Your Fishing Year

4sp8uhacapccnakeedgsdeyssfhwuinlitsthseafoarngling SeaAngler YOUR FISHING YEAR Pocket guide to species, tackle, bait and rigs

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE Welcome ...to our handy pocket-size guide to your year in sea fishing. it’s a seasonal breakdown of species, tactics, rigs, tackle and bait for shore and boat anglers, including lure, Lrf and kayak fishing. This quick-reference booklet will put you on the right track for all your fishing sessions, whether it be spring, summer, autumn or winter. 2 your fishing year

YOUR FISHING YEAR CONTENTS SHORE 4 PLAICE KICK OFF SPRING 8 SIZZLING SUMMER 12 AUTUMN ADVENTURES 16 WINTER BRINGS FRESH HOPE LURE 20 BEST LURES FOR BASS LRF 24 YOUR LRF YEAR BOAT 28 THE FOUR SEASONS 32 SPORT AT ITS VERY BEST 36 THE SEASON OF PLENTY 40 IT’S TIME FOR BIG COD KAYAK 44 QUICK GUIDE TO KAYAK FISHING P.32 SeaAngler Contributors A Sea Angler production, brought to you by Cliff Brown, Paul Fenech, Marc Cowling, Jake Schogler, Dave Barham and Mark Crame. Design: Ricci Cox. YOUR FISHING YEAR 3

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE Plaice kick off spring! SpRING is a fantastic with only one thing on their time to go fishing as shore minds…feeding! anglers everywhere prepare for a new fishing campaign. It’s also about now that shore crabs begin The first arrivals of plaice their annual moult. With will be the main target the water temperature after a winter of spawning increasing, this is the sure in deeper water. These signal that sees hundreds sought-after flatfish will of shore crabs heading probably be thin and spent, up the beach, seeking a but now they are ready to dark place where they can venture closer to the beach remove their outer shell, 4 YOUR FISHING YEAR

YOUR FISHING YEAR: SHORE/SPRING SPECIES Codling Bass Flounder to be replaced with a new Thornback ray larger version. When peeler Plaice crabs are in this stage of moulting, it’s like ringing the YOUR FISHING YEAR 5 dinner bell for fish. Freshly-gutted black lug is also a successful bait, especially after or during a rough sea. Plenty of these will have been dislodged from the seabed, making it a superb natural offering as a hookbait. With an abundance of food readily available, more species begin heading inshore. Competition for food will be rife as bass, flounders, codling, thornback rays and early smoothhounds muscle in.

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE baITs wIshbOnE rIG The two hooks are clipped for casting n Ragworms. n Peeler crabs. n Frozen sandeels. The hooks release on impact 3-hOOK flaPPEr TOP TIP: baIT Hooklengths should This rig allows you to be spread out along use the same baits or the whole rig body three different options. 6 YOUR FISHING YEAR

your fishing year: shore/spring TaCKLe n Light-to-medium beachcaster. n Fixed-spool reel or palm-sized multiplier loaded with 15-18lb mono mainline with 60lb shockleader. n Tripod. n Beach shelter or brolly. n 5-6oz breakout sinkers. DFOORN’GTET… Spare elastic bSapitacreothtooonks✔✔ DMisegaosrugreinrg✔stick✔ YOUR FISHING YEAR 7

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE sizzling summer ARE you a longer days or banks and estuaries. More shorter nights angler during species become available the summer? Whichever and that includes baitfish. it is, the fishing can be absolutely spectacular in As shoals of mackerel many regions of the UK at and sandeels arrive in this time of year. their hundreds, predators become more active closer There are so many venues to the shore. and tactics that provide success, including lure Large bass will patrol fishing and float-fishing extremely close to the from rocks, piers, shingle beach, or among rocks in shallow water as they hunt. 8 YOUR FISHING YEAR

YOUR FISHING YEAR SHORE/SUMMER SPECIES Bass Black bream Smoothhound Undulate ray Mullet Mullet will silently glide under Pollack the surface in an estuary, gently Wrasse mouthing items off the top. YOUR FISHING YEAR 9 Not forgetting, of course, the fast and furious smoothhounds as they arrive in packs to forage on shellfish yards from the shore. All in all, summer really is an enjoyable and productive time to go fishing.

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE UP AND OVER RIG FLOAT RIG Hook TOP TIP: Ball snood SPECIES weight goes over the top Expect to cocks clip catch garfish, the float mackerel, wrasse, bass and pollack. FLOW Use one or two XXXXXXXX XXX A piece of hooks shot on Hook the line is releases optional upon impact Adjust with depth water to find the fish 10 YOUR FISHING YEAR

YOUR FISHING YEAR SHORE/SUMMER BAITS TACKLE n Selection of lures. n Spinning rod, beachcaster. n Fishbait n Fixed-spool & multiplier reel. (Bluey, n Coolbox/ mackerel, bag with frozen ice packs. sandeel). n Tripod. n Bread. n Beach shelter or umbrella. DFOORN’GTET… DON’T Spare elastic FORGET… cotton ✔ Weighing sling ✔ Spare hooks ✔ Plenty of drink ✔ Disgorger ✔ Scales ✔ Polaroid sunglasses ✔ Sun protection ✔ YOUR FISHING YEAR 11

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE autumn adventures WItH the days becoming As the wind drops, the shorter in autumn, shore sea will begin to settle too. anglers begin switching In turn, a running swell their focus and tackle with perhaps a couple towards targeting the first of breakers crunching arrivals of codling. on to the beach means conditions will be perfect. A low-pressure system coupled with an onshore During high-pressure and gale will certainly create a flat calm sea the whiting rough conditions that invite and dabs will be present fish closer in to the beach feeding in huge numbers, to feed. with bites coming as soon 12 YOUR FISHING YEAR

YOUR FISHING YEAR SHORE/AUTUMN SPECIES Bass Cod Whiting Flounder as you have cast your baited Dab rig, often just a few yards from the beach. YOUR FISHING YEAR 13 Autumn is also the time to stock up on more rigs, service the reels and tie some new shockleaders in readiness for a new season. Don’t forget to charge up the headlight, or purchase some spare batteries and prepare for the longer nights.

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE TaCKLE baITs n Beachcaster. n Lugworms n Fixed-spool and multiplier reel. (black, blow or n Coolbox or bag with ice packs. yellowtail) n Tripod. n Squid n Headlight. n Mackerel n Beach shelter or umbrella. PULLEy rIG The rig is ideal for cod and the various rays Fish either one or two hooks on the hooklength 14 YOUR FISHING YEAR

YOUR FISHING YEAR SHORE/AUTUMN THREE-HOOK PATERNOSTER Three hooks allow you Choose hook to use different baits size to match species sought Wired lead grips seabed Space hook snoods along rig body Lead weight DON’T FORGET… releases from Spare elastic seabed when fish takes the bait cotton ✔ Extra rigs ✔ Spare headlight✔ Weighing scales ✔ Hot drink ✔ Warm clothing ✔ YOUR FISHING YEAR 15

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE Winter brings fresh hope Most shore anglers look find better success. forward to a new winter The target will be big cod, season as renewed hope that the cod shoals will so make sure your rigs are arrive in force. equipped with large hooks and your rod and reel is Dying onshore gales fill capable of coping with many with enthusiasm. tough conditions. however, only those prepared to head out to Winter is a time where an exposed rock mark or preparation is vitally beach in the dead of a important. Make sure to bitterly cold night generally have plenty of spare rigs plus reels ready to go. 16 your fishing year

your fishing year: shore/winter When it’s cold, wet or even home from a winter shore snowing, is certainly not the session is being cold, wet time to be tying a new rig or and miserable. untangling a birds nest. Make sure to have a it’s also important to wear shelter to take cover from the correct clothing and inclement weather, some that includes a good base comforting food and layer. Thermal underwear especially a hot drink. can make a world of difference, plus a thick pair of socks is far better than wearing two or three pairs of thin socks. Waterproof and outer layers should be good enough to not only keep the warmth in, but also protect against driving rain and keeping an icy wind out. The biggest factor that drives anglers your fishing year 17

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE PENNELL RIG Swivel at top fixes to link clip on shockleader Swivel held in place by beads and crimps Lead Two hooks in weight tandem on the fixes to hooklength link clip BAITS 18 YOUR FISHING YEAR n Black lug n Squid n Ragworms n Cocktails

YOUR FISHING YEAR: SHORE/WINTER SPECIES TACKLE Cod n Beach shelter Whiting or umbrella. n Spinning rod, Flounder beachcaster. n Fixed-spool and multiplier reel. n Coolbox or bag with ice packs. n Tripod. Thornback ray DON’T FORGET… Dab Brolly/beach shelter ✔ Spare elastic cotton ✔ Spare headlight ✔ Spare reel ✔ Spare rigs ✔ Scales ✔ Hot drink or soup ✔ Food ✔ Gloves ✔ Woollen hat ✔ YOUR FISHING YEAR 19

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE Best lures for bass South Devon bass guide Marc Cowling gives his top choices for each season SPRING something moving Once the sea horizontally temperature through the begins its water, especially upward if it is very clear. trajectory, the A lure type that has launce and sandeels proven to be exceptional will be moving inshore at picking out the rapidly. That is when larger specimens is the metal lures such as the needlefish. Fished at Major Craft Jig Para night in very shallow and Savage Gear water, either over flat Seeker fished on a reefs or pure sand, sink-and-draw retrieve I strongly suspect that (in order to induce a bass are hunting for more positive reaction) cuttlefish (the profile/ prove extremely reliable, side view and movement as seen last spring. of which is similar to a needlefish) that will Why this retrieve style be swarming over the over the regular ‘straight’ seabed in darkness during or ‘linear’ retrieve? the mid-to-late spring. Because the water will still be cold and the bass will be reticent to chase 20 YOUR FISHING YEAR

your fishing year: shore/lures summer like the Xorus Patchinko 100 or iMa salt skimmer as the sea temperature worked vigorously and peaks and the metabolism continuously. in slight swell of the bass really kicks or choppy conditions the in, all manner of silvery, Whiplash factory spittin shimmering prey items Wire has been superb with arrive on the scene to join intermittent pauses to the the sandeels – including retrieve. The sea spin Pro mackerel, garfish and sprat. Q 120, rapala Walk n‘ roll or Patchinko ii are reserved Where these species mix, for a large swell to rough you can expect to see a lot sea conditions left for of activity on or close to long periods between the surface - clearly, this ‘splashes’ to wash naturally is time to deploy the within the melee. top-water lures. if it’s calm and clear, use something diminutive your fishing year 21

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE AUTUmn especially if the water is coloured. The vibrations as the sea cools in these lures emit are easily autumn, bass gradually picked up by the bass. become reluctant to hit surface lures on the of course, the open coast. furthermore, quintessential bass lure in conjunction with the that is the medium-diving low-pressure systems hard minnow comes into and gales that stir up the its own during the latter seabed, the bass will be stages of the year, due to scouring the bottom for its casting prowess (often worms and molluscs torn required during high from their home. winds) and stability in the turbulent water. This is when you should place a lure as close to favourites are the iMa them as possible via a hound glide 125f and weighted soft plastic, such Daiwa shore Line shiner as the illex nitro sprat Z120f Vertice. or fiiish Black Minnow, 22 your fishing year

your fishing year: shore/lures Winter Alternatively, if bass lure fishing during the increased As every season passes, it is hours of darkness at this becoming increasingly clear time of year is your thing, that not all bass disappear then wait until the air is cold miles offshore in order to and crisp, the sea is calm breed. But if you’re intent and very clear, and then on attempting to catch a locate the quietest bay or winter bass then utilise a creek you can find. small (70-100mm) hard- diving minnow with the Without doubt, the lure I intention of imitating the fry feel most confident using of numerous species that in this scenario, and which congregate in the shallows. accounted for 90 per cent of my catches last winter, Take a look at the Tackle was the 5in Wave Worm House Feed Shallow 105 Bambo Stick in white. and Daiwa Shoreline Shiner 97F SSR respectively. youR FISHIng yeAR 23

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE your lrf year how to get to grips with some excellent ultra-light fishing sPrInG of harbour walls, early spring is when the piers and sea temperatures are at breakwaters their coldest and can make can see fishing harder. however, you have the increased daylight soon good sport, starts weed growth, and by especially late spring the fishing really with the picks up, especially flounders. as multiple mini species start to appear again. a good method for Targeting rock pools at all these low tide or along the fringes fish can be a basic split shot rig. simply tie on a hook to your leader and pinch a split shot a foot or so away from the hook. Then rig a small soft plastic on the hook, cast and work it back slowly along the seabed. gulp and isome-style sandworms can be absolutely lethal for spring species, such as blennies, gobies, flatfish and scorpionfish. 24 your fishing year

your fishing year: light rock fishing summer option to use when its windy and rough because as the sea temperature they are easy to cast and rises, so does the fish control, and brilliant for activity. small metal quickly searching the jigs are really versatile water column to find the lures to use in the fish. you can also reduce summer and can be snags by replacing treble fished right through the hooks with singles, or water column. using a single-assist hook. fast, twitchy retrieves near the surface will catch you summer species like mackerel, garfish and bass. Letting it sink and jigging closer to the seabed tempts species such as pollack, coalfish, codling and gurnards. Metal lures are a great your fishing year 25

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE aUTUmn from a size 8 up to a 2/0. Pollack, codling, bass and Big fish and autumn go hand in hand because the a host of mini species all fish are feeding heavily to inhabit the same ground as get ready for winter. wrasse, so fishing can be pleasingly varied. a top target can be big wrasse, but to get a lure it’s best to carry a dropnet to them you have to brave or long-handled landing net snaggy ground. to help bring in the fish. Weedless rigs, such as Texas, Carolina and a weedless dropshot rig can be ideal ways of targeting them without getting snagged. Weedless rigging lures requires the use of an offset hook pattern for all the rigs, so carry a selection 26 your fishing year

your fishing year: light rock fishing Winter by adding a luminous bead above the hook. Lrf can be a great way slide a bead on to your to lure fish throughout leader before you tie your the winter, providing you hook. Tie on your hook have good gloves. rough and then slide the tag weather makes it hard to end back through the fish, so the best places bead on your leader. to visit are deep-water This will then pull tight venues and sheltered against the hook eye and harbours and docks. help the hook stand out from the mainline. Codling, pollack, coalfish, whiting and i love using a scented flounders are the main plastic, like gulp and species. To target them isome, in deep water in deep water, try a because it is very effective. dropshot rig, which can be enhanced for deep water your fishing year 27

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE The Four Seasons fish migration has a huge effect on what boat anglers catch throughout the year, says Dave Barham. here’s his brief breakdown of what you can expect to catch and when… a welcome relief from the when the really big fish winter doldrums of late often get caught. There January and february, as are more 20lb and we move into March our double-figure turbot caught tidal estuaries, such as during the first spring run the Thames and humber than at any other time. on the east coast, and the Mersey or Bristol Channel May heralds the arrival on the west coast, can of some of our harder- often produce some superb fighting species, such as spring cod fishing. smoothhounds and tope, and these can be caught all as the sea temperature around the uK. begins to warm throughout april, the first plaice arrive, Bass, too, will begin to be quickly followed by black caught in greater numbers bream. it’s at this time of as they return from their the year when many boat offshore winter spawning anglers turn their attention grounds. May is the first to targeting turbot and brill month of the year when along the south Coast, most lure anglers begin to fish hard for the species. 28 your fishing year

your fishing year: boat/spring your fishing year 29

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE TACKLE plaice, bream and bass. An uptide rod or Spring is the time to dig out the lighter tackle for a 12lb-class boat rod is more sporting approach. all you will need for the It’s a great time of year to estuary cod sport, because start fishing with a light most of the big fish will lure rod and fixed-spool have moved offshore. reel when targeting 30 YOUR FISHING YEAR

YOUR FISHING YEAR: BOAT/SPRING TWO-HOOK PLAICE RIG A watch lead is ideal for plaice fishing Crimp Experiment swivel with colour holds combinations hook snood Use size 1/0 hooks Use coloured beads on the hooklength TOP TIP Watch the weather: Don’t get caught out with by the conditions. Spring, especially early season, can throw up some weird and wonderful weather patterns, being unseasonally warm during the day. However, as the sun dips away it can still get very cold – so make sure you pack plenty of warm clothing. Also, don’t forget the April showers! YOUR FISHING YEAR 31

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE Sport at its very best These months provide boat anglers with the very best sport, partly due to migration, but also because of better weather. every species we encounter around our coastline is available to catch from somewhere during the summer – you just have to do your homework to find them. summer whiting and codling sport along the north east coast is at its prime, while the wreck and bank fishing off the south Coast is on fire. all the ‘golden’ species that many anglers seek, such as the turbot, brill and big bass, can now be targeted on the inshore and offshore banks, along with large tope and smoothhounds. This is also the time when some rare species arrive, and along the south Coast it is possible to actively target triggerfish, John Dory and various other ‘exotics’. of course, this is also the time for catching mackerel and garfish, both of which can be used as bait. Then there is the summer 32 your fishing year

your fishing year: boat/summer wrecking sport. huge July and august for big numbers of cod and ling porbeagles and good can be caught along the numbers of blues. english Channel, and from wrecks along the north summer is a time of east coast. plenty for everyone, and it gives the most diverse When it comes to shark range of species available fishing, you can’t beat to uK anglers. expect some big cod on the wrecks your fishing year 33

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE TaCKlE tope. it’s also the time to bring out the Lrf gear summer is also the time (or LBf as we like to call to focus on light-tackle it). Mini species (below) sport fishing. Lure rods provide some great fun and 6lb or 12lb-class boat both out at sea and from rods are the norm, even a mooring or marina. when targeting hard- fighting species such as 34 your fishing year

your fishing year: boat/summer top tip wick away moisture from your body – so keep it n stay hydrated and topped up. protected: The biggest problem that is often once you’re out on overlooked during the deck for an eight-hour summer months is trip there’s little escape dehydration and sunburn from the sun, so make or sunstroke. it is essential sure you wear sunscreen, that you drink plenty of sunglasses and a hat. water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. you can buy lightweight uV-resistant tops to cover The combination of your arms for fishing in the hot sun, saltwater and a hottest conditions. gentle breeze will quickly iDeaL rigs Paternoster rig with baited muppets Boom rig for lures or bait hook size and line strength to suit species sought your fishing year 35

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE The season of plenty early autumn is a time in september. it’s a great of plenty and a fantastic time to boat yourself a big season for boat anglers. specimen bass too. there is a variety of there are often more species available in big double-figure bass caught numbers, often because in the autumn than the rest the summer fish are feeding of the year. up in readiness to spawn offshore before the cod and september is also the whiting arrive. time to try your luck for a sole, especially along most south Coast ports the south Coast, Welsh, will have an autumn run of lincolnshire and east plaice and turbot, usually anglia coastlines. 36 your fishing year

your fishing year: boat/autumn sPeCies Cod, bass, congers, soles, sharks, whiting and dabs. it is also a very good to catch massive bluefin month to target blue tuna. a lot of fish have been sharks, with big hits of caught by accident in recent sharks achievable from years, but there are now a many Welsh and the south handful of charter boats West’s ports. that have special licences to target them to help with as we move into the end tagging and gathering of october, the summer scientific data. and winter species overlap. as the bream, big flatties, early to mid-autumn is smoothhounds and tope also a good time to hit the move offshore, the cod, wrecks in search of a huge whiting and dabs arrive – so conger eel. you can catch this can be a bountiful time. loads of congers during the summer, but if you want More recently, the autumn that record-breaker then months have been giving now is the time to target it! anglers the opportunity your fishing year 37

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE BOOM RIG An artificial eel or similar lure is fitted to the hook 38 YOUR FISHING YEAR

YOUR FISHING YEAR: BOAT/AUTUMN TACKLE This time of year requires the most tackle, from light lure rods and fixed-spool reels right up to 50lb-class boat rods and mulitiplier reels for the sharks and congers. It’s a good idea to carry a couple of different rods and reels with you, even if you know what you’re supposed to be targeting. Many a day at sea during the autumn has been saved by a quick stop off along a reef to lure fish for bass or a quick drop for a big ray on a bank, when the opposite has been the plan for the day. Running boom TOP TIP Metal French Lucky livebaits: boom altenative Experiment with livebaiting for bass and cod. Try fishing a live pouting or whiting under a float for a big bass, or on a size 6/0 Pennell rig for the chance of an early big cod. YOUR FISHING YEAR 39

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE It’s time for the big cod DEcEmbER is the best at this time of year by month for a big cod, and anglers targeting cod. traditionally it’s christmas week that throws up the It is also possible to have real lunkers. some truly epic bass sport in January, providing the Of course, you can also winter hasn’t been too catch quality whiting as harsh. bass shoal up on well, especially off the offshore sandbanks to South coast where fish spawn, and if you hit it right, over 4lb can be caught you can have some amazing regularly. big reef conger sport on lures and livebaits. eels are also encountered As we move through 40 YOUR FISHING YEAR

your fishing year: boat/winter sPeCies Cod, pollack, bass, congers, spurdogs, rays. January most areas of the over 25lb being caught in country see a decline in relatively shallow water sport. It can be possible at along the South Coast. the end of January to the end of February for inshore Spurdogs, too, are also sport to die off completely, usually quite obliging and it is common to have during the winter, with blank days – even far many record-shaking fish offshore. However, this being caught. doesn’t last long, and in many areas the spring run There is one species of codling soon gets people that shows up on the out fishing again. wrecks off the south coast during the Doldrums – In some areas the winter pollack. Huge specimens can be the best time to over 20lb can be caught, target huge blonde rays, but you need the right with numerous specimens weather and tide conditions for a successful trip. YOUR FISHING YEAR 41

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE TACKLE Because most winter fishing is done in deeper water, and often the weather can be touch and go, heavier tackle is frequently used. It’s the time of year for 20lb and 20/30lb- class rods and large multiplier reels with 30lb braid. You can still have some fun with lighter tackle on the whiting, dabs and wrasse when weather conditions allow. RUNNING LEGER Use a grip lead for uptiding and a plain lead for downtiding Place a bead between swivel and boom 42 YOUR FISHING YEAR

YOUR FISHING YEAR: BOAT/WINTER TOP TIP BAITS Stay warm n Lugworms. and dry: n Bluey. There’s n Lures. nothing n Squid. that kills an enjoyable day’s fishing more than being cold and/or wet. Make sure you wear plenty of layers topped off with some decent waterproofs and a hat. A two-hook Pennell set-up will hold more bait YOUR FISHING YEAR 43

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE a quick guide to kayak fishing The first step is rigging your temperature is warm, while kayak to target the right fish a full drysuit with warm for the time of year. underclothing is vital once the cold weather arrives. assuming you wish to mix bait and lure fishing, you a personal flotation need forward-facing rod device should be worn, holders in addition to the ideally with pockets to carry standard flush-mounted other necessities such as rod holders fitted behind Vhf radio, Personal Locator the seat. The latter are ideal Beacon and a torch. always for trolling, the former for keep a rescue knife or cutter bait fishing. to hand. a compass is always a good idea to have anchor trolley systems fitted in case of fog. allow you to remain static and easily set/recover your anchor from bow or stern while also letting you deploy drogues effectively if drift fishing. a good quality, large capacity anchor reel and a suitable anchor for the bottom will see you staying where you intend to. CLOTHING Consider your safety equipment and protective clothing. Bib and braces trousers are ideal in summer when the sea 44 your fishing year

your fishing year: kayak PaDDLe TaCkLe Paddles range from Light spinning rods and cheap poly blades on an baitcasters are ideal for aluminium shaft, through trolling, with the drag set fibreglass, to expensive full suitably, and medium boat carbon options in single or rods of 12-20lb with small multi-piece format with multipliers for targeting straight or cranked shafts. most species on bait. always look for feathered, Braided lines of 30lb asymmetric blades in minimum will cope with normal paddles, and almost any fish species consider blade size. and have some durability against abrasion, while greenland paddles are being thin enough to cause rare among kayak anglers, little in the way of drag or but are less obtrusive and compromising visibility. almost as effective, given some experience. a small selection of rigs, feathers/hokkais and lures in a small waterproof container with a few sinkers and a small coolbag will see most options covered. your fishing year 45

SeaAngler POCKET GUIDE TRANSPORT SAFETY getting your kayak to and Before you begin fishing, from the water is easily practise the techniques – addressed too. don’t wait until you run into difficulties. The basic option of roofbars is sufficient, a few trial sessions of although you may wish to launching, paddling, landing add roller bars, saddles and and recovery drills in varying other additional fixtures to conditions and weathers make things far easier or will see skills, confidence more secure. and enjoyment build, and reduce any inherent risks. a good quality trolley – preferably one that can be Build up your paddle stowed inside the kayak’s fitness, and strengthen hull – makes light work of the muscles you will use transporting your kayak through pushing yourself from your vehicle to the harder and faster until water’s edge. you reach your personal limit – then settle back to enjoy the fishing within your comfort zone. 46 your fishing year

your fishing year: kayak sPring wrecks becomes a feature as does species hunting This is crossover time with finer hooks. from drysuit to something lighter, from thick auTuMn undergarments to thinner ones. Mobile lure fishing expect the first of the cod comes into play alongside and last of the bass. use static baitfishing in much larger, tougher baits to of the country. avoid whiting stripping hooks. The rays are still Cod are starting to move here, the hounds have offshore, dogfish and rays gone and the mackerel are heading in and bass are replaced by herring. are starting to feature. Bream arrive too, and the Jackets go on, with early smoothhounds are lighter base layers under fattening up. drysuits before the dread of winter returns. squid gives way to crab, lug to rag and the annual WinTer thornback bash is just days away. Wear thick undersuits and socks beneath the drysuit. suMMer Time now for boat rods and breakout weights, Clothing is reduced to gloves, handwarmers and bib and brace, wetsuits flasks of coffee. Worms and maybe just a pair of and squid are down and shorts. static bait fishing the wait begins for the targets hounds, rays and thumping nod of cod. tope as the sea flattens and water clears, bringing forecasts are studied, mackerel and bass to whiting ease off, dogfish feather and lure. are long gone, with bites fewer but better. Lighter gear, spinning rods and baitcasters shorter sessions are are weapons of choice the norm as the beaches for most. fish-finders fill up with shelters and show blocks of mackerel lamps. Then it’s the new moving in, and jigging over year, and slowly things start to improve. your fishing year 47

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