone out there cast with a multiplier reel ?  Please tell me because I've tried and just get birds nested.

I think many people can cast with a Multiplier, if not I dread to think whats happening to the thousands sold every year !. The key is to make sure it is set up right, else you will never be able to cast effectively. If your not sure how to set it up. Let us know what type you are trying to use and I am sure we can get you some advise on setting it up.

VISITORS ANSWER

Keep an eye on the rig as it decends to the  water then slow the reel down by pressing on the  spool with your thumb it will take practice to find the correct pressure to apply. Remember to wear thumb  protection , birdnests are caused by overspin when the rig has landed. Try adjusting reel drag. This helped me now I cast with no problem

Answer supplied by "BLUE"

Can anyone tell me what type of specifications best suit distance casting with a beach caster.  I have an old rod that is on its way out and am interested in purchasing a new one.  Model no.'s etc. are welcome.  Is rigidity or elasticity an issue?  Please help!!!!

The Penn Inx 13ft Groundcaster has been designed for "off Ground" casters. This is good all round rod with good casting capabilities. I regualary use a mathching pair of these rods and have been very pleased with their performance. Alternatively if you are looking for a rod to use with light tackle then take a look at Penn Extreme Light Beach Rod. Reports indicate this is a nicely balanced rod which is very light and very responsive.

I will be staying at Rockley Park (Poole Harbour) in early Sept. Does anyone know if it possible to fish for other species rather than mullet in the surrounding area.  I would appreciate any advice on tactics, rigs, bait etc.
Thanks

VISITORS ANSWER: - 

Poole harbour fishes well for flounders, eels and small bass as well as the mullet. Try Rockley point to the left of the sand bar which is fishable approximately 2 hours after low water with a rising tide best. Lychett bay can also fish well for the flounder.  You could also try midway path and shore road at sandbanks Poole for the same species plus the chance of a smoothie and the bass are generally a little larger.  Please remember that most beaches are bathing beaches and at this time of year will be full of holiday makers so evening sessions are the norm

Answer supplied by: Martin Burt

Being new to this I'm hoping someone can advise me on were and when to fish in Northern Ireland. Also any links and sites that specialise in Sea Angling in the Province.

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Which is nicer to eat cod or coalfish and what baits do use to catch coalfish.

VISITORS ANSWER: - 

as far as fishing for coal fish is concerned the same tactics as that of the Pollack should be employed.  colours for lures should be black and red/orange and bait: rag or lug worm, peeler crab and as always my favorite cockles and mussels.  it should be noted that coalies can grow very big (over 40lb) and that the real fish are to be found over reefs and wrecks.  although the smaller fish can be found round harbour walls in summer time

Answer supplied by: Luke Scully

Do you know good cod spots on Irish east coast.

Answer supplied by: Luke Scully

Can any kind sole out there tell me where I can get the most powerful and brightest head-mounted night-light from please? Must be halogen and capable of several hours continuous use per charge - I don't care how much it costs! I've heard someone talk of a 'samuelson-light' or something along those lines??
Thanks in advance, and a merry Xmas and tight lines to you all.
Cheers,
Mike.

The best lamp I have come across is the Samalite HL 100, I think this may be the one you mean. It is a superb bit of kit. I bought one only a couple of weeks ago and have used it twice. The results were superb. They are priced at £135 plus VAT and are distributed by SMP Electronics, Unit 6, Border Farm, Station Rd, Chobham, Woking, Surrey, GU24 8AS. Tel: 01276 855166

I have a limited casting ability(70yds)and was wondering if long casts are needed for daylight cod fishing. I fish mostly on the Dublin/Wicklow coastline which is mostly made up shingle beaches

If the deep water is further out, then you will need to try and improve your distance, look out for local clubs, many of which hold casting lessons. A good site to look at casting technique is http://neilmackellow.sea-angler.org/otg.html

Only new to sea angling I wish some advice on were, when and tips on fishing in Northern Ireland. Also any web sites on sea angling in N.Ireland.
Thank you.

My son and  I are just about to take up Beach Fishing in the Ayrshire District and I would like to know if it is legal to fish on a Sunday in Scotland. Hope someone can help me, Many Thanks.

Does anybody have any information on Clubs in the Wirral area

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

I am new to fishing and would like a few tips. I live in Brighton, Sussex so I have got stony beaches, Sandy beaches and a harbor and marina.
I'd really like to know how to catch good fish such as Bass, Cod, Mackerel and Flat fish.

Have a look at our New to the sport Guide and also our Features & Articles  this should give you some good pointers towards bagging some good catches.

Good luck and don't forget to post us a report !

I am in the process of buying a good quality 13ft beach caster and at the moment the decision is between an ABU Ambassadeur elite or a Century Slammer.Your opinions and advice are welcome.

My personal choice out of the two would be the Abu. This is a good all round beach caster, with a firm but responsive tip. However both rods are good quality rods. Have a look at our tackle tips, this may give you some help to make your choice.

And a VISITORS ANSWER: - 

I use Abu and century and find that the Century is a far better rod. I use the compressor sport and find it works in most conditions. The only time I tend to fault it is when I need to use 7 to 8 oz weights,  this is when the Abu comes in as the century really is not rated for this weight

Answer supplied by: Barry Dukett

Final comment:- So as you can see, it's really a matter of personal choice !

Recently migrated from trout fishing to sea fishing and at present the only sea out fit I have is for spinning. Can you please tell me the best way to do this from the beach. Locations I have tried so far as I live in the Bridgend area is Aberthau power station and Ogmor. If you can suggest any other places local to me I would be most grateful.

VISITORS ANSWER: - 

Why not try going down the coast a bit towards Roose and Barry.
There are various spots available to the dedicated angler including Jacksons bay and Sully Island where you can test your spinning gear.
Here's a tip, if in Sully cast between the Island and the shore at high tide for best results.

Answer supplied by: TOM

Why are Cod, only 14 inches in size,  OK to keep, to me that is to small. I would say it should be about 22 inches in size or put back

The 14" Minimum, is the NFSA figure. These figures are calculated on various factors and after consultation with MAFF. There continues to be lengthy debate on fish sizes, some calling for larger limits, some calling for smaller limits.

It is important to remember though, because a fish is over 14", it does not mean you must keep it. Many Beach Fisherman now follow a catch & return policy. This is a policy that this site strongly supports.

GIVE US YOUR COMMENTS OR VIEWS.

Also see "Visitors Views Page"

I'm new to sea fishing and have traveled to N Wales 5 to 6 times only to catch nothing, my young son and I are about to give up on the sport as we fail to catch anything every time we go out.
I thing if someone could guide us a little we would be very happy as I'm not sure on tackle etc.

There may be many factors effecting your success. Rather than write a long Chapter & Verse here, I have just posted a "New to the sport Guide" in our features and articles section.

Regards: Webmaster

VISITOR'S ANSWER

The easiest way to catch any fish (admittedly small fish) is to go to a working harbour and drop a thumb nail sized piece of bait (ragworm) on a size 12 hook on 6lb nylon.
My 5 year old caught his first pollack this way. Remember to take a coarse fishing digorger to remove the hook and release any undersized fish.

Answer supplied by: David Craig

Can you tell me what the best rig is for catching whiting or cod from Wallasey jetty, in Wallasey and what is the ideal weight for my sinker is it 150 or 170 as I often cant hold bottom and it is hard to see if I've got a bite

A good flowing trace usually provides the best results for both Cod & Whiting, you might like to try either the "Single Paternoster" or an "Up & Over" set up. (See RIGS Page for detail). Whichever you chose make sure you have a good juicy bait which will put out plenty of scent. If the jetty is the type where the water flows underneath (Like a pier) then fish on the "Up side" and let the trace flow under the jetty as this is where many fish may be feeding. 

Regards: Webmaster

VISITOR'S ANSWER

The reason you can't hold bottom is the run in the river is very strong. Consult the Liverpool echo and pick tides of 28 ft and below. You may even have to use leads up to 7+8 oz. 0n big tides fish off Harrison Drive, New Brighton. If you need any more info let me know - regards Phil.

We usually go to the Channel Islands or Ireland. We are mature set of chaps who in our dotage have started to take things easy meaning we have slung our 80lb tackle and jiggers and prefer red gills and live sand eels meaning light tackle fishing. Will this be possible to do fishing out of Weymouth and what leads are we likely to be using please don't say 2lb or anywhere close we3 have been enjoying maximum 10oz for the last few years.

Have a look at www.southern-sea-angling-uk.co.uk this will give you an overall view of whats available out of Weymouth,  but mate great choice of venue just be prepared to be a bit flexible

Answer supplied by: Pete Williams

Can you please give me any information as to best beach or pier fishing in  Ilfracombe & Minehead for cod and the best tides to fish on ?

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

For accurate On-Line Tide information visit http://www.tidetimes.co.uk/ via our special link page.

From the rocky Marine Drive at Scarborough. I know the bait will need to be pretty pungent, I usually use muscles. Also what might be a good spinning method for Pollack from the same place (during the day obviously) I have a smallish plug that will dive to about a foot.

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

What might be a good spinning method for Pollack from the same place (during the day obviously) I have a smallish plug that will dive to about a foot.

VISITOR'S ANSWER

Why not try some of the toothy critters or a Dexter wedge from the same spot or try a deeper diving plug maybe.
I always say there's no point going where the aren't, so try as hard as you can to get deeper.

Answer supplied by: TOM

How do I get information on UK laws/regulations governing beach casting?

Having researched your question, we can find no laws specific to Beach Casting. No License is required, there are no seasons and providing you are not on private land, you can fish wherever you like, unless there are specific local bye-laws prohibiting fishing. The digging of bait is an area where many local authorities have bye-laws prohibiting bait digging on certain beaches and foreshores. The only specific regulations that we know of are regarding minimum sizes of fish that may be kept. To ensure you do not fall foul of the boys from MAFF if you stick to the size limits set by NFSA then you can not go wrong. A copy of these can be found via our homepage.

It should be noted that all anglers have a legal responsibility to ensure that there equipment is safe and suitable for the purpose it is being used for. If you have an accident, for example a lead breaking off and hitting a passer by and it can be proven that  your equipment was defective or not designed for the purpose for which you were using it, or that you were using it in an unsafe manner, you could be prosecuted for negligence and sued for compensation. You should ensure that you have some form of liability insurance, just in case. You may be covered if you have house insurance or cover may be available if you are a member of a club or Organisation.

Where can I buy a good quality beach casting rod in the UK (Surrey)?

Your question poses a few of questions back:- 

                      Do you know what make and model you want ?

                      Do you know what type of reel you are going to use ?

                      How much do you want to spend ?

If the know the answer to these questions then seriously consider mail Order or Internet. However if you want specialist advise before buying, then go to a good tackle shop who is willing to talk to you and guide you carefully.

For lists of Tackle Dealers who supply either by mail order or over the counter, I suggest you buy a copy of  Sea Angler  where you will find plenty of adverts and details of many rods types.

What is the best way to hook a live bait what is the best hook to use? I have fished with live wrasse and hooked them through the lips with size four hooks, but lose fish that don't get hooked.

When using a live bait I like to use a hook through the lip and a 1/0 through the back or I use a small treble in the back along with hook in the lip[ 2/0]. same method for dead bait or use a dead bait needle.

Answer supplied by: Joseph Foxall

I have heard about "Jelly Worms", can these be used from the beach, if so, what is the best technique.

VISITORS ANSWER: - 

Yes it is possible but more successful from a pier groin or rock mark although from the beach you can still use them but not any where : you have to find a beach with plenty of deep gullies in short casting reach as you can't use a weight superior to 1oz with a spinning rod required to move a lot to fish different emplacements to find the fish you will then have to cast behind the gully and reel in very slowly with varied speeds and weights. This technique is very productive  but will mainly catch bass

                                             Answer supplied by: Marc

I am a disabled angler blind and I am about to try braid for the first time.
I am looking for help and advice on the type of knots to use to attach a shock leader to the braid. Any help gratefully accepted.

You might want to try the "Albright Knot", having not fished with braid myself, I can not talk from experience, but reference suggests that this is a strong popular knot. Click on the above hyperlink which will take you to details of how to construct this knot.

Need to know marks that are easily accessible to the older mature angler and are also productive

VISITORS ANSWER: - 

Go to the Bendrix in Barry and use tiny baits on tiny hooks to tempt the whiting to bite.  

Answer supplied by: TOM

Does anyone know of any small boat slipways in the Yorkshire/Lincolnshire area that are accessible for most states of the tide?

VISITOR'S ANSWER

Try Barry, it's very productive all year round and with a lot of easy access fishing spots.

Don't count on huge fish but a mixed bag including codling, pouting, pollack, bass, mackerel, mullet, whiting, wrasse and even conger eels will show.

Answer supplied by: TOM

Can you tell me where I can find a site that shows how to beach cast ?

An excellent site, which includes video footage is Off The Ground Casting with Neil Mackellow at http://neilmackellow.sea-angler.org/otg.html

Reports in the press suggest The Lleyn Peninsula beaches have been offering some good bass and should continue to do so until September. Porth Neigwi is also fishing reasonably well. (Especially at Low Tides). Dinas Dinnie, Aberdesarch, Aberdaron & Nefyn are producing similar results.

A good mixture of fish types can be found in the rough parts of the Swellies. Conway is producing flounder, Mullet & Bass. (Early Morning & after dark)

(Information researched from  Sea Angler  - August Edition)

VISITORS ANSWER

Try  [North Wales Sea  Angling] on  the  net it  gives  maps  and  discription of  venues  in  north  wales. I have  found it  very useful 

Answer supplied by: Big "G"

Can you please give me any information as to best beach or pier fishing in the Bristol, Weston Super mare area also bait shops

Firstly the only piers in the area are Birnbeck pier in W-s-M, and Clevedon pier in Clevedon. Birnbeck is restricted to members only and does offer good fishing in the Winter for Cod and Whiting and in Summer some Decent Conger and Bass. Clevedon pier offers similar fishing with the addition of Dover Sole around the July-December time. The price per rod for Clevedon pier is £3.50 although memberships are also available here.
The best beaches are Sand Point at Weston-s-Mare which is super for Cod at low water from September - April along with Whiting and other species.
Ladye Bay is a very god mark and this is at Clevedon. Again it is a Winter venue that gets very busy but a spot will always be available. Cod are the main target here. Fishing is best on high water neaps and spring tides are best avoided as the tide run is to fierce. Battery Point at Portishead is probably the best venue for big Cod although the ground is rough and a good cast is required to catch fish in numbers. Tackle shops are the Tackle Box, Clevedon. Veals of Bristol and Colins at Weston-s-Mare.

Answer supplied by: Matt Fletcher

I live in Whitstable and have been told spinning for Bass from 'The Street'(a shingle spit at low tide) can be good. I am advised that a DAM black Panther rod and matching reel is what I need. Any thoughts or advice would be most welcome

Any good 11ft spinning rod and reel should be ok as long as it not to cheap, that's what I use for spinning and I've had some good fun with this method.

Could you tell me if the Conoflex blast rod is a good rod or is it crap because I am buying one and I've been told that a lot of them are snapping, PLEASE help me.

I have brought a few Conoflex the last being a Nemis plus but after using the Century Compressor range,   If I were you, I would look at the Century rods before  making my mind up. By the way, I have nothing to do with either company its just that I find the Century rods an easier rod to use 

I'll be staying California, Norfolk during the 3rd week of July, and I would like to know what fishing to expect? Also what baits should I use? Thanks in advance.

Visitors Answer

The beach at Hemsby can offer some great sport,and it's right on your door step early morning or evening best ,mainly because of the holiday makers but if you find a nice quiet spot during the day give it a bash there are plenty of fish there for the taking......good luck

Answered by : Kev Williams

There are various good spots all along the coast from Yarmouth to Cromer. Fishing has not been over exciting, but some nice Bass have been showing along with a reasonable quantity of flatties. Night tides are by far the best. By far the most productive bait is Peeler Crab, for the Bass etc, but the flatties are taking Lug. Good luck with your fishing, don't forget to post us a report of how you get on.

Where can I buy decent bait around the Happisburgh / Walcott Area. I have tried Stalham but can't get peeler and the lug don't seem to be too fresh,

A new Tackle and bait shop has recently opened at Walcot, next to the "Fish & Chip Shop". He is open 7 days a week, from around 9.00 am till quite late in the evening. Bait can be pre-ordered by phoning "Steve" on 01692 652977

Can you give me some decent beach casting venues in the Newquay / Dorset area ? I'm going down in August, staying near Fistral beach and would like
to break out the tackle (and dust it down !) Many thanks

Check out Huer's cry website the site is based from a chap in Newquay. It is a very good site and can be found at http://www.huer.demon.co.uk/

 for a weeks holiday where are the spots and local Tackle dealers

I think that you'll find some answers at www.southern-sea-angling-uk.co.uk

I am beech fishing at Hayling next week - does anyone know where we can buy some bait? - the shop I used to use at Havant has closed down or is it a case of taking a fork!!!

There is a tackle shop on Hayling
Paiges Fishing Tackle
36 Station Road
Hayling Island
I hope this helps.

Answer by: jodine@ukonline.co.uk

Do you have or do you know where I can get some local knowledge about beech/pier fishing in and around Porstmouth, we have relatives to visit. I am based near Manchester.

Try the following web site www.dazt.purplenet.co.uk/frameindex.html
or call local tacke shop
Allans Marine 143 Twyford Ave, Portsmouth
023 92671833

Answer by: Jodine@ukonline.co.uk

How much does a day ticket cost on Walton Pier and can I fish all night ?

A day ticket costs £4, but you can only fish up to 5 pm. Night fishing is only allowed for "Season Ticket" holders, which costs £40 per year.

A there any "Specialist" in the South of England who buy and sell antique fishing tackle ?