4 NEWS
Angling Times Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 12-18 News extra Week boost
Five bests in a night Steve Grantham broke his tench personal best no fewer than five times during an action-packed overnight session at a Cambridgeshire pit, with this 9lb specimen proving the pick of a ten-fish haul. After spending several weeks prebaiting a spot neglected by other anglers at the venue, the production manager from Somersham, near Huntingdon, began his session at 4pm and received his first bite at midnight, resulting in an 8lb male tench. Over the next three hours Steve, who had a previous pb of 8lb 4oz, experienced virtually non-stop action as a succession of fish showed a liking for his boilie hookbaits.
Cat power Double ton Two English anglers are jetting off to Spain in an attempt to land 1,000lb of catfish in six days to raise money for charity. Paul Dewar (42) and Phil Hilton (46) from Banbury will tackle the River Ebro with Catmaster tours on July 12, and the pair are appealing for donations. All monies raised will be d i v ide d b e t we e n t he Flore nce Ni g ht i n g a le Hospice in Aylesbury, and the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust in Yateley, Hampshire. Donations can be made via the website www.just giving.com/pauldewar
A 234lb net of carp was the highlight of a four-hour evening match at famous Yorkshire commercial fishery Hayfield Lakes. The catch fell to local Doncaster angler Stuart Greg, who took a succession of big carp to 15lb from sw im 51 on Island lake, the end peg in the match. Stuart targeted the margins with 8m of pole a nd not iced t a i l patterns and swirls in his sh a l low s w i m w it h i n m inutes of sta r t ing feeding. He fished paste on the hook during the Sunday evening contest to take his winning bag.
National Fishing Week – angling’s annual event aimed at increasing participation – has been taken over by the sport’s new governing body, the Angling Trust, it has been announced. It is hoped that the Trust’s eight new regional officers, plus its new marketing and communications team, will help attract more newcomers into the sport when the event takes place between July 24 and August 2. For details of how to participate in NFW 2009 visit www.anglingtrust.net
Gag drive Attempts are underway to get barbaric ‘pike gags’ removed from the internet auction site ebay. The devices are used to keep a pike’s mouth open while it can be unhooked, but can dislocate jaws and damage teeth. Mark Barrett, secretary of the Pike Anglers Club, said the organisation had contacted tackle companies several years ago and all but managed to get them removed from sale. “They seem to be creeping back in, perhaps due to people forgetting. Gags are completely unnecessary and the PAC would like to see the end of them,” said Mark.
Tackle stolen Disabled pensioner and angling fanatic Leslie Martin has been left unable to indulge in his favourite hobby after a thief stole his tackle from the back of his mobility scooter last week. The 64-year-old had just finished fishing a canal near Brierley Hill, West Midlands, when the thief made off with his pole and fold-away chair. Anyone with information should contact Stourbridge Police on 0845 1135000.
Otter battle
Meet our new mower Cudmore Fisheries Arena Pool, the showcase lake for the Fish O’Mania Final, will have its island vegetation kept prim and proper this year not by petrol strimmers – but by a goat! The Saanen billy goat is now a permanent resident on the island at the Whitmore fishery, having the run of the island and his own hut for shelter. However, Cudmore boss Cyril Brewster isn’t stopping there. He’s also planning to send a mate across by boat to keep the old boy happy. “The goat is an eco-friendly way of keeping the grass and reeds down,” Cyril laughed. “The only problem is he has a tendency to escape. When we first put him out there he swam back across in the middle of a club match!”
A number of fisheries in the Norfolk area have taken steps to protect their waters from otters via a series of fence-building programmes. Martham Angling Club’s pits, close to the River Thurne, were one of the first to benefit after £2,000 was spent on materials to build the otter-proof mesh. Burgh Castle Fishery, at Great Yarmouth, has also carried out work with no external help, as has Holly Farm Fishery at South Walsham.
A fistful of £1 coins buys you all the kit you need (but is it any good?) �� Store stirs up a storm with £1 range of tackle By Ben Miles ben.miles@bauermedia.co.uk
A popular high street discount store has revealed that its sales of £1 per item fishing tackle have increased 100 per cent in the past year. Bosses at Poundland admitted it has been ‘astounded’ at the sheer demand and popularity of its relaunched line of tackle, which it believes is helping to introduce thousands of anglers to the sport. But the boast has angered many influential people within angling, especially those in the tackle trade who think that offering ‘budget’ gear will not only take vital business away from tackle shops, but could also turn people away from f ishing by prov iding a sub-standard experience. Playing an F1 carp on my 4ft rod – hairy stuff!
The discount store’s new ‘Get Fishing’ brand includes not only rods, reels and terminal tackle, but also feed and hooker pellets. Cha rlot te Wilson, t rad ing controller of seasonal events for Poundland revealed that the company is currently considering expanding the £1 range over the next 12 months. “Our tackle is f lying off the shelves and is one of our most popular product lines. We’ve worked on this range with a supplier who’s an experienced angler, and he ensures us that the gear we sell is the best available for the price and is of sufficient quality for youngsters to catch a decent stamp of fish. People have realised that fishing is a cheap, fun and highly accessible sport and we will continue to give them what they want.” Poundland’s success suggests that there are many young anglers
out there who believe ‘the cheaper the better’ when it comes to tackle. However, established figures within the sport have been quick to point out that adopting such a belief is a ‘false economy’, and that the low quality of tackle on offer at cut-price stores will fail the test of time. Shaun Hammonds is general manager at Bennetts of Sheffield, one of the most successful and longest-running tackle shops in the UK. While he is all for making angling readily accessible to the public on a financial basis, he is adamant that u si ng t ac k le f rom shops l i ke Pou nd la nd i s not t he way to introduce new blood into fishing. “It’s clear that this gear isn’t going to last, and if a rod or reel breaks as soon as a young lad gets it out of the packet he’s just going to throw it away and pick up his PlayStation. Tell me how that is good for fishing?” said Shaun. “Budget tackle is a great way to get people into angling and we pride ourselves on putting together quality, affordable starter kits for beginners. If the tackle is right and they catch fish, they’ll come back.
NEWS 5
Angling Times Tuesday, May 12, 2009
GET ONLINE
www.gofishing.co.uk
�� HAVE YOUR SAY
What do you think about overstocking? Visit www.gofishing.co.uk/fishing forums
�� All the latest news
Catch fishing’s biggest stories as they break at: www.gofishing.co.uk/news
How it performed
advertorial
TIP OF THE WEEK
time to get out the shock stikk
Ben bought his kit from Peterborough Poundland.
Ben Miles kitted himself out for a session at a local commercial fishery. Here’s what he got for £8: Rod: 4ft 4in telescopic glassfibre ‘Get Fishing’ model. Performance: Very stiff, and casting rigs any deeper than 4ft was difficult. Within 30 minutes of fishing I’d caught two tench of around 2lb and two small F1 carp. Reel: ‘Get Fishing’ fixed spool. Performance: It came loaded with 7lb line, but was under-spooled. Drag and bail-arm worked okay. Line: 200m of Get Fishing mono for £1 (100m each of 15lb and 7lb). Performance: No fine diameters available, but the 7lb variety certainly did a job. Landing net head: Collapsible net head with a 38cm diameter. Performance: Fine for my 2lb tench, but anything larger might cause problems.
Money well spent, or is cheap tackle from Poundland a false economy?
Hooks & swivels: 25 assorted hooks and 25 swivels in a pack. Performance: Unfortunately, I couldn’t use the hooks because they were too big and all barbed. Bait box: Capacity of 2.5 pints. Performance: No complaints.
“The right advice as regards setting up your tackle, the right waters to fish and the do’s and don’ts of angling are as important as the gear we sell. Tackle shops can provide all of this, whereas Poundland and co fail miserably.” Despite Shaun’s concerns, which are shared by most in the fishing industry, the fact remains that as long as sales continue to rise, bargain stores will continue to stock fishing tackle. According to Angling Trust chief executive Mark Lloyd, it’s an issue the sport must address. “A tackle shop can be a very daunting place for a beginner to go, so I think that to have a bit of fishing gear in places where the general public do their everyday shopping can only be a good thing,” said Mark. “However, the Trust is going to do it’s damndest to try to work with shops like Poundland in the future to ensure that the people that make purchases are directed to tackle shops to get proper advice and guidance, so that they stay in the sport.”
This is a view shared by Angling Trade Association chairman Sean O’Driscoll, who said: “We can’t stop these shops selling tackle, so all we can realistically do is ensure that traditional tack le outlets are accessible to all and offer great deals and advice for beginners. Hopefully, when those who have bought tackle from budget outlets are looking to move to the next level, we can pick up the baton.” This 2lb tench tested the tackle to the limit.
Bite Alarm: Get Fishing bite alarm. Performance: Didn’t instil me with great confidence. Poorly made and came with a bizarre line clip facility. Pellets: Elite 4mm feed pellets. Performance: They all sank well and after feeding for a few minutes the fish soon showed an interest. Conclusion: I was genuinely surprised at how much tackle I got for my £8, even if the outlet I visited didn’t have any floats, split shot or suitable hooks for the job. In the end, however, I can only see it being suitable as a starter kit for very small children under the guidance of an adult. I think the reason I caught on the set-up was thanks to the quality of the venue and the hooks-to-nylon, float and shot I picked up from my local tackle shop. If I had to make a decision between spending £8 at Poundland or £30 in a tackle shop and walking out with vital advice, plus a starter kit bearing reputable, reliable brands, I know which one I’d choose.
Pensioner’s double John Prescott (72) enjoyed a session to remember when he broke two personal bests in the space of an hour with an 8lb 6oz tench and a 47lb 8oz catfish. The Lymm AC member targeted each species at his local Crabmill Flash, in Sandbach, Cheshire, and his tench rod, baited with a corn and maggot cocktail, was the first to go. Just 60 minutes later John couldn’t believe his luck when he received a screaming run on a large lump of meat offered on his cat rod. A 20-minute tug of war ensued before the pensioner was able to slip the net under a 47lb 8oz catfish, the largest reported from Crabmill since the club took over the venue two years ago.
The Shock Stikk from Middy is the only tool specifically designed to quickly catch big carp from the margins. At this time of year the use of this wonder stick can result in prolific weights.
This revolutionary 22 elastic-rated 3m power weapon is an out-andout bagging machine – there have been catches of up to 661lb using the Shock Stikk.
Drugs cast Lake toxins The discovery of a 14ft rod a nd re e l out side t he perimeter fence of Ranby Prison in Notts has helped to solve the mystery of how inmates are managing to get their hands on drugs. Accord i ng to pr ison sources, people outside the jail were using the rod to supply a range of illegal substances to the criminals inside by casting packages attached to lead weighs on to the window ledges of cell blocks, where they could be recovered. The s c a m w a s on ly uncovered after a prison off icer tripped over a leng t h of l i ne du r i ng a routine perimeter check.
A rare natural phenomenon is thought to be responsible for the fish kill at Scotland’s Lake of Menteith, reported in last week’s AT. After another week of sampling on water and dead fish, experts from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are still uncertain of the exact cause, but are investigating the possibility that the production of toxins by naturally occurring b ac te r i a cou ld b e to blame. Fishery manager Quint Glen reports that f ish deaths have ceased, but he has nevertheless decided to keep the venue closed until further notice.
Surprise 4lb perch “This is exactly why fishing is such a great sport – you never really know what to expect.” That was the reaction from Robert Steele after he landed this 4lb 11oz perch during a small 12-peg club match at Whitmore Fisheries in his home county of Lancashire. After struggling with long pole tactics due to strong winds for most of the contest, the 47-year-old’s decision to fish his marginal swim with a piece of worm for the last hour proved an inspired one. The huge fish helped secure him second place in the match, and was beaten to the bank with the aid of 5lb line straight through to a size 18 hook.
With spigot-joint system and ‘x’ grip rubber handle, its power has made it controversial with some, because you just strike, hold and pull ‘em in. But it has proven it has a place, and in the right hands offers a safe way to land big carp. Middy also gets points for including safe usage instructions.
The Shock Stikk is unique, super strong, elasticated and readyto-go. You just need to team up the Shock Stikk with a powerful pole rig from the excellent Middy hair-rigged range, and you are ready for subduing some big carp. A 1.5m extension is now available separately.
winning NUMBER Match this number to those on Middy swingtickets and win! For further details check out
www.middytackle.com
834524
40 SEA FISHING
Angling Times Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Coast-lines
It’s time to hit the pier! �� reach the deeps from red-hot piers By Paul Fenech paul.fenech@bauermedia.co.uk
Now that summer is nearly here, you may f ind catching a f ish in the shallow, clear water close to shore a little tricky. This doesn’t mean you should give up, though, because sometimes a shift in venue is all it takes to find the fish. A great tip is to head to your nearest pier, where a short cast can put your bait into deeper, cooler water. Some species like to hang around
the foundations of a pier wall, where there is plenty of food for them to feed on. Shrimp, crabs and smaller fish are a good food source to keep the bigger species interested around piers. For anglers who aren’t able to blast a bait a long way from the beach, then a pier is a perfect platform from which to have some good sport. Piers that have mixed to rough ground will offer the chance to catch codling, pollack, wrasse and bass, while the smoother ground will see flatfish such as flounders, dabs and pla ice, a long w it h rays a nd smoothhounds, providing the bulk of the action.
Anglers who prefer to floatfish can target mullet, garf ish, scad and mackerel, with offerings of bread and pieces of fish as hookbaits. A not he r p opu l a r me t ho d of t a rget i ng piers is lu ref ish i ng, especially with spinners at this time of year. A mackerel or bass will readily take a spinner worked on or just off the bottom. Some piers can become crowded in summer – and not just with anglers. Warm, sunny days will draw families out to walk along a pier, so always make sure that the area is clear before casting. You should always expect the unexpected, and by having a drop
net by your side, you stand less chance of losing a big fish as you try to pull it up the side of a pier. Thes
nets are also ideal for returning your catch without having to throw it from a great height! seaham north pIer
top piers to try There are a few in-form piers to try right now, including Deal pier in Kent, Clacton pier in Essex, Seaham North Pier in County Durham, Cromer pier in Norfolk and Roker pier in Tyne and Wear. South Shields pier in South Tyneside produced a 3lb 9oz halibut for one lucky angler last week while he was fishing for plaice. This is believed to be the first shore-caught halibut in the area. Also worth a look are South Parade pier, Southsea, and Southwold pier in Suffolk.
Seaham North Pier in County Durham is ideal for people who want to reach deep water without the need for a massive chuck.
20 east preston This picturesque shingle on to sand beach has a few rough patches in the shallows but runs for over half-a-mile, so there is plenty of space to catch dogfish, smoothhounds and the odd flounder. This mark will even give you the chance of a stingray. A two to three-hook flapper with peeler crab is best for the rays, with mackerel strip for everything
else. Short neap tides will give the best results. The weed on the daylight high should be avoided, but colour in the water makes for a good day’s fishing. From Worthing, head south on the A259 Chapel Road to Littlehampton. At the roundabout, take the second exit on to the B2140 Old Worthing road, turn left at Roundstone Lane and follow along the B2140, turning left at the station
and right at Vicarage Lane. Prime Angling, Worthing, 01903 821594
21 southsea South Parade pier is privately owned and offers plenty of amusements, but the main one is the fishing, with blonde rays to 4lb, bass, mackerel, garfish and bream – and the smoothhounds are yet to come! Try a three-hook flapper or running leger baited with mackerel strip or ragworm. The smoothhounds will be wanting peeler crab. East to West will give the best results. Day tickets are £2.50 but alas, the best time to fish is the evening when it’s a bit more expensive. Head to Southsea from the M275 and you can’t miss the pier. Lock Stock & Tackle, Southsea, 02392 812478
22 cowes, Iow At Egypt Point, a short cast of 60yds will put your bait into deep water, but avoid this mark during large spring ebb tides, when weed can make fishing impossible. With grip leads, smoothhounds, dogfish and pouting will bite all day, but you have to be early for the bass. If you wait for the evening, the odd sole may make an appearance. From Cowes, follow the signs to the sea front, which may be referred to as Egypt Point.
Scotties, Sandown, 01983 522115
23 stokes Bay Stokes Bay provides a wonderful setting at this time of year. The unspoilt coastline has stunning views across the Solent and English Channel to the Isle of Wight. This shallow beach runs all the way to the point at Browndown, where it’s much deeper. This is one of the preferred night marks in the area with thornback rays, dogfish and smoothhounds into double figures to be had. Recommended is a clipped-down rig with a hook no smaller than a 2/0. Peeler crabs, sandeels and worms are the bait of choice, and make the most of the tides two hours up and two hours down. Take care not to flash your headlights into the surf, as this will scupper your chances of the bigger bass. From the M27 via the ramp to Fareham/Southampton (Junction 11), take the A27 exit to the A32 at Wallington Roundabout, the first exit on to the A27 to Gosport, A32 Fareham Central then right at A27 Eastern Way. At the roundabout, take the first exit on to the A32 Gosport Road and go through three roundabouts. Turn left at Haslar Road, left at Clayhall Road then right at Fort Road, turning left at Military Road. The mark is on the left. Allan’s Marine, Portsmouth, 02392 671833
24 lulworth cove This is one of the most beautiful marks to fish. The shingle is shallow here and produces wrasse, bass and bream (if you want to go over the hill you’ll find pollack, mackerel, bream and the odd conger in the evenings). Ragworm and lugworm tipped with squid on a paternoster will give the best results during the day, while in the evening you’d be best to try a long-range clipped-down pulley rig on the rising tide. From Poole, take the A352 then the B3071 – this will take you straight into the cove. Swanage Angling Centre, 01929 424989
25 weymouth The Stone Pier is a breakwater which protects the entrance to Weymouth harbour. This is a popular year-round sea angling site currently producing good numbers of mackerel and pollack, if you fancy floatfishing. A wishbone rig baited with ragworm will get the wrasse and flounders. Spinning in the harbour should attract the shoals of thin-lipped mullet. Even silver eels to 6lb are biting here. There is also the pleasure pier here, but is worth mentioning that ‘in the interests of public safety’ feathering for mackerel is not allowed in this area. It’s best to park at the North Fort and walk to the pier.
Weymouth Angling Centre, 01305 777771
26 teIgnmouth This estuary remains the most productive in Britain for flatties in the 3lb and over class. At the end of the estuary, where Teignmouth is closest to Sholden, there is great bass fishing. The shoals gather at high tide. Best baits would be peeler and soft crab or ragworm. The Teign (Teignmouth side) is signposted off the A380 at Kingsteignton, roughly 11 miles from the M5 coming from Bristol. For the Shaldon side, carry straight on across the motorway bridge to Penn Inn roundabout. Go sharp left, signposted Milber, and carry straight on. The river is on your left. Devon Angling Centre, 01548 580001
27 east portlemouth East Portlemouth is situated on the eastern flank of the Salcombe Estuary. This quiet and sleepy estuary offers some great fishing, with plaice and the odd small-eyed ray to be had during the day, and garfish, mackerel and soles in the evening – you will not be disappointed. Clipped-down flapper rigs with ragworm tipped with squid or cockles on the flood tides will give you the best opportunities. From
Kingsbridge, follow the A381 to Chillington. From Chillington, take a right turn and then follow the winding
SEA FISHING 41
Angling Times Tuesday, May 12, 2009
GET ONLINE
www.gofishing.co.uk 42 cleveleys Five Bar Gate is an estuary mark with plenty of bass, flounder and plaice and even the odd whiting knocking about. Fish peeler crabs and lug on a Pennell up and over rig. From Blackpool, head north past Cleveleys to Fleetwood, keep going until you get to the cinema, and park in the car park. West Coast Tackle, 01253 851001
28 Porthallow Porthallow is a small, unspoilt fishing village situated on the east coast of the Lizard Peninsula, with everything from the spectacular grandeur of the craggy coastline, dramatically swept by Atlantic rollers, to the still waters of tiny creeks and inlets leading to the Helford River. Mackerel, dogfish, garfish and conger eels are plentiful. Floatfish with sandeels for the mackerel and garfish, or try a pulley rig for the congers – anything over high tide will give the best outcome. From the A394 take the A3083 heading towards the Lizard, then the B3299 will take you straight to the coast. The Tackle Box, Falmouth, 01326 315849
worthing
cowes
29 mevagissey
30 st ives This fantastic rocky mark fishes best from about an hour into the flood to the start of the ebb. On the flood tide, mackerel, garfish and the odd plaice will all take sandeel or lugworm on pulley rig. From the A30 take the A3074 and head for the Island car park. West Cornwall Angling, Penzance, 01736 362363
31 stratford Point The point north-east of Padstow known as Crugmeer, on the estuary, is offering great sport. You can floatfish or maybe spin with sandeels and lures to make the most of the large number of mackerel, or try legering for plaice and small-eyed ray. The last three hours of the ebb and first two of the flood are favourable. The A389 from Padstow becomes the B3276 at Treator – take the right-hand turning and follow this through Crugmeer until you can go no further. Walk the last five minutes on the left-hand side of the fork, and this will take you to the point. Padstow Angling Supplies, 01841 532762
32 ilfracombe Capstone Point is a good rocky mark with great ledges to fish from. Bass, dogfish, eels, wrasse and mackerel are coming in to take ragworm tipped with squid and mackerel strip. Best tides are two hours up and one down. This is not the best mark for novice rock anglers as the state of the sea can change rapidly. Once in Ilfracombe, head for the flagpole on the western side. Variety Sports, Ilfracombe, 01271 862039
We’ve got loads of them only at www.gofishing.co.uk/wheretofish
tide radar courtesy of easy tide
B-roads to Chivelstone, then Goodshelter and finally East Portlemouth. For more information go to www.anglingcentre.net Devon Angling Centre, 01548 580001
Mevagissey harbour may be small, but it gives perfect access for fishing from the harbour wall. The mackerel are here in good numbers, and a few bass can be found here, too. A float rig baited with frozen sandeels on a high tide should give you the best results. Take the B3273 from St Austell, and Mevagissey is signposted all the way. Mevagissey Shark & Angling Centre, 01726 843430
�� find more marks
33 burnham-on-sea The beach runs all the way down to Brean Down and can throw up some very big fish, particularly as the area has deep gulleys in the estuary. Thornback rays into double figures have been taken on peeler crab and bass, with codling, flounders and small whiting preferring ragworm tipped with squid on a Pennell pulley. Best tides are three hours up and one down. Take the M5 south and come off at Junction 22. At the first roundabout, turn left on the A38 towards Highbridge, go over the railway bridge, then turn left signposted Burnham-on-Sea. There is a petrol station on the left where you turn left and follow the road to the sea front, which offers plenty of parking Veals, 01278 786934
34 Porthcawl Situated adjacent to Porthcawl harbour, the town breakwater is a productive year-round venue. It is best fished three and four hours either side of high water, depending on the size of the tide. Dogfish, small-eyed rays and the first of the smoothhounds are biting on sandeels, mackerel strip and peeler crab on multi-hook rigs – they don’t want more then a size 2/0 hook. Anglers should not fish here during heavy seas, as large waves and swells can break over the top of the breakwater. Exit the M4 at Junction 37 and follow the signs for Porthcawl. When you get to the roundabout outside the town, follow the signs for the seafront. The harbour and breakwater cannot be missed. There is usually ample parking space, although summer parking can be a problem. Garry Evans Tackle, Newport, 01633 855086
35 loughor There is good fishing at this Swansea venue, with plenty of bass, flounders and mullet. A two-hook flapper or running leger rig baited with maddies or peeler crab should do the job. The most
popular area is the Greenbanks on the Llanelli side of the river, but anglers use the sand both sides of the river to fish between the road and railway bridges. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare at this venue on a good tide, so set up early as you can get a good outcome fishing three hours up and two down. Exit the M4 at Junction 47 and head towards Gorseinon. Access to the river is possible at several locations near the railway and road bridges. Anglers Corner, Llanelli, 01554 773981
36 tenby Tenby south beach is the larger of the two beaches here and runs in a southerly direction from the town to Giltar Point. Bass, bream, flounders and gurnards are all present, and the mackerel are moving in. A pulley Pennell rig for the bass, baited with peeler crab, razorfish or black lugworm, or a two-hook flapper for the flounders, will bring a happy conclusion. Once again fishing during the hours of darkness is by far the most productive for flounders, dogfish and bass. Fishing from St Catherine’s, a small tidal island offshore, is prohibited as the island is privately owned. Take the M4 from Cardiff to Swansea, then make for Carmarthen on the A48 and then take the A477 for Tenby. From the centre of town at Tudor Square, near to St Mary’s Church, follow the main road through the town, passing the Lifeboat Tavern on your left, and continue towards St Julian Street to the square above the harbour Tenby Angling, 01834 844430
37 wooltack Point Wooltack Point is perfectly situated on the Saint Brides peninsula, a first-class rock mark producing a good mix of catches, from wrasse, mackerel and pollack to dogfish and conger eels. Pulley rigs will be good for all species except the mackerel, which prefer
43 morecambe Now with smaller tides, this week’s hotspot would be the stone jetty, which fishes best from an hour-and-a-half before high water and the same again after. Lots of small bass are now being caught, as well as plenty of flatfish. Best baits are peeler crab or fresh lug tipped with mackerel. Gerry’s of Morecambe, 01524 422146
feathers. The evenings are most fruitful. Take the B4327 and follow all the National Trust signs, which will lead you straight to the car park. Anglers Corner, Milford Haven, 01646698899
38 clarach beach Clarach Bay in Ceredigion is solely a holiday resort with a safe, sheltered beach and plenty of rocky ledges to fish from. It’s best to try floatfishing with a prawn bait for the large numbers of bass. From Aberystwyth take the B4572 north to Clarach Bay, then follow all the signs to the caravan park. Abertackle, Aberystwyth, 01970 611200
39 Porthmadoc Situated on the northern side of the Lleyn peninsula, Trefor pier offers year-round fishing with easy access. Fishing is from the end of a small pier that connects to the harbour wall. Smoothhounds, dogfish and the occasional bass are all to be had. Lugworm or ragworm on a two to three-hook flapper on low water, two hours up and two down, will give the best results. There is only a moderate run of tide, so light tackle can be used. The ground is mixed sand and rock. Take the A499 Pwllheli road south from Caernarfon and turn right at the Trefor sign, following signs to the beach. At the top on the right is a car park. Just walk 100yds up the concrete ramp to the end, where the pier begins. Most anglers head for the end, but flatfish – plaice, in particular – are best sought along the first half of the pier. Flint’s Tackle, 01352 730035
40 ravens Point This rocky outcrop on Anglesey is producing good numbers of wrasse and pollack. The recommended rig would be a three-hook clipped-down set-up baited with mackerel strip, sandeel or peeler crab and cast 40yds two hours before low tide up to high water. If it’s bright, go at night! At high tide, there is no land visible at the high water mark. At low tide, however, there are some rocks visible just beyond this outcrop. Head towards Treaddur Bay on the B4545, take the second right to Holyhead, and Ravens Point is on this road. Winnies Worms, Holyhead, 01407 760303
41 seaforth Along Alexandra Dock wall, thornback rays are biting on sandeels, squid and mackerel strip on a Pennell rig. However, there are plenty of flatties and whiting to be had if you try a two to three-hook flapper. You will be fishing directly into deep water, and if you do manage to hook anything large a drop net is a good thing to have, as you will be fishing at a drop of about 20ft. It is probably best to avoid large tides at this venue as the current can be extremely strong and will only hamper your fishing. From Liverpool, head west on the A580 (Hunter Street) towards the A59 (Byrom Street), then right. Turn left at Leeds Street (A5053) which becomes the A565 Great Howard Street, and turn left at Strand Road. Taskers Angling, 0151 260 6015
44 Port carlisle This area of the Solway is shallow salt marsh fringed with grass banks. Founder and eels are here in good numbers, and peeler crabs or ragworm tipped with mackerel on a two to three-hook flapper should give you the top yields. Best tides 2½ hours up and one down, anything from 8.5m to 9m. Take the B5307 from Carlisle town centre and half-a-mile later turn right along Burgh Road, signposted Burgh and Bowness. This leads to Port Carlisle via several villages. There is a small car park at the Glasson corner and roadside parking the full length of the venue. Graham’s Gun & Tackle, 01900 605093
45 PortPatrick
Plymouth
bristol
Yellow Isle is a great rocky mark producing good pollack, plaice and codling, all taking ragworm and sandeel on a two-hook flapper. A size 2/0 hook is recommended. From Stranraer, the A77(M) will take you straight to Portpatrick. Turn right at Heugh Road to the monument park at the edge of the golf course, and it’s a 10 to 15-minute walk over a steep hill (not a mark for the faint-hearted). The Sports Shop, Stranraer, 01776 702705
46 dunure A picturesque little fishing village on the Carrick coast of South Ayrshire, Dunure looks out to the Firth of Clyde. The harbour is the perfect place to fish for the large numbers of codling and coalfish – try mackerel strip or sandeel, floatfished from the rocks. From the A719 south of Ayr, follow signs to the Electric Brae, and Dunure is halfway between. Gamesport, Ayr, 01292 263822
tenby
47 wemyss bay Red Rock is a mark that lives up to its name and it may be a bit snaggy, but it will reward the fruits of your labours with pollack and garfish, and it can’t be long before the mackerel come in, because the gannets have been diving for them for days not that far offshore. Ragworm on a Pennell rig would be the most tactic suitable here at the moment. From Greenock follow the signs for Port Glasgow (not to be confused with the city). The mark should be signposted from there. The Fishing Shop, Greenock, 01475 888085
liverPool
48 gualachulain Gualachulain is at the far end of Loch Etive, the saltwater loch, and one of the most scenic places you will ever fish. Spurdogs, whiting and dogfish can all be enticed to take mackerel strip and sandeels on a two to three-hook flapper. To reach the mark from Oban, head north on the A816 Soroba road and at the roundabout, take the third exit on to the A85 for Aird’s Place. Take the right at A828, and exit on to the A82 for Crianlarich – this will lead you straight to the car park. Anglers Corner, 01631 566374
caught a good sea fish? email your catch Pics to: yourweek@anglingtimes.co.uk
stranraer