Visitors Questions and Answers

(50 - 99)

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:-

What is the best and less expensive beach casting /pier rod and how flexible should it be my reel is ok it's an Okuma tiger 80 hunter it does the job , I have not been fishing long
I caught my first eel 2 weeks ago

Buying a "Cheap Rod" can be false economy, it's the old story, you only get what you pay for. Cheap Rod's will have poor tip indication and poor "Whip" thus reducing the distance of your casts and not giving good bite indication.

If you are working to a budget, consider buying a Second Hand Rod.

For more details can I suggest you look at our pages:-

New to the sport ?

Tackle Talk

VISITORS ANSWER

Starting with the basics, the reel sounds ok but the rod is definitely a dubious piece of kit. Go for a stiffish 12 footer with a fast-taper tip ringed for a fixed-spool reel (any reputable tackle dealer will explain the advantages of the set up just described. They are a decent bunch on the whole). I'm a conoflex fan myself.  P.S. Keep the 10 footer for dangling bits of bait off the end of piers.

Answer supplied by: Gary H

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

I have a ten foot coarse fishing rod I was wondering if this would do for fishing of a wall for mackerel.  what sort of lbs line would I need and can you recommend and other type off fish that I could catch with this rood and area ( a small estuary )

VISITORS ANSWER

I`ve been using an 11 foot carp rod to float fish for mackerel from Blyth peir for years. Use 10lb line but set the clutch properly. Try to bully them out and they will snap you off. Your rod should cope with flatties also.

Answer supplied by: Gary L.

I have been fishing with Daiwa 7ht's for some years now, I look at other reels namely the Penn 525 mag and the Abu 6500ct mag elite,Ii like the Daiwas and wonder if it is possible to get a mag controlled 7ht to be able to use for fishing?

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

I am trying Beach casting for the first time this weekend. I have just bought a Rod and Reel with Line.but I do not know what size Hooks and Weights to start with .also Types of Bait. I will be Fishing from the Shore near Barmouth Gwynedd .North Wales.

Firstly you have not said what size line, so I have presumed you have gone for around 20lb breaking strain ? So then make sure you tie a "Leader Line" of around 45 - 60 lb (See article below)

If you are casting from the beach I would suggest you try a "One up One Down" rig loaded  with a 150 g weight (Heavier if strong currents). Ideal baits this time of year are Peeler Crab, Ragworm & Lugworm. Check out our Bait page for further information.

A shocker of a question ....

My Dad and me have just started fishing off the beach after a few years away from it.

We don't see to have a problem catching but we were wondering how to set up with a shock leader, any help would be appreciated.

Firstly lets understand what a shock leader is, it is a length of line which should be twice as long as your rod, plus enough line to go round the spool of your reel five times.

It's primary function is to protect your main line from abrasion on the sea bed etc.

Using a shock leader will not improve the number of fish you catch, but it will improve the safety of your hobby.

The breaking strain should be at least twice that of your main line and I would always recommend a minimum of  60lb BS. The leader should be tied to your main line with either a Quick Shore Leader Knot or the Full Shore Leader Knot . The other end should have a method of connecting to your rig. I personally use Uni-trace's "Lightnin Link" as enable easy changing of you rigs during a session.

When choosing the line for your leader, don't be tempted to go for a "Cheap" line, remember the objective of using a leader is to take the strain when casting and greatly reduce the risk of dangerous "Break offs" Cheap line will wear quick and will either need replacing quicker or become very dangerous.

Always examine your leader before you start fishing, any signs of wear, abrasion or nick's, replace it immediately. If you fish only over sand, then your leader will have a longer life than if you fish over stony ground or rocks. 

Many Sea Anglers now believe that fishing without a leader should be made illegal, due to the many incidents that have happened due to the weights "breaking away" from the main line on casting and hitting a passer by. (As a fisherman you have a legal duty of care to ensure what you are doing is safe, casting a weight without a leader has be proven to be dangerous, so if you fish without one and a accident occurs, you could be facing a heavy compensation claim.)

I just bought a Colman Powerhose lantern at a boot sail.(£5-00)
It needs a new glass and mantle.(approx £13-00)
The printing on the side mentions a generator.
What is the generator?

VISITORS ANSWER

The generator is what takes the fuel from the base to the mantles and they need to be replaced every year or so as over the summer months they tend to clog up as they are not used. Any good tackle shop will have them in stock or will be able to get them for you within a couple of days one way to test if you need one is to light the lamp and see if it gets bright enough, also another tip is once you have lit the lamp and the mantles have warmed up turn it off and back on again very quickly and this will sometimes dislodge any obstruction within the generator

Answer supplied by: Chris - Wirral Sea Fishing.Co.Uk

Please lend me some knowledge of how to fish Kimmeridge Bay!!!! Areas, tactics,etc... Haven't fished there before but have heard that the tides can be a little tricky?!

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

How do you tie a shock leader to the main line.

I would recomend either the Quick Shore Leader Knot or the Full Shore Leader Knot . Click on these hyperlinks and you will be taken to how pages which explain how to tie these knots.

Where is Humberston Creek and how do I get there from the Humber Bridge, plus any tips on fishing this venue ?

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Is it right that gill nets can be placed just outside Bass nursery areas such as Dungeness (at the moment).  If so, it seems to me that the netters have a farm that is protected by law. They can exploited this area while other people are actively conserving the stock of juvenile Bass. Shurly we need a buffer zone?

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

What length of Shockleader should I put on top of the main line.

VISITORS ANSWER

So that when you are about to cast, there should be enough shock leader left to go around the spool at least 5 times.

What breaking strain line should I have on my spool for fishing around Hayling,  Gosport etc.

VISITORS ANSWER

If you are casting with up to 6onzs of lead I would suggest 15ib line and 60lb leader

Answer supplied by: Colin Olver

I'm a keen coarse angler holidaying in Malta soon. I intend to do a bit shore fishing while there, but know very little about it. Does anyone know where I can find info on fishing Malta (or similar Med location) for someone new to salty water?

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Does anyone know any good little spots inside the Cleddau area which are good for feathering or spinning any help would be much appreciated.

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Where is the best place to go sea bass fishing between Montrose and Dundee

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Does anyone know any good places to fish inside the River Cleddau on only a small boat for Pollack or anything else??

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

I am just starting out with beach fishing and I was wondering where the best place to by reels, rods etc from is?

There are three ways, either find your local tackle shop and go down there. This will give you the option of taking advice from a specialist, face to face. The second is to buy on-line, but you will need to know exactly what you want to make you budget go further by buying some second hand tackle. Look in the Classified's you can often pick up some bargains

I am trying to find a cart or trolley that will push easy over sand when loaded with my fishing gear,I am disabled and find it hard work going backward and forward to fetch gear. I know that U.S.A. make a few and I have e.mailed them but would like an UK address if possible.

VISITORS ANSWER

Try a baby stroller that has 3 bicycle wheels or tyres.  I found one in a rubbish pile, fixed it up , and it has been my fishing chariot ever sense.( Only if I can find a bass or cod that can fit in the baby seat :)

Answer supplied by: Harry

I am organising a fishing trip to Colwyn Bay and I would like to know if there are any piers to fish off. What beeches are good for fishing and were are the tackle shops.

VISITORS ANSWER

Information on Colywn Bay........there are loads of venues in that area I would advise a little further up the coast to Llandudno as that has the option of Pier fishing and beach fishing, The pier you would stand a chance of anything from Conger to Flounder and the beach could offer Bull Huss to Bass if you require ant further info directions, bait etc etc then mail me

Tight Lines - Chris     chris@wirralseafishing.co.uk

I am going on a wrecking trip out of Mersea near Colchester to fish the north sea wrecks. we will be anchoring up and fishing into them. could anyone give me any tips on rigs and baits etc.

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Help wanted at Chesil Beach

As I am new to beach fishing this is probably a daft question
I was fishing of Chesil beach Sunday and I had problems holding bottom when the tide went out and came back in within a few minutes of casting out the rig was sunbathing on the beach with me. I was using 8oz gripper lead, 18lb main line. HELP is there a technique to get the leads to grip or do I need an anchor! urgently await a reply

VISITORS ANSWER

Try walking uptide and casting out, walk back to your fishing position and let out a bow of line, the tide resistance against the line should set your grip wires.  You can also try using lighter diameter lines which would give less tide resistance and make it easier to hold bottom 15lb main line is adequate on most beaches in this area.  If this doesnt work go and buy that anchor or fish smaller tides.

Answer supplied by: Maverick

Could you give me some advice on rules for beach fishing ,  as I have just started up   a small club.

As Sea Fishing is an un-licensed sport, their are no actual rules, however there are "Minimum Landing sizes" for fish which you catch and intend to kill for eating. These sizes can be found on our page "Minimum Sizes". This site activeley promotes "Catch & Return" fishing. We don't object to taking enough fish to make a decent supper, but strongly object to fisherman who keep & kill everything they catch, only to throw it away, or worse try and sell it. If you as an individual or your club, joins the NFSA, which we recomend, then the NFSA do have rules governing matches etc.A copy of their match guide lines can also be found on this site. (Click Hyperlinks to view)

The only other rule we encourage is, when ever you or your member go out, post us a report of how the area fished, it helps anyone else who is thinking of fishing the same venue.

Enjoy the sport and don't forget to give us your club details and we will add them to our directory

East Sussex Information, anyone, please ...

Does any one know the best area to pier/wall fish in the south around the
Brighton , Newhaven and Shorham area. I have tried Brighton marina wall a few times and blanked am I doing something wrong. [I'm fishing for mackrel and garfish etc]

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

I'm off to Islay to partake of the malt whiskey in May. I'll have my trusty rod with me and any information about shore fishing in that area would be greatly appreciated.

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Where to fish around Croyde Bay N.Devon  Beach, Pier, Jetty.
Mid-May 2001. Best bait to use ?

VISITORS ANSWER

Croyde Bay is an interesting place.  The rocks at the south end of the beach can produce good bass later in the year and schoolies right through the summer. Peeler crab is the bait.  Fishing the beach during daylight hours is vertually impossible due to the number of surfie dudes.   Check out tides that are low, an hour before dark, and fish them up, travelling light with road kill baits and a single rod.  Mackerel flappers or several squid on pennel rigs can produce serious bass during these dark tides.  Be prepared to travel a bit and if the f and M restrictions get lifted try the gullies in the rocks leading to Saunton.  Morte and Baggy are also very productive and chat up the locals, sometimes they will put you on the right lines for something exotic like a trigger fish or John dory.

Answer supplied by: Dev Deverell

I want to take up sea angling but I don't know how/where to start. What would be the best approach? Cost is not a factor (well, not much).

Well as a new starter, you have started in the right place, here at Beach-Caster.Com. Our advice would be to read our pages in detail, this should give you a basic knowledge of what you will need etc. Then take a trip down to your nearest tackle shop and ask them to put together a kit for you. Make sure you ask for good quality rods, such as  Penn Inx, my personal favorite. I would suggest that you don't tell the dealer that cost is not an issue, or you may be in for a nasty shock !

VISITORS ANSWER

The best advice I could give, is that you join a local club. They will be more than happy to help new members! You can find some club addresses on this site.
Good Luck!

Answer supplied by: Darrel

Where is a good fishing spot in Mayo,  Ireland

VISITORS ANSWER

Well, I dont know about the sea fishing in Co. Mayo, but if you fancy a change why not try for a Salmon? or Brown trout. Look for a place called CONG, a small village on the banks of Lough Corribbe, the largest inshore freshwater lake in Ireland. I was there on holiday this year. You can hire a boat for 30 Punt a day complete with petrol outboard, (tip-take a couple of spare cans of petrol, its huge!!) You can get hire information from almost any shop, and it is a beautiful place. you will need a spinning rod, nothing too big, 6 to 10 lb line, and some spinners, several shops in Cong can supply this. You will also need a salmon permit, from any tackle shop ( in the area you are fishing as they are regional) about 13 Punt. I did not get a Sakmon on my visit but the Brown trout were keen, and my best was 14lb ! taken on 6lb line. Go on try it, you can always use the spinning gear to go spinning for Bass etc from the rocks wherever else you go. You only need a permiy for waters holding salmon, all trout fishing is free.

Answer supplied by: Gerry

I have not done any fishing for a while,  but I'm planning a trip with the wife up to Buncranna in Co Donegal and I might get a bit in (fishing I mean!), so if  anyone knows where a guy could maybe hire a boat or find a good spot to have a few casts I would love to know them.

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

We are in the process of buying a boat, hopefully with a front cabin of some sort. Any tips on what to be looking for second hand ? Our price range is £1200 and also any tips about engines as regard horse power and makes and models etc.?

VISITORS ANSWER

I would definitely recommend an osprey of some kind because most of the ospreys are about 15ft l0ong and have a built in GPS. which is a bargain for about £2000 or if you want to go a bit lower I think that the cheapest 1's are about £1000 but they don't have a GPS. and are only about 12ft long

Answer supplied by: Tom

Where can I catch Cod and Plaice in Poole and what with!

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Welsh Book   ?

I am  trying  to  find  a  book  that  will  tell  me  where  all  the  best marks  are  in  north  Wales  and  Anglesey  I  have one  called  Wales  angling  guide  but  it  is  dated  from  1976  I am  looking  for  an  up  to  date  book  does  anybody  know  were  I  can  get  one ?

Another Freshwater Angler bites the Beach casting Bug !

I've been a course man for years and have recently been bitten by the beach casting bug can anyone give me advice on what to buy for a complete starter at beach casting and maybe give me some info on techniques etc. Any help would be much app.

Welcome to our sport and thanks for stopping by Beach-Caster.Com.

With regards to selecting tackle, can I suggest you take a look at our page "Introduction to our sport" , hopefully this will give you an overview and then surf around our site and you should be able to pick up enough information to sort out a decent kit, identify a venue and get out there and enjoy yourself.

VISITORS ANSWER

I seem to end up buying lots of starter kits for chaps who are starting up. And though you can pick up many combo's and starter kits for under fifty notes, don't. You will only have to sell them again or consign them to the shed once you've been out a few times. My advice is to go for any of the cheap Penn rods, or any of there older models such as the INXS a great rod or the progression rods all these were made to a high standard, for the money. Reels are another thing, if fixed spool I would go for the Diawa  twist buster reels, again that came out a few years back but are still good tackle. Or if your going for a multi, there good deals on the 7ht OR the ABU 6500s. OK your going to pay a few bob, but (and I was a course fisherman in the dim and distant) ou all ready know all about that. 

Answer supplied by: Billy the bass.......

My hubbie caught a 'monster of the deep' 2 weeks ago...it was about 5inches long. (what a whopper!) white/grey in colour, had 2 horns on top of it's head and spines along the back. I've looked in our books thinking it might be an angler or monk fish but it doesn't look like either, more like a large tadpole.Any info on what it might be? we were fishing at Milford-on-Sea.

VISITORS ANSWER

It might be a young anglerfish or worse, a Weever.

Answer supplied by: Harry

ANOTHER VISITORS ANSWER

The fish you describe sounds like a long spined sea scorpion.
Check "http://www.mermaid1.demon.co.uk/body_fish.htm" for a picture.

Answer supplied by: Neil

What is the best way to attach a jelly worm?

VISITORS ANSWER

If you are fishing above really weedy ground you should definitely use the hook coming out of the top of the worm. you can do this by simply passing the point of the hook through the top of the worm and sliding the worm up the hook until it is as far down as you want and then bring the point of the hook out of the top of the worm. If it is a clear bottom then have the hook coming out of the underside of the worm.

Answer supplied by: Tom

I am staying in Wexford the second week in June, What are the best marks at the time?

Can anyone advise any good shore fishing (ie marks, bait and, tackle) around Montrose or Arbroath for late spring early summer.

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

I am a carp fisherman (part time)

I am going to chapel St. Leonard's on Friday 6th April 2001 for 2 days - I am a complete novice on sea fishing -

Have you any tips on when & where to try fishing & what bait to use etc

As a complete novice, may I suggest you start of by reading our "Intro Page".  Try to fish a High Water starting about an hour before high tide and fish through for at least 4 hours. The south coast has been producing plenty of small flat fish, codling and you may even chance a Bass. Best baits are Lugworm, Squid and Peeler Crab, if you get hold of them yet. Good luck and don't forget to post a report.

VISITORS ANSWER

Yes! I can answer a question about UK fishing. I have fished the area on several holidays to Hastings, and at this scratchy time of year I suggest Hastings pier. Only a few pubs distance from St Leonards. Check out Steve's tackle shop on the prom for up to date info. Or Hastings tackle shop in the old town who were very helpful to me when last I was there. 

Answer supplied by: Billy the bass.....

I am a part time pike fisher. And am visiting Skegness area in early April 2001. ANY tips please? I.e. what type of water to try & what baits and methods.

Can I suggest you follow the advice given above and check out our "Intro Page" The East coast beaches have been disappointing, but the current on-shore winds are expected to bring an upturn. Lugworm is the favoured bait but mussel and crab will also find fish. Codling, whiting and flounders should be your main target, but the occasional Bass may start to show.

Anyone know where the best fishing along Chesil Beach is at the moment?

Visitors reply

Look at www.jolliff.fsn for latest Chesil reports

Answer supplied by: Colin Olver

Has anyone from the Dublin-Wicklow area been catching any decent fish lately? If so where? and when?

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Any  point  targeting  conger of  Llandudno  pier  and  what strength  line  should  I use  ?

I have bought  a  Red  Wolf multplier  reel, but I am having  trouble  casting it when I cast with it. It  bird  nest  itself any  tips  to  stop  this  happening.

I do not recognise the make of reel , but if it is a standard 6500or 7000 size multiplier check to see what type of breaks are used to slow the reel E.G.Blocks, magnets or oil. If blocks, use as many as can be fitted, mags on full or use thick gear oil EP90 on spindels then do asd I did when first using a multiplier. Go to a spot where nowon can see you cock up and practice, first useing only a lob then as your confidence grows putting more power into the cast. 

Answer supplied by: Billy the bass.

Can anyone advise on places to fish on the Northumberland Coast ?

VISITORS ANSWER

Check www.geocities.com/tony2kuk for a guide to the Popular marks in Northumberland. Sea-Angler.org also has a good guide to fishing in the area. (Much of Duridge Bay is now off limits due to foot and mouth)

Answer supplied by: Tony

Information on good places to fish and bait to use.
Fishing from Beech or Pier.
Best tide to fish High or Low

Webmasters Reply

Hunstanton Beaches are very shallow and therefore you need to be able to cast long distances at High Tides to fish from the beach. The pier offers you the much better chances. If you want a good beach venue, the move along the coast from Cley down to Sheringham, many good Bass start to show around May. My recommended baits would be, Peeler Crab, Squid, Mackerel, and Lug. Often a "Cocktail" of baits works well. Good luck and don't forget to post us a report

How do I find out about breeding peeler crabs?
Also can you freeze them and  should you shell them first?

VISITORS ANSWER

First peel and take out the lungs from fresh crab, do not use dead crab as they turn to mush when thawed. wrap each crab in cling film then place on a tray that has spent at least an hour in the freezer, this freezes them rapidly. Thats about it.

Answer supplied by: "Billy the Bass"

Do you know any good wholesalers of tackle because I was thinking of opening my own shop.

VISITORS ANSWER

Look in your local yellow pages under fishing tackle manufactures

Answer supplied by: "Chris"

What line should I use for the big congers off Devils Point.

VISITORS ANSWER

A line u say?  try braided line like Dynabraid or Berkley whiplash. for rod choice use a heavy beach caster u can get.

Answer supplied by: Ken"

I was wondering if you personally could recommend me a rod for the bass in the summer. My budget is around £100

VISITORS ANSWER: - 

For short casting from the beach, if you can get hold of one. The Ziplex Powertex bass is a light yet powerful rod Ideal for bass. I've had one for years and it's served me well. For plugging I use a home built 11'6'' light blank akin to a carp rod, this also doubles as a flatty rod.

Answer supplied by: "Billy the Bass"

Does anyone know how to catch bream

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

I've got an old fibre glass rod that sank with a boat.  it is now seized together and i am unable to take it apart now.  I've tried soaking it in water and also heating it with a blow torch but neither have worked anyone any ideas?

VISITORS ANSWER: - 

Put ice lollies or ice cubes on top of the ferrule.  It'll do some think which will make them come unstuck.

Answer supplied by: "Harry"

Webmasters comment: Ohh ! that sounds painful !!!

I live in the Dublin bay area.  What species should I be targeting from the shore this time of year as February is the dodgiest month of the year for fishing.

WAITING FOR YOUR ANSWER !

Are the mackerel in yet?

VISITORS ANSWER: - 

Yes,  but in small shoals.

ANOTHER VISITORS ANSWER: - 

Sorry got to say this .......
Tesco's and Asda always have them in !!!!!
Sorry, Makerel are starting to show but in very limited shoals

Answer supplied by: Chris