Tips

FREE SeaAngler pocket guide Collect & keep 119 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS TlOPKAAYDAVKICAENOGNL.I.N. GllSHLORRFEAFNIDSHLIUNRGE l GOINGAFLOAT TACTICS l BAIT

CONTENTS WELCOME Welcome to your free 48-page tips supplement that will, hopefully, help you to improve and gain more success. Sea angling is a sport where knowledge certainly helps us to catch more fish. To be honest, we learn new things almost every time we cast out a bait, but most of us are willing to learn even more. Within this booklet, there’s loads of tips and advice covering all areas of sea fishing, and I hope it helps you to become a better and more successful sea angler. Paul Fenech, Features and Tackle Editor CONTENTS 33-42 KAYAK FISHING 3-12 SHORE FISHING Heaps of useful advice about this popular and evolving Lots of helpful advice to help area of sea angling. you beach more fish. 43-47 BAIT 13-22 BOAT FISHING Five pages covering Top tricks and tips that are collecting, storing and using sure to help you improve. all the popular choices. 23-32 LRF AND SeaAngler LURE FISHING All the information you need to know about the best tactics to tempt different species. 2 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

SHORE SeaAngler FISHING 1PRESENTATION For perfect bait presentation, a baiting needle is a really handy device to have. It also helps to speed up baiting spare rigs when the fish begin to feed. 2INSTRUCTION To help improve your casting ability and distance, it’s always a good idea to seek the help of a recognised casting instructor. 3RIG STORAGE For easy access to your rigs, store them in a resealable bag and keep them tucked neatly inside a rig wallet. Alternatively, you can use foam rig winders. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 3

SHORE FISHING 4RIG CHOICE Rig swivel Probably clips to link the easiest rig to on leader construct, and one of the most successful Beads and on the beach, is the crimps hold two-hook flapper. snood swivel It’s brilliant for flatfish, whiting, cod, bass and dogfish. It can be used with varying snood lengths and lots of different hook sizes. The rig body Line strength should be at depends on least 60lb fish sought Use a plain or wired grip lead weight Hook size depends on fish species 4 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

SeaAngler 5 BITE When you get a bite, don’t be too eager to strike. Pick the rod up, hold the line between your finger and thumb and feel for the fish to bite again. 6MAINTENANCE Every now and then, it’s a good idea to give the moving parts inside your reel, like bearings and gears, a little drop of oil. This ensures they remain lubricated and will last longer. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 5

SHORE FISHING 8SHELTER Stay comfy on 7 the beach by setting up camp above the DOUBLE high water line. Having CHANCE a shelter means you can take cover if the Increase your weather turns lousy chances of too. catching by using two rods. Cast one long, and put the other closer in, to try and find where the fish are feeding. 9TIGHTEN Always remember to fully tighten the drag of a fixed-spool reel before casting. If you are power casting with braid, always wear a finger stall for protection. 6 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

SeaAngler 10 MEASURE If you intend to take fish home to eat, always carry an accurate measuring stick. Most species have a minimum landing size, and anything below that must be returned. 11 12HAVE A NET SELECTION When fishing from Having plenty of platforms high above rigs with you during the water, a drop-net a session means will increase you won’t have to your chances of sit and tie them on successfully landing the beach if you lose a large fish. any to snags. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 7

SHORE FISHING Use strong tackle due to rocks and weed Because of snags, use a rotten- bottom system 8 101 SEA FISHING TIPS FOR SUCCESS

SeaAngler 13ROCKS When fishing from rocks into rough ground, many of the fish will be caught quite close to the rocks and weed. Use strong tackle, and by using a rotten-bottom (weak link) system, it will help to retrieve fish from the snags. It’s also wise to wear chest waders if you need to cross gullies to gain access to a mark. 101 SEA FISHING TIPS FOR SUCCESS 9

SHORE FISHING 14 LOBBING OUT Often, long casting isn’t necessary to target fish from the beach. Look for features like gullies or holes, and try lobbing a bait into them. 15HEADLAMPS Some of the most productive shore fishing happens when it is dark. Make sure that you have a bright, reliable headlight that will last a full session, and it’s essential that you have a backup battery or spare lamp for emergencies. 16 MATCH FISHING Many successful match anglers begin their career by joining a club. It’s a great place to learn the basics of bait and rigs before progressing further. 10 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

17 SeaAngler RAGWORMS 18 FEATHERS By using a string of By head-hooking feathers, you can quickly catch a few ragworms yourself a healthy supply of to a hook, the mackerel to use as bait. wriggling tails will attract 19 ESTUARIES more species, Shallow estuary venues especially mullet. are perfect for targeting fish like flounders. There’s usually no need for long casting, and these venues enable you to lighten up on the tackle you use. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 11

SHORE FISHING SeaAngler 20COD One of the favourite fish of shore anglers is winter cod. Choose a deep-water venue with a good tide run, especially after a gale when the water is coloured, where lots of worms and shellfish have been dislodged by the storm. 21PENNELL RIG The most successful rig in shore fishing is the Pennell. Having two hooks in tandem allows you to present a large worm, fish or cocktail bait. It’s brilliant for targeting cod or bass from a wide variety of shore marks all around the UK. 22 LUGWORM Probably the most widely used bait from the shore is a lugworm. Readily available from most tackle shops, many shore anglers prefer to collect their own over low tide. 12 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

BOAT SeaAngler FISHING 23ALWAYS TAKE YOUR TIME One of the biggest causes of overruns and tangled rigs occurs when anglers drop their lines to the bottom too quickly. Take your time and lower a bait or lure slowly and smoothly, especially when fishing into deep water. 24 STAY SOBER There is no place for alcohol on board a charter vessel, and many skippers generally ban it. Far too many accidents while afloat can be attributed to the consumption of alcohol. 25 STRIKE Believe it or not, many fish are lost by anglers who strike at a bite. Simply by lifting the rod and winding the line tight to set the hook is a far more effective technique. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 13

BOAT FISHING 26BE PREPARED Weather forecasts and conditions can quickly change, especially at sea. It’s always a good idea to take extra warm clothing, and always take good-quality waterproofs for added comfort and protection. 27SET THE CLUTCH Before the start of any session fishing afloat, always make sure the clutch (sometimes called drag) is correctly and adequately set on your reel, and don’t forget to regularly check it throughout the trip. Many good fish, and tackle, have been lost due to the clutch being set too tight. 28 ADVICE When anglers around you are catching fish while you can’t buy a bite, or you aren’t sure of the correct tactics to use, or you encounter a problem, don’t be afraid to ask the skipper for advice. The skipper will always help, and also wants you to book another trip. 14 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

SeaAngler 29 SAVE TIME Ensure you have a supply of pre-tied rigs in your tackle box. Attempting to tie rigs aboard a rolling boat can be testing, and you don’t want to waste time when the fish begin to feed. 30PRODUCTIVE Some anglers try to use more than one rod when bait fishing at anchor. It is far more productive, though, to fish one rod properly, rather than two inefficiently. 31HOOKS Always use good-quality hooks even when targeting smaller species. Many bonus larger fish, like turbot, are lost due to poor hooks straightening out. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 15

BOAT FISHING Use a shad When a fish or artificial- plucks at the lure, 32CASTING eel type lure keep retrieving Always take –particular care when casting from a boat. Never allow your rig to pass over the deck, or other anglers’ heads. Keep your rig outboard, and be careful not to snag other lines. 33TIDY Try to keep the deck of a boat free from clutter. Not only does this help to avoid accidents occurring in rolling seas, it prevents spare tackle becoming damaged too. 16 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

SeaAngler 34 SPEED When using artificial lures like shads or sandeels over a wreck or reef, the speed you retrieve is critical. Watch the anglers who are catching, and observe the speed they retrieve their lures. Sliding tube boom holds the sinker A swivel connects your hooklength to the boom line Use a plain cannonball or bomb weight TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 17

BOAT FISHING UPTIDE PENNELL RIG Swivel joins hooklength to the leader This swivel moves on the line Use a strong lead link to hold the sinker 35RESPECT At the end of a trip, the skipper may allow anglers into the wheelhouse for the run back to port, but never enter the wheelhouse wearing smelly clothing or boots that have been soaked in fish slime and bait. 18 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

SeaAngler 36STRENGTH When fishing into a fast tide, ensure hooklengths are strong enough to hold on to a particularly strong fish as you work it back towards the boat. You should consider using at least 50lb mono for your hooklengths. A piece of tube securess the top hook Uptide casting Two hooks requires a arranged in a wired grip lead Pennell set-up 37 SIMPLE Don’t overcomplicate terminal rigs when boat fishing. Basic rigs tied with minimum individual components are certainly more efficient. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 19

BOAT FISHING 38BASS RESTRICTIONS There are restrictions on bass fishing, so make sure you know the rules. You are allowed to take one fish per day from July 1 until December 31. All bass must be returned from January 1 until June 30. Do not attempt to persuade the skipper to allow you to take more than the law allows, and do not try to hide any additional fish, because it is the skipper’s livelihood at risk if you are caught. 39KEEP 40ON THE DRIFT CLEAR When fishing on the drift, never be in too much of a hurry to Never crowd the drop your bait or lure over the side. skipper when he is Usually, it takes a minute or two for trying to net a fish the boat to settle into the drift, and if for an angler. Let him the boat spins slightly, you could end bring the fish safely up being tangled with other lines on board before any before your rig reaches the bottom. pictures are taken. 20 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

SeaAngler 41ABRASION Even when targeting small species such as dabs or whiting, mono hooklengths can become damaged. After every fish you land, give your hook snood a quick check for abrasion damage. 42TANGLES It’s never a good idea for anglers using both braid and mono to fish close to each other. Try and organise braid and mono users to position themselves accordingly to avoid tangles. 43 KNOTS Poorly tied knots are a reason why many good fish are lost. If you are unsure about their efficiency, ask a crew member or the skipper to help you. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 21

BOAT FISHING SeaAngler 44FOR THE 46 TABLE BARBLESS If you intend to take some fish home to eat, or for the Barbless hooks freezer, gut and clean them often give a deeper as quickly as possible, store and more reliable in an adequate box and keep hook-hold than them out of the sun. a barbed version. Regardless of what 45MOVE many think, if you If you have chartered an maintain a tight entire vessel and conditions become line, you won’t lose so uncomfortable that other anglers the fish. Added to are being sick, consider asking the that, the hooks are skipper to move. You may end up easier to remove fishing a less productive mark, but if you intend to at least it will be comfortable. release the fish. 22 101 SEA FISHING TIPS FOR SUCCESS

LRF & SeaAngler LURE 47HEAVY METAL The range of light game jigs is vast, and many will suit different conditions. They cast well from the shore and catch wrasse to bass, while a 7g used afloat will also bring results. 48 49 SLOW IT STEALTH DOWN LRF can often Don’t be tempted involve fishing very to thrash a tiny shallow water, so lure around try to keep quiet quickly. Small fish and fish as will undoubtedly delicately as you need a little dare; sometimes coaxing to eat. the fish will be right under your feet. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 23

LRF AND LURE FISHING 50 WEEDLESS Lure fishing will inevitably lead to lost tackle, so try to reduce your losses by switching to weedless worm hooks. There are various sizes to choose from. 51 52AFLOAT Using LRF tactics on the boat BALANCE can be such good fun. When the tide slackens, lighten up over inshore reefs Always try to where you can target bream, plaice and keep your tackle even smoothhounds. balanced. The feel of a rod in the hand can be transformed by adding a lighter reel. 24 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

SeaAngler 53 SPOTLIGHT If you decide to fish under lights at night, you’ll be amazed at what species will turn up. Bass, scad, mackerel and pollack will all seek out light to hunt. 54 55 LIGHT TACKLE SPECIES While LRF kit will Catching fish on catch you smaller lures for the first species, never rule time can be out hooking larger tough, so, fish. They will be keep it much more difficult obvious and to control, so try and give the fish use a landing net, what they expect. especially from high harbour walls. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 25

LRF AND LURE FISHING 56DROPSHOT This killer method allows you to fish a specific distance off the bottom. It also gives you greater flexibility in hook and sinker size. Try and master the dropshot knot, though, as tying light line in a stiff breeze at night requires a steady hand. The lure fits on The hook is the hook tied tied 1ft up the into the rig line with a Palomar knot Use 4ft of fluoro line to make the rig A dropshot weight allows you to adjust the fishing depth 26 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

SeaAngler 57 LINE The majority of LRF is done with 0.3-0.4PE braid. Light fluorocarbon is increasingly popular, with the added bonus of no leader knots. It’s usually available on 100m spools, so plenty of backing will be required if loaded on to a deep spool. 58 59 ESSENTIALS JIGHEADS Always carry sharp Do your homework in braid scissors for the an effort to match lures super-light lines, and to jigheads before you it’s always handy to set off for a session. have some superglue Some lures work better for repairing broken bumped on the bottom, or damaged soft while others fare best plastic lures. on a straight retrieve against the tide. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 27

LRF AND LURE FISHING 60CARE LRF is brilliant for targeting lots of mini species, so, always handle them with care. Try not to keep them out of the water for too long, and a disgorger can help to remove deep hooks. 61LRF RODS Both tubular and solid- tipped versions are great, with neither better than the other. As a rule, a solid tip rod is used for slow retrieving where striking isn’t necessary. Tubular tips come into their own for bumping and twitching, with immediate feedback, and be ready to strike. 62PIMP YOUR REEL Customised handles, ceramic bearings and lightweight spools – by finely tuning your kit to what you target, you can gain a little extra without breaking the bank. 28 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

SeaAngler 63POLARISED SUNGLASSES Invest in a decent pair of polarised sunglasses. They will help you spot so many more fish-holding features beneath the surface glare. They will also prevent you from squinting your eyes for long periods. 64 65LEADER A good-quality SELECTION fluorocarbon leader is a must. A line of 3-5lb Carry a selection would suit most LRF of lures as water applications, but the rule clarity, tide, is to use a lighter leader weather, or a breaking strain than shoal of baitfish your braid. For example, turning up can all 0.3PE (5lb) braid should determine your be used with a 4lb choice of pattern. fluorocarbon leader. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 29

LRF AND LURE FISHING 66 AWARENESS You should always be aware of the venues you are fishing and its surroundings. Collate accurate tide times, make notes of cut-off points, and never ignore warning signs. 67WADERS 68GAME A good pair of FISH chest waders enables you to fish closer to the Salmon or sea- water, especially if there trout are often is a crunching swell accidentally hitting the beach. When caught from conditions are slightly the shore. rough is generally You need an regarded as the best Environment times to fish, especially Agency licence to when targeting bass. target them. 30 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

69ROCKS SeaAngler Bass are predators and will 70COLOURS generally hunt very Don’t be afraid close to rocks on the to change lures if shoreline. Try to you’re not having work your lure close any success. Sooner to the gullies and or later, you will patches of weed, and present an option with resist the temptation the right colour that to cast far. will certainly attract the attention of a 71STRENGTH feeding predator. Some venues will require a much beefier TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 31 rod to enable you to cast your lure further from the shoreline. If there is a strong wind blowing into your face, a heavier lure and rod will certainly help you add extra distance.

LRF AND LURE FISHING SeaAngler 72TIMING Often, the best times to lure fish from the shore are first or last light. Quiet venues with low light certainly offer some better opportunities as fish will move closer to the shore. 73WEED If you’re fishing into a particularly weedy area, always check the hooks aren’t masked with weed. Sometimes changing from a treble hook to a single can help combat the problem. 74 PRODUCTIVE Don’t expect to have the most productive marks to yourself. Generally, anglers who do well at certain venues will keep it to themselves and not publicise it to prevent it being crowded out. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 32

75SAFETY KAYAK SeaAngler Plan ahead FISHING and decide what protective clothing 76HELP and equipment you If you’re a need before heading first-time kayaker, on to the water. Try try to find others different dry suits in your vicinity, or and PFDs while groups that may sitting in a kayak hold monthly before buying. gatherings. Many will share 77 knowledge to help get you started. RESEARCH TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 33 If you want to modify or make certain changes to your kayak, be sure you know what you’re doing. Seek advice from experts before you begin drilling holes.

KAYAK FISHING 78 TRANSPORTATION Always use the necessary accessories for loading your kayak and equipment on to a vehicle, and double-check everything is secured before setting off on a journey. 79LAUNCHING Spend a little time watching the waves before committing to a launch. When you return, choose the safest area to land and control the kayak in the direction right to the beach. 80STUDY Look at beach access and launch points and study them. It’s also a good idea to learn how to read charts and be able to identify where reefs and sandbanks are. 34 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

81PRACTICE SeaAngler You should regularly practise forward 82TROLLEY paddling, self-rescue Invest in a and anchoring skills in good trolley that will sheltered water. Then fold down and store try these techniques inside the hull of your in the open sea where kayak. Avoid trolleys conditions may be slightly that have tubes rougher. The practise will going through the help you develop better. scupper holes because they can 83BUYING cause damage. Before buying, decide where you’ll TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 35 be fishing. Speak to a dealer and tell him your requirements, weight, space and handling capabilities. It’s a good idea to research manufacturer’s websites and reviews.

KAYAK FISHING 85 84 ANCHORING HOOKS Before setting the anchor, carefully position Pick suitable yourself accurately over hook sizes, your chosen spot. Pay trace lengths particular attention to and weights wind and tide direction, for the type let the kayak settle, and of bait that then drop the anchor. you’ve chosen to use. 86RODS Select rods that are long enough to reach around the bow of the kayak, but short enough to bring a fish to your hand. Decide what species you’re targeting and match the rod to suit. 36 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

87 SeaAngler SKINCARE 88ELECTRONICS Chart plotters are perfect Take precautions for locating marks as well as during prolonged tracking your own position. Useful periods of sunshine items include VHF radio (including during long days on OFCOM licence and RYA Short your kayak. Always Range Certificate to be legal) plus apply a waterproof mobile phone in a waterproof case. protection to your skin. 89SAFETY EQUIPMENT It’s vitally important to stay safe at sea in your kayak. Items such as a whistle can be essential, and you should always have a compass close at hand for navigational purposes. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 37

KAYAK FISHING 90PADDLES Buy the best paddles you can afford. Lighter ones are regarded as the superior, and the more expensive versions are made from carbon. Lighter paddles enable you travel further and create less strain on the arms. 92TRAVEL LIGHT Try to avoid taking too much gear and kit with you. The more items you take, the more time you spend looking for them, and they take up lots of vital space. 91STORAGE Your gear is constantly in contact with sea water, so use adequate waterproof boxes and luggage to keep everything properly protected. 38 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

93RIGS SeaAngler Keep your terminal rigs as 94 simple as you can. With not a SECURITY lot of room for manoeuvring, Whatever you take you don’t want out on your kayak, a rig to be too be sure to securely long with a tie it down. In the fish attached. event that you capsize, if an item 95CENTRE is not secured, OF you will lose it. GRAVITY TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 39 Anglers generally capsize when they are overstretching, making the kayak top heavy on one side. Always try to keep your head along the centre of the kayak for balance.

KAYAK FISHING 96RUNNING If a good fish decides to run either side of the kayak, you should be able to lift the line clear of the bow. This is much better rather than trying to play a fish from the wrong side of the kayak. 97WEATHER Before heading on to the water with your kayak, you should always know the latest weather forecast. However, you must be aware of changing conditions. 98CLEAN At the end of each session, wash everything down with fresh water to remove salt and grit. By looking after your kit, it shouldn’t let you down. 40 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

99 SeaAngler TACTICS 100 You should know LANDING FISH exactly what the ground is like where Try to keep at least you intend to fish. a rodlength of line Use appropriate out when preparing tackle to match the to land a fish. If you area, especially if have too much line it’s rough or weedy. in you’ll be left with no option but to feed 101 the rod behind you. SHIPPING TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 41 While fishing, you should always be vigilant of other boat users around you. Sometimes a kayak may be difficult to see from another larger boat.

KAYAK FISHING SeaAngler 102BUDGET When buying a kayak, you will also have to consider what goes with it. Safety equipment, clothing and accessories can all be expensive, so make sure you know what’s involved before spending a heap of cash. 103SEALS Seals don’t pose much of a problem to kayak anglers, but if they constantly pestering you while fishing, it’s probably wise to up anchor and move. 104ANCHOR ROPE Do not use braid for an anchor rope, it’s far too thin and will probably cut you on the retrieve. The best material to use is Paracord, and, at around 550lb at 5mm diameter, it’s finger-friendly too. 42 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

BAIT SeaAngler 105 106 CHANGE IT EXPENSIVE Regularly change Whether you’re your bait to ensure a fishing afloat or from fresh scent trail. Most the shore, bait can species use smell to be expensive to buy. find a meal, so if you To keep it in prime haven’t had a bite condition, try to store after 20 minutes, it in an adequate put a fresh bait out. coolbox or bag. 107 INFO Prior to a boat trip, ask the skipper what bait or lures you will need. He’s the expert and knows exactly what will work. TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 43

BAIT 108 MIXING LURES Try to keep different brands of soft lures separated from each other, or you may find a sticky mess the next time you go to your lure box. 109COLLECTING When digging worms or collecting crabs, always remember to back-fill your holes with sand, and any rocks you turn over must be placed back to their original position. 110LIMIT When targeting mackerel to use as bait, only keep what you will realistically need to last throughout a fishing session. 44 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

111CUTTING SeaAngler Always use a proper cutting board 112 to prepare baits while fishing on a charter HALF IT boat. You wouldn’t like it if the skipper Rather than used the bonnet of using a whole your car to cut his bait. frozen sandeel on the hook, 113 cut it in half to make your FROZEN supply last a bit longer. Store frozen baits in a flask, and only take TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 45 out what you need during a session. This will keep the bait frozen, and it can be returned to the freezer at home.

BAIT 114STORING After collecting a fresh supply of bait, make it last longer by storing it in a cool place like a fridge. Use dry newspaper for wrapping worms before heading out. 116RUBBY-DUBBY Mash mackerel chunks and then place in an onion sack to be hung over the side of a boat. The juices and particles will slowly release in the tide to form a pungent scent trail. 115 SPECIALIST Specialist baits like white rag and harbour rag are a matchman’s favourite and are rarely found in tackle shops. Find out where to locate these and then collect them yourself with a garden fork. 46 TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS

117 SeaAngler PEELER 119SQUID CRABS Frozen squid can be used whole, or When a peeler cut into strips for tipping crab is just off worm baits. It is a starting to crack brilliant bait for both underneath the shore and boat fishing. shell, this signals the best time to TIPS FOR SEA FISHING SUCCESS 47 use them. 118 SLASH When targeting sharks with whole mackerel, use a sharp knife to slash the flanks. This will allow blood and scent to be released, and make it more attractive.

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