Sea Angler - November 2024 UK

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NOVEMBER 2024
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ISSUE 641
HOW UNDERSTANDING WIND

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FIND OUT MORE
WELCOME
ISSUE 641 NOVEMBER 2024
HOW TO CONTACT US: EDITORIAL
sa.ed@kelsey.co.uk
Editor
David Mitchell
Contributing Editor
I
n June I was invited to the Dave Lewis
Florida Keys to sample the Email: david.lewis21@hotmail.com
fishing in the sportfishing Art Editor
WIN A
capital of the world. I loved
it and the fishing was spectacular.
You can read about one of my
Mark Hyde
CONTRIBUTORS: Ben Bassett, Lasse Bøe,
‘backcountry’ fishing trips in the
Everglades National Park on page
12. Now Sea Angler has been there,
TRIP TO Henry Gilbey, Rodney Goodship, Liam Gunn,
Chris Kennedy, Dave Lewis, Tim Macpherson, Roger Munro,
Brian Pask, Simon Smith, Mike Thrussell, Phill Williams, Jim Whippy
it’s your chance to win the fishing

holiday of a lifetime: we are offering FLORIDA! Write to: Sea Angler, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, The Granary,
Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 6AL
one lucky reader the chance to win
a four-night trip for two people to
SEE PAGE 18 ADVERTISING
Talk Media Ltd
the Florida Keys, including two David Lerpiniere, tel: 01732 445326
chartered fishing trips, worth nearly Email: david@talk-media.uk
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us made our way out to sea off the
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MARKETING
Roger Munro looks into the lifecycle Jigging lures in shallow water using Director of Operations: Gill Lambert
and habits of the conger eels before very light tackle we had great fun Retail Director: Steve Brown
providing his top tips to help you for a few hours catching bass and Subscription Director: Kevin McCormick
catch a big eel from the shore. mackerel, and simply enjoying being Senior Subs Marketing Manager: Nick McIntosh
PRODUCTION
Read his feature on page 20. Shore out on the water watching the rain Print Production/Distribution Liaison Manager:
specimen hunter Lasse Bøe explains clouds come and go in the distance. Georgina Harris, email: georgina.harris@kelsey.co.uk
how to use mussels as bait for a With a few fish in the coolbag we Print Production Controller:
variety of species, starting on page headed for home and all agreed we’d Hayley Brown, email: hayley.brown@kelsey.co.uk
six, while Tim Macpherson gets try and do it again sometime when Distribution: Great Britain – Seymour Distribution Limited
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pitch jigging, starting on page 50. to remember to ask them out again
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This month we also start two new if I was going fishing anytime soon. MANAGEMENT
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soothe the soul. If you can share it permission to reproduce them must have been obtained from the owner of the
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SEE KELSEYmedia
PAGE
26 3
CONTENTS Cover picture by Ben Stockley
CONTENTS
SUBSCRIB
TOD A Y
OUR OFFE RS
CK O UT UE
CHE
NE VER M ISS AN I S
S
AND 26
SEE PAGE BOAT ANGLER 64 SPECIES HUNTING
Dave Lewis explains how to add the
SHORE ANGLER 46 LIVING THE leopard spotted goby to your 2024

species tally.
DREAM
6 MAGNIFICENT Ever dreamed about becoming
MUSSELS
a professional fishing guide
in Norway? One young man
SEA SCHOOL
Shore specimen expert Lasse Bøe explains how he turned the
explains how, when, and why you dream into a reality. 66 Q&A
should be using mussels to make Seven pages of expert answers to
your autumn fishing awesome. your piscatorial problems across
50 DOING THE JIG shore, boat, lure and LRF fishing.
12 DAVID & Tim Macpherson takes a
GOLIATH
masterclass in slow pitch
jigging tactics, tackle and lures
74 COACHING
Coach Brian reports back from the
Sea Angler’s editor heads to the aboard Matt Forrester’s Silver South Coast on a month to remember
Florida Keys to try backcountry Halo charters. – for all the right reasons!
fishing in the Everglades
National Park.
56 DAVE’S DIARIES
18 WIN A TRIP
Dave Lewis recalls another
tale from his lifetime of fishing.
TACKLE
TO FLORIDA This month: bream fishing with
Bollywood royalty! 76 FIRST LOOK
Don’t miss your chance to win Tickle your tackle-buying tastebuds
an incredible bucket list fishing with this month’s selection of
holiday to the sportfishing 58 SEA ANGLER’S the best new gear on the market,
paradise of the Florida Keys.
TOP 10 TECH including Tronixpro’s new Xenon
C-6 reel.
20 SHORE CONGER GADGETS FOR
Dr Roger Munro delves into BOAT FISHING 78 BEST IN CLASS
the lifecycle and habits of the
fearsome conger eel before SAFELY Chris Kennedy lays out the case for
why the Daiwa BG MQ is the best
providing his science-based Tim Macpherson looks at new mid-priced, heavy-duty, fixed spool
tips on how to bag big eels from technology in boat safety and reel available to sea anglers.
the shore. we provide the top 10 tech
gadgets to keep you safe.
28 TALES FROM
55
THE TIDELINE
Simon Smith looks into the why
anglers form clubs and the skills
he gained being a member of a
local club.
32 WHY WIND
MATTERS
In the first of his new series
on watercraft Mike Thrussell
explains why understanding
wind is an essential skill to be a
successful angler.
34 MISSION
ACCOMPLISHED
Six pages of your best specimen
catches from the past month.
Have you made it in and which
fish have won this month’s top
20
shore and boat prizes?
40 YOUNG RODS
Our celebration of the next
generation of anglers and their
top catches over the last month.
4 SEA ANGLER ISSUE 641

ISSUE 641 NOVEMBER 2024
ON SALE OCTOBER 11TH – NOVEMBER 7TH
12
80 SPOOLIGAN
SPECIAL
Liam Gunn takes a close look at three
new products in Spooligan’s range
of fishing accessories: the Holsta,
Adapta and Grippa.
84 TAKE REEL CARE

Seigler reels servicing rep in the
UK, Rodney Goodship, provides an
expert guide to looking after and
maintaining your reels for long-term
peak performance.
86 SOUTHAMPTON
BOAT SHOW 2024
Tim Macpherson reports back from
Southampton with a round-up of
the most interesting new products
for boat fishing launched at this
year’s show.
88 WHIPPY’S WORLD
Jim reports back from a month of
mixed success from shore and boat
excursions and the arrival of bluefin
tuna in Sussex waters.
92 YOU SHOULD
HAVE BEEN HERE
YESTERDAY…
Phill Williams looks back at the
development of GPS and explains
why boat anglers owe a debt of
gratitude to the world’s most famous
mathematical genius!
MATCH ANGLER
96 WHAT’S ON
Fill your diary with upcoming Penn
Sea League registered match dates
for October and November.
97 PENN SEA LEAGUE

Who’s on top in the UK’s biggest and
best shore sea league? Check out the
www.facebook.com/seaanglermag latest leader board, this month’s top
@TheSeaAngler @seaanglermag point scorers and who’s won this
month’s prize.
SEA ANGLER ISSUE 641 5

SHORE ANGLER Words and
Photography by
LASSE BØE
Lasse Bøe provides a masterclass in finding, preparing, and using one of

his favourite fish-catching baits: the humble mussel
M
any anglers are unsure about
using mussels as bait but I can’t
fault them. They can be
challenging to harvest in big
enough numbers to use efficiently through a
session and shelling them can be a pain in the
backside. Don’t get me started on how the
slippery, gooey, stuff can be put on a hook!
Hopefully, you will pick up a few tricks about
how to use this brilliant bait, because that’s
what they are at catching fish: brilliant!
MUSSEL DISCOVERY
I find great pleasure in gathering my own
bait. I love fishing for mackerel to target
congers, ling and cod, I cherish walking the
shoreline looking for lugworm castings and
find cast netting for sprats both entertaining
and challenging. Mussel foraging is another
element and plays a big role in my specimen
angling. As a bait, mussels are second to
none and will catch a wide variety of species
from hard fighting cod to picky lemon sole.
Sometimes mussels can be picked straight
from the beach, laying amongst lugworm
castings and pieces of kelp. Clean beaches
seem to be pick up lesser numbers of
mussels, while the mixed grounded beaches
are what you are looking for. I rarely find
any big numbers of mussels here, but I
always pick some when I dig for worms.
However, bear in mind, restraint is as always
a crucial aspect of both fishing and foraging
and is just as important when taking a few
mussels from a small colony.
Over the last couple of years I have
learned a lot about digging for ragworms on
Norwegian beaches. Here in Viking-land I
have never been able to identify the beaches
where the ragworms thrive, until the worm
whisperer of Skarnsundet – Mr Paul Leepy
Lee – made me aware of the importance of
mussel beds close by. And as soon I
discovered the mussel-holding beaches, I
started discovering more ragworm locations
as well.
However, floating docks are the true gold
mine when you want bigger numbers of
mussels. Through a year I use many pounds
of mussels as bait and I pick them from
various floating docks. This is also the first
place I look for them when I arrive at a new
area I have never fished before, as they will
always hold mussels. It just depends on the
size of the mussels. I usually find some
smaller ragworms between the mussels
which makes a great addition to making bait
combos and cocktails.
New floating docks and pontoons are
quickly discarded, though, as the mussels
needs some time to grow to be harvested as
bait. A dream scenario is to find an old
floating dock which no one has paid
attention to for the last 15 years. These
mussels will be enormous! Many of the
newer floating docks are also painted with
anti-fouling to prevent mussels and
barnacles to grow. These docks are usually
SHORE ANGLER
Pay attention to the white

muscles, which holds the two
half-shells together
Using mussels on a flattie rig is like ringing

the kitchen bell for dinner!
located where rich people have their yachts

and sail boats.
Harvesting mussels from floating docks
should meet with no problems from the boat
"As a bait, mussels are second to none and
owners. In fact, they are likely to thank you
for doing it! Over time, the weight of big
mussels is a tremendous challenge for the
will catch a wide variety of species from
floating docks, and many of them are
scraped to prevent them from sinking. I have
a deal with the owner of my local floating
hard fighting cod to picky sole and dabs"
dock who leaves the removal of the mussels Preparing mussels before you go
to me. As a result I have easy access to big fishing saves you time
mussels without the fear of finding my
favourite floating dock scraped and all the
mussels gone.
SHELLING
Given the right conditions, a bucket of
mussels are collected in a matter of minutes.
I tend to pick the biggest mussels I can find:
it takes less effort to shell them to expose
the precious mussel meat. Bigger mussels
also fit better in your hand than the smaller
ones and you need fewer mussels to make a
bait, making it easier and less likely you will
injure yourself.
The knife I use is a custom designed fruit
knife. I have sharpened the backside with a
Dremel tool and used a pair of pliers to nip
off the point of the knife and rounded it off.
Stabbing yourself in the hand while shelling
mussels is a part of the job, so a blunt point
on your knife makes it a little less dangerous!
This mussel tool is brilliant for the job.
The thin blade is easily pushed between the
two shells on the convex side of the mussel.
A slow movement with the blade cuts off the
muscle of the mussel (no pun intended), and
the shell can be pried open.
Lift the blade under the muscle on each
side and cut it free from the shells. The outer
side of the blade is used to scrape out the
meat with cutting. Imagine you are carving
The business end of
the wolfish is perfectly
out the flesh from an avocado or a kiwi and
adapted to crush
you are there. Place the mussel meat
mussels! between pieces of kitchen paper and let it
dry out for an hour or so to firm them up. A
sprinkle of salt over the mussel will draw
even more moisture out. I usually skip this
process as I normally use them straight
away. Zip lock bags are great for storing
mussels and they are excellent for the
freezer. This is why extracting moisture
from is important.
When I am preparing mussels at home
for a session later the same day, I put them
in a small container with a sealed lid and
place kitchen paper both under and over
them. It is important to keep the mussel
meat out of the sun, as the heat will melt
them into a sticky, useless, mess.
MAKING UP A BAIT
Using mussels as bait opens a world of
opportunities and applications; your
imagination sets the standard. It can be
fished as a single bait, combined with other
baits as combo or used as a “coat” to attract
smaller species to your bait. It is the king
of ballan wrasse baits and has the x-factor
that can pick out the fiddliest species when
nothing else works.
When preparing a bait for flatfish, I like
to use my trusty bait needle or better, a
two-pronged device that will stop the mussel
from spinning when you run your bait
elastic around it. One big mussel (or, in fact,
two halves) makes a decent bait that
produces a lot of scent and is a colourful eye-
catcher at the bottom with its changing
colours between orange and black.
Remember, some of the mussel will
disappear as you wind your bait elastic
through it, so it is better to start off with
more mussel than you think you need.
Mussel baits that are heavily elasticated tend
to lose their efficiency rapidly, as the bait
elastic will cut through the mussel meat and
release too much scent. Expect to change
bait often. I prefer medium bait elastic as it
cuts through less than the thinner stuff.
Heavy bait elastic will cut even less, but is
useless to construct fine, delicate baits like
flatfish mussel baits.
A fruit knife with cut-off

point and sharpened on both
sides is a brilliant mussel tool

SHORE ANGLER
For bigger mussel baits, like fishing for

specimen plaice or, here in Norway, wolfish,
a mussel sausage works better. A piece of
1-inch PVC tubular elastic bandage, like
Elastoplast, makes perfect big fish baits. Just
stuff the mussels inside the pipe and pull it
through the mesh, make a granny knot on
each side of the mesh and you are ready to
rock. The mesh takes some of the beating
from the bait elastic and you need far fewer
whippings with the elastic. Here, I use the
heavier stuff and normally just use the elastic
to attach it to the hook rather than whipping
the entire bait.
Mussels in conjunction with other baits is
also worth mentioning, especially a combo of
sandeel and mussel which is a deadly killer
for plaice!
WHAT SPECIES TO EXPECT

Flatfish like plaice, sole, flounder and dabs
are amongst the prime species to target with
mussel baited hooks. In some areas of my
home fishing grounds in Norway I can’t use
them due to too much haddock activity!
In the wintertime I find mussels to be an
outstanding bait for cod. When they are
feeding on crab and other crustaceans over
rough ground mussels will often outfish fish
and even worm baits. Wolfish have a face
that only a mother could love for a reason:
its teeth and jaw muscles are the perfect
tools to crush mussels with. The same goes
for ballan wrasse, which are adapted to
feeding on molluscs with shells like mussels
The hard fighting ballan
and limpets.
wrasse loves mussels
The list of species I would target with
mussel baits is long and it is a classic bottom
feeder bait. As a rule, all the wrasse species hand are easier targeted with a short-
and all the flatfish species are all ticked off as shanked Chinu-pattern, as their mouths are
obvious targets, while predators like turbot quite small. Here I prefer using less bait
and sharks and rays prefer fish baits over elastic as it allows the fish to suck the bait
anything else. That being said, on certain more easily than chewing on a heavy
days, the mussel has proven its worth as an elasticated bait. Due to the small mouth of a
ace up my sleeve for getting the thornback sole, I suggest downscaling the use of bait
rays in feeding mode. elastic to maintain the softness of the bait.
If you haven’t tried out mussels as bait, I
really suggest you do. I bet you will be
RIGGING OPTIONS surprised by the efficiency of the natural
As with any other bait, mussels give plenty scent, the beautiful colours as attractors for
of options on how to bait up and how to inquisitive species and another aspect to
fish. Rigging up with dongle rigs seems to shore angling – keeping the costs down
be a prominent tactic over recent years and, while at the same time using bait you can
as always, choose your hook type to match rely on 100 per cent. ■
what you are targeting. A three-inch dongle
under a 2/0 circle hook is a perfect choice
for most species and has become my go-to
setup when targeting cod and haddock.
The elastic tubular bandage ‘sausage’ with
the two granny knots is the perfect way to
present a bigger mussel bait on a dongle: the
knot on top works as a natural anchor point
for the hook. Just nick the hook under the
knot and it will stay on until you must cut A granny knot on
it off. the mesh sausage
When fishing for flatfish like plaice and makes a perfect
flounders, I prefer the classic Aberdeen- hook hold when
styled hook with a mussel ‘worm’ threaded My favourite bait for lemon sole is… using a dongle rig
on with a baiting needle. Soles on the other you guessed it: mussels!

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SEA ANGLER Words and photography
BY DAVID MITCHELL
Sea Angler editor’s first experience of

fishing in Florida was a hard-earned
lesson in how perseverance pays off, and
why you should never give up!

I
t was only my second morning and I After a day to myself exploring the shore
was still getting acclimatised to the fishing from the bridges that connect the Keys
clinging heat and humidity of July in I was packed and ready for my first day on
the Florida Keys. It was 6am and the the water; it was time to head to the Fisher
sun was still yet to rise, but it was Inn Resort marina in Islamorada and meet
busy in the marina outside my hotel with Captain Alex Monteagudo, owner of Hold
massive, grunting, GM trucks backing huge, Tight Charters, for day one of my Florida
glossy, expensive looking, fishing boats into Keys fishing adventure. The plan was to head
the water – ready for another day in the sport north into the shallow waters of Florida Bay
fishing capital of the world. and the Everglades National Park where we
The first thing that became apparent on my would be light tackle, inshore ‘backcountry’
drive to Islamorada from Miami airport, two fishing for snook, snapper, grouper, redfish,
days before, had been how nearly everything, spotted trout and, if the gods looked
and everyone, seemed to revolve around favourably on us, tarpon.
fishing: the Overseas Highway that leads To give you some context here on the scale of
you from Miami all the way to Key West the Everglades, Florida Bay alone contains 800
was chocked with boats being towed and the square miles of marine waters and mangrove
closer I got to Islamorada the more tackle swamps – it’s a vast, staggeringly beautiful
shops, boat brokers, marinas, charter fishing wilderness to be explored; yet, from a fishing
signs and ‘we cook your catch’ restaurant point of view, much of it is extremely shallow:
signs I saw. Even the fuel stations along the you may be fishing in as little as two feet of water
side of the road advertised live bait for sale despite being many miles from land.
and a fishing T-shirt and a branded cap is
almost compulsory day wear! I was in an
angler’s paradise, and I liked it! ‘GATOR
Our first stop was to hold the boat steady
with the trolling motor, throw out a chum bag
and let Captain Alex get the cast net ready to
catch some pinfish – a very commonly found
member of the bream family – and thread
herring for live baits. Why don’t more anglers
in the UK use casting nets to catch baits?

SEA ANGLER
plenty of wildlife to keep you on your toes,

Captain Alex expertly casts and your toes out of the water!
the net as the sun rises over Bait tank filled, it was time to open up the
the Florida Everglades twin outboards on the 25-foot boat, burn
some fuel, and make our way to the first
mark. We would be fishing very light tackle
tactics with lure rods, fixed spool reels and
weighted foam floats, under which we would
be fishing live baits: simple yet effective.
The mangrove islands create an underwater
network of roots that provide the perfect
nursery habitat for small fish to hide and
feed in. Unsurprisingly, this is why it also
attracts predators who stalk the boundaries
of the underwater forest in search of prey.
The technique is to cast the live bait as close
as possible to the mangrove without casting
too far into the mangrove where, invariably,
it would get snagged and lost. Six inches
too short and you wouldn’t find the fish,
six inches too long and you were snagged in
Manatees are a common sight when fishing
The ice box: an essential item for Florida!

I was pondering this as I watched him
expertly cast the weighted net over a school of
bait fish pecking at the chum slick. The sound
of the net hitting the water disturbed the
early morning routine of a resident alligator
which made its way to a distant mangrove
island to be left in peace. That’s the other
thing that quickly becomes apparent about
the Everglades – the sheer amount of wildlife
around every turn: dolphins, manatees,
turtles, sharks, flamingos and sea eagles all
put in an appearance over the course of the
day, almost in a choreographed ‘Everglade’s
Got Talent’ wildlife display routine for
visiting tourists. The only creature that didn’t
enter the display was the invasive Burmese
python which can grow to 20 feet long and
have taken over the habitat, decimating the
Everglades’ furry mammal population. With
‘gators, giant pythons and bull sharks there’s

“Even the fuel stations along the
side of the road advertised live bait
for sale and a fishing T-shirt and a
branded cap is almost compulsory
day wear! I was in an angler’s
paradise, and I liked it!”
the bushes. Placing the bait with a perfectly with sharks: most anglers tend to see them
weighted cast proved a challenge! But the as pests and not worth fishing for. Maybe
challenge was about to get a whole lot harder it’s because there are so many of them and
David with a mangrove snapper when it became apparent that, for whatever they are too easy to catch. Maybe it’s because
reason, the fish were right in amongst the they follow you around, looking for an easy
mangroves and our casts would need to meal and spook the fish you are targeting. I,
somehow get under the overhanging branches however, was delighted to catch one and add
where our live baits would be close enough to another Florida Keys species to my tally!
tempt them out of their snaggy lairs.
A smashed bait and flash of silver from
an early tarpon raised my hopes for more to GROUPER
come but, in true fishing cliché, we were then Alex has been a captain backcountry fishing
struggling to buy a bite and the phrase ‘you the Everglades for 20 years and was a pro at
should have been here yesterday’ was actually spotting the fish and identifying them as they
uttered. We were running low on pinfish and approached my live bait. Before long the float
Captain Alex decided to move on to using went under and he cried ‘it’s a grouper!’. After
the herring we had in the tank, which were a short tussle the fish was in the net and I had
smaller and much more delicate. A mangrove my first Goliath grouper. While this little
snapper and a couple of jacks followed but fellow may not have been a Goliath in size I
the morning’s fishing was decidedly slow until was over the moon. Growing up I had learned
a lazy lemon shark which had been cruising about these extraordinary fish which can grow
the mangroves in front of us decided to take a to over eight foot long and over 600lb. At this
Captian Alex with a rigged pinfish live bait live bait. Floridians have a funny relationship size they are the super predators of the ocean
and will even engulf sharks in their cavernous
Casting accurately mouths. Everything is prey for a big Goliath
was essential in the grouper! As a boy I had also learned how
conditions susceptible the species is to overfishing. It’s
the largest species of grouper in the Atlantic
Ocean and almost exclusively found in Florida
and Caribbean waters.
They were protected in 1990 and classed
as critically endangered until 2018. However,
Goliaths have been making a comeback
and in 2023 the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission controversially
lifted the ban allowing limited, and very
tightly controlled, harvesting by recreational
fishing. Young Goliaths spend their juvenile
years in the backcountry of the Everglades
before migrating offshore to take up
residence in deep water reefs and wrecks.
You’ll also find them around the piles of the
many bridges that connect the Keys where they
lurk around the structure waiting to ambush
anything that is dumb enough to get within
striking range of their enormous mouths.
“If you hook one you must keep the
rod tip low to the water and away from
the mangrove bushes,” said Captain Alex.

SEA ANGLER
“It’s tempting to strike and lift the rod

upwards, but you’ll more than likely get the
line caught in the mangroves and lose the fish.”
With this advice heeded, we pressed on
and motored to yet another mangrove island
in search of better luck.
With the trip edging ever closer to its
conclusion both Captain Alex and I were
determined to end on a high. The fishing had
not been easy but despite the lack of snook,
and the intensifying heat as the sun rose
ever higher in the sky, I was laser-focused on
casting, recasting, and putting my baits in the
all-important sweet spot just in front of the
mangrove. At the very least it wouldn’t be
through a lack of effort that we hadn’t caught
a snook or a tarpon yet! Arriving at the
final mark Captain Alex said he knew there
were some big groupers here which he had
seen last time he was here with customers.
All we needed was the local sharks to make
themselves scarce and perhaps we were in
with a chance.
FINAL FLING
With one pinfish live bait held back, just in
case, I was now entering the last chance saloon.
Once the pinfish was gone we were heading
for home. It’s at these moments that you want
things to click and come together, for all the
experience you’ve gained, and effort you’ve
put in, to be channelled into this one final
moment of perfect opportunity. Alas, my final,
hopelessly wayward, cast sent the poor pinfish immediately began taking line off the reel.
flying into the mangrove bushes, the line It was clear this was one of the big groupers Above: returning
inevitably tangled and the chance lost for ever. Captain Alex knew were in residence here. Goliath to his mangrove
After a few brief seconds of screaming a With my heart in my mouth, and Captain lair safely was a joy
tirade of crude, mainly four letter, Anglo- Alex’s expert advice in my ear, I managed
Saxon words in frustration at my crushing to steer the fish into open water where the
stupidity and unwavering incompetence, odds were now much more heavily stacked
Captain Alex grabbed the rod and twanged in my favour and before long the beast was
the taut line, propelling the pinfish and netted and aside the boat. At somewhere
float back over the mangrove from whence between 20lb-30lb it was a specimen Goliath
it came before it ‘plopped’ into the water in grouper for the Florida Keys backcountry
front of us. Unbelievably, it was free from and Captain Alex assured me he may only see
the mangrove and still on the hook, albeit five to ten this size over the course of a year. America As You Like It has a seven-
somewhat dazed, confused, and a little worse Releasing the fish back into the water I was night holiday to Florida from £1,980
for wear. As far as a ‘live’ bait, it was hanging in awe of its power and hoped that one day it per person, including return flights
on in there and on life support; the last rites from London Heathrow to Miami and
would make its way into the deep waters of
car hire. Also included are two nights
weren’t far away! It had one last cast left in it. the gulf and grow to become a mega grouper,
at the Fisher Inn on Islamorada, three
Summoning all my remaining powers of living a long-life snacking on sharks as the
nights at the Oceans Edge Resort &
concentration, focus and determination, I king of the reef! Marina on Key West and two nights at
flicked the rod and sent the pinfish on its Was I elated? Yes. Was I exhausted? Hawks Cay Resort on Marathon.
final voyage into the unknown. It travelled Utterly! Had the trip been a success? www.americaasyoulikeit.com
through the air in what seemed like slow Without a shadow of a doubt – but perhaps Tel: 020 8742 8299
motion before the float and bait sailed not in the way I had expected.
through the gap in the overhanging mangrove “That’s the essence of successful fishing,” Contact Captain Alex for a day’s
and landed with pinpoint precision at the I said to Captain Alex, as we packed up ready fishing at holdtightcharters.com
edge of the mangrove. ’Great cast!’ said Alex, to make it back to Islamorada in time for a
at which moment the float disappeared under swim at the pool and a much needed cold Fishing in the Everglades National
the surface and he shouted, ‘big grouper on!’. one, or two. “Today just shows that it might Park requires a day pass to be
This was it. It had literally come down to come down to the very last cast, which is why purchased. Day pass information
the very last cast of the day, but I still had to you need to keep fishing, keep persevering, and purchasing options can be found
get the fish out of the tangle of mangroves keep the faith that everything will come at www.nps.gov
and to the boat. Keeping the rod tip as low together in the end.”
as possible I immediately applied pressure At the end of the day, whatever happens, and For more information about visiting
in order to keep Goliath from retreating wherever you are, keep fishing hard until the the stunning Florida Keys yourself go
any deeper into the network of snags. The very last cast. Never say die and never give up. to www.fla-keys.co.uk
fish, however, had other ideas and almost You just never know what might happen! ■
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SHORE ANGLER WORDS AND
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY ROGER MUNRO
[HOW TO BECOME)
Roger Munro explores the life and habits of the fearsome conger eel and
explains how to successfully catch these masters of predation from the shore
an you help me mister?” was the
plaintive cry blowing across a
chilly wind buffeting the pier on
which I was fishing. Roused from
the intense focus I had on my two
rods, I turned to see a forlorn
angler soaked to the skin clutching an old boat
rod and an even older fixed spool reel.
“Please mister, what bait do I need to use?
I’ve got loads of earthworms; where do I cast,
and could I please borrow a hook? I’ve never
been fishing here before.”
I gave him some mackerel and squid, some
4/0 hooks and swivels then showed him how
to load a large mackerel / squid cocktail bait
and advised him to drop it directly down the
side of the pier. I then, rather rudely, turned
my back on him and continued fishing.
Twenty minutes later, I heard a familiar,
pitiful, appeal “Can you help me mister? I
think I’m stuck”. To his credit, he tried his
best to retrieve the hook and trace but all his
efforts were in vain. I advised him to leave it
for 10 minutes in the hope that the tidal
current would help to dislodge the terminal
tackle. Slowly but surely it did and then,
there it was, rising from the depths, the
biggest conger eel I have ever seen, a
magnificent specimen of at least 40-45lb.
“What do I do now mister?” was his initial
deadpan response followed by “Is that a tidy
fish?”. Initially lost for words, I informed
him that he would never again catch another
specimen like that, and in the absence of a
drop-net I handed him my scissors so that he

could free the fish. Muttering under my
breath about the frustrating and unfair
quirks of angling, I continued fishing for
another hour then packed up and prepared
to go home. As I passed “King Cong” he
once again uttered the now familiar plea
“Can you help me mister, I’m stuck again?”
We went through the same ritual as before
and yes, there it was again – “The tidy fish”. I
told him he could keep my scissors after he
freed the fish for the second time!
One of the great attractions of fishing is its
unpredictability, epitomised most strikingly
by this most astonishing incident involving a
most remarkable specimen. Fishing for
congers was first recorded in the 12th
century during which locations on the
Channel Islands of Guernsey and Sark were
designated as places where congers were
dried. The name ‘conger’ for this species of
eel first appeared in 1300 and is derived from
the Latin word conger (“sea-eel”).
Smaller specimens of conger eel can be
confused with the common eel, but the
conger has pointed pectoral fins, the upper
jaw slightly overlaps the lower and the dorsal
fin originates further forward on the body
and merges with the anal fin.
Eels differ from traditional fish in that
they have no scales. Instead, their body is
covered in a protective mucus layer than can
hold water which allows them to breathe on
dry land for a few hours. The skin of the
conger is dark grey, bluish or green in colour,
but its colouration changes markedly
depending on the type of ground on which it
lives. Its eyes are relatively large and its lips
are prominent.

SHORE ANGLER
The European conger eel is the largest of 14

species of eels and is widely distributed from Chris Kennedy with
Norway and Iceland to Senegal, including the a specimen eel from
Mediterranean, Azores and Canary Islands. the Channel Islands
At least one species of conger eel is found in
every ocean in the world.
Although 70 per cent of the eels eaten in
the world are caught around Japan,
European conger eels are occasionally found
for sale at fishmongers in the UK for dishes
such as baked conger with tomato. It is a fish
which is much more widely appreciated by
Spanish and Algerian consumers.
POPULATION
There is little data available on the
population of this enigmatic species but it is
not considered to be threatened, although
there is some limited evidence that its
stock may be in slow decline. However, it
is currently listed as “least concern” by the
International Union for Conservation and
Nature (IUCN).
The conger eel inhabits sandy and
rocky coasts, colonising crevices in rocks,
shipwrecks and harbour walls from the In addition to octopus, its preferred menu
shoreline to depths of 1200m. Congers are comprises about 70 per cent fish, with a
opportunistic predators but they are virtually special fondness for a variety of flatfish, cod
blind, hunting by smell, foraging in the water and haddock. Congers also relish crustaceans
column usually at night. Indeed, almost favouring crabs and lobsters. Adult conger
85 per cent of their activities occur during eels typically feed around two to three times
darkness, but during the day they tend to a week, while juveniles need to eat more
hole up dozing in a rock crevice. frequently to support their rapid growth and
The conger is a major predator of have considerable ability to regulate their
octopuses which are its second most frequent feeding in accordance with their life stage.
prey, as shown by studies investigating the What is it about the conger eel that makes
conger’s stomach content. Octopuses exhibit it such an effective, aggressive and feared
sophisticated defensive behaviours to escape predator? A master of hiding and camouflage
congers – they first envelop the conger’s with a flexible body and marbled scale
head, then occlude the eel’s eyes with their colouration that mimics the ocean floor, it can
arms to obscure its view, they then cover the remain undetected by both prey and predators.
eel’s gills in an attempt to suffocate it, then
they release ink. The ink causes irritation
when entering the conger’s eyes and impedes BACKWARDS SWIMMING
its sense of smell and taste. The octopuses Congers can swim backwards and have
sometimes lose appendages because of the hundreds of bones in their spines. They move
fight and the congers sometimes suffer the A strap eel by generating waves that travel the length of
loss of an eye during the altercation. their body similar to a snake.
Releasing the beast!

They then simply reverse this movement Don't get too
opens and shuts while it sleeps and its body
to swim backwards, often doing so when close to the rocks back and forth as if it were snoring or
searching and manoeuvring for prey in dark toothy end! having a dream.
and complex environments, and also as a
‘burst’ escape response. Head movements
in conger eels are very pronounced during LIFESPAN
backward swimming but since this is Conger eels grow relatively slowly at around
disadvantageous during escape from predators 10cm a year. Males rarely grow over 100cm
it explains why they usually switch to whereas females can reach over 200cm. The
forward swimming after just a few backward maximum lifespan of a conger eel is believed
swimming cycles. This phenomenon of to be 20 years. The UK and World shore
backward swimming has been described in caught record is 68lb 8oz caught in 1992
only a very few species of fish. at Devil’s Point, Plymouth. The largest
Congers have narrow, closely spaced rows European conger eel ever recorded was a
of highly pointed, triangular teeth. Their gigantic fish of 350lb and 9.8 feet long found
recurved, conical teeth are mainly arranged trapped in nets off the Westmann Islands on
in one or more (usually two) rows, although Iceland’s south coast.
towards the front and in the roof of the European eel skin shows potent
mouth there are many more rows. Congers anticoagulant activity which could have huge
are aggressive, voracious predators with very benefits in medical practice to help prevent
strong bites, catching their prey in their large blood clots. Raw eel’s blood is toxic; its blood
mouths by swimming close to the ground contains a protein which causes muscular
and feeding mainly at night. The eel’s mouth cramps and can cramp your heart muscles.
I advised him to leave it for 10 minutes in the hope that the tidal current
would help to dislodge the terminal tackle. Slowly but surely it did and
then, there it was, rising from the depths, the biggest conger eel I have
ever seen, a magnificent specimen of at least 40-45lb
Congers, especially
the big ones, are
much more active
during darkness

SHORE ANGLER
TOP TIPS FOR CATCHING SHORE CONGERS
However, these toxins break down when

heated so it becomes safe to eat when cooked.
They have remarkable electric organs
which allow them to generate weak electrical
signals aiding in navigation and to more
effectively communicate with other eels. If
these extraordinary characteristics weren’t
enough they also exhibit intriguing social
hierarchies, establishing pecking orders
based on size, strength and dominance. The
largest and most dominant eels occupy the
top positions, enjoying the best access to
food and shelter. Submissive eels, on the
other hand, follow the lead of their
dominant counterparts.
Sex segregation occurs in the conger eel ■ Congers can be caught year-round. live or dead pout and poor cod. Smaller
population where males and females occupy On most shore marks, they tend to eels often fall to king ragworm or lug
different depths. Immature females are feed just after low water for a couple baits and occasionally to crab.
almost exclusively caught in coastal inshore of hours, then literally go off the feed.
waters whilst males are mostly absent from Fish bigger than 20lb normally feed ■ Shore congers are a common catch
this area, instead being caught in deeper alone and show up at any stage of the from south-west England, throughout
offshore waters. All large congers around the tide, though more typically when the the west coasts of Wales and Scotland
Irish coast are females and they are the tide run is stronger and the seas are and in Ireland from marks west of
largest eels in the world. rougher with a good swell. Waterford, throughout Cork and
Mating behaviours in conger eels are even Kerry and all along the west coast.
more intriguing! It is widely agreed that the ■ The best rough-ground, deep water
eels migrate without resting to deep offshore fishing is from artificial breakwaters ■ Conger fishing requires a lot of
waters to spawn in depths ranging from and rock ledges in over 30-feet patience. If your baits are prepared
600m to 4000m. Several spawning grounds of water. properly, they will release their
have been identified to serve conger eels in natural juices over an extended
the North Eastern Atlantic including the ■ The key to successful conger fishing period of time. Conger often ignore a
is to target them during darkness. bait for ages before finally taking it.
Sardinian Channel between Gibraltar and the
Although juvenile ‘strap’ conger Be patient!
Azores and near the Azores archipelago where
to around 10lb can be caught from
they meet up with other congers from all over well-coloured water in daylight, ■ Fish a second or even a third rod
Europe. The spawning season is believed to night-time fishing tends to be much for smaller species such as rockling,
take place in the summer months but may vary more productive. pouting or poor cod. These make great
depending on location. fresh baits when filleted or simply
Female conger eels only reproduce once, then ■ Ideal rods are those with stiff used whole as live bait which are
they die. As the ovaries develop, they increase to lower mid and butt sections that can frequently the only bait the conger
an enormous size that entirely fills up the apply maximum pressure to bully will take.
abdominal cavity pressing the other abdominal fish away from snags. Reels should
organs into a small space. The females become be loaded with 30lb mono and 80lb ■ Avoid using baits which are too big
black in colour and their eyes become larger shock leaders. Hook lengths should otherwise you will experience a high
while other body tissues degenerate, their be constructed of wire or heavy-duty proportion of dropped takes. Big eels
skeletons dissolve and their teeth fall out as the monofilament. Minimise tackle loss can be very shy biters; they often pull
ovaries increase in size. After releasing several by using a simple, weak link system lightly at the bait as they gently and
million eggs in open water, the female dies due between the rig and the weight. gradually take it into the back of their
to her degenerative state. Little is known about mouths. If the rod tip starts to indicate
larval development and migratory routes but ■ A consistent bait for shore conger a bite, allow a couple of feet of free
during this perilous stage, the larvae float to the is a mackerel / squid cocktail. Blast line to run off the reel which occurs as
surface and drift together with plankton, carried frozen mackerel are ideal. Fresh fillets the eel takes the bait and moves away,
by the current for almost two years until they of pout, whiting and rockling can be then strike, lift the rod high and enjoy
reach shallower waters where they will have very effective, so too are small whole the ride!
transformed into true conger-like fish. ■
7-9 MARCH 2025
THE LARGEST 3 DAY

BEACH FISHING
COMPETITION
IN EUROPE
Tickets available to purchase online via eobc.co.uk
eobc.co.uk
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
@eobcchampionship @openbeachchamps
GIVE A SUBSCRIPTION TO SEA ANGLER
SAVE OVER
£50
*
TALES FROM THE TIDELINE Words
SIMON SMITH
from the tideline

Simon Smith recounts the lessons and memories
of his youth during a brief period as a member of
a local fishing club
he sun dips toward the image (I regularly become that shadowy
horizon, suffusing everything figure when looking for a little peace and
beneath with an amber glow. quiet) because angling manages to exert a
With each second that passes, strange allure which makes enticing the
lengthening shadows drape prospect of being alone, yet this is not all
across the landscape, dust
sheets pulled into place at the final closing of
another day. The gentle slosh of water
shushes everything to a motionless silence.
But not everything is lifeless. Against this
backdrop, one shadowy figure stands out
against the evening sky, an isolated, lone
figure, standing “solitary as an oyster” upon
the beach. It waits, this figure, shuffling
slightly from time to time, a turn of the head
to consider some distant splash before all
focus is returned to that tiny point where a
thin line enters the water, connecting one
world with another.
Mention the word “fisherman” to any
non-angler and the above image, or at least a
rendition of it, will spring to their lips. Some
may add a sprinkling of irony and a touch of
laconic wit, adding descriptions like “idiot”
and “scarecrow”, perhaps popping a set of
yellow oilskins into the mix, but the
overriding perception of those who fish is
that it is purely a lonesome, contemplative
and serious pursuit. Okay, it is fair to say
that there is a strong element of truth to this
28
“Constantly harassed and flustered,
head half in the clouds, I couldn’t think of
anyone less qualified to organise a club
and yet, somehow, the subs were always
collected in, the sessions arranged and
the club brought to order”
there is to the angler. In fact, it is something or a pint, dissecting each tackle choice, every
of an anomaly for, despite how so many missed bite and those glorious encounters
others have come to see us, to be utterly with our quarry, triumphs and disasters
alone is not, largely speaking, in our human alike, planting the seeds of daydreams and
nature, even as anglers. sessions yet to come?
Perhaps the final way in which angling is
far more sociable than its reputation
COMMUNITY suggests is in the way it welcomes
Throughout human history, we have existed newcomers and youngsters. When I started
as social animals, realising that community to fish, I recall the gruff faces of the grown
is a far better option than trying to survive men all around me, feeling intimidated and
alone – it was impossible to bring down nervous to ask about anything. It all seemed
a mammoth single-handed, and so we very much like a closed club, a club to which
came early to rely upon the company and I could never belong. My grandfather and
co-operation of others. Whilst a flounder, a my neighbour Andy, with whom we started
decent bass or even a lunking great blonde fishing, would regularly spend more time in
ray is a much easier solo proposition than conversation with these fellow men while
a woolly mammoth, some remnant of that waiting for a bite, leaving me to look up at
ancient collective instinct remains. their faces and wondering if I would ever
All across the country, and indeed the belong.
world, there are countless clubs and groups However, as time went on, these faces
which gather millions of likeminded anglers softened, became more familiar and even
together to chew the fat, put the world started to include me in those conversations,
to rights and share their views on fishing firing the odd joke or encouraging my way;
and the wider world. The expansion of hooks, rigs, sinkers, a handful of lugworms
online platforms and social media has only and a wise word or two were all passed on
strengthened this and, where anglers can’t with more regularity as they stood around
necessarily meet, they can now communicate and watched me buzz around the fishing
online like never before. mark like a fly, as eager at the very last cast
Even on a more basic level, in that as I was at the very first, shooting out the
one-to-one human interaction that has been occasional word of guidance just to correct
taking place since time immemorial, how me if I went a little wrong. Thus, I was
many of us have fished for the day then accepted into the angling fraternity even
recounted the session’s events over a coffee whilst it managed to maintain its
2022
seemingly gruff exterior, and this is the that fished my section of the Welsh coast these two when discussions came around
primary reason why I am an angler to and beyond through the 1980s and 1990s, about venue choices, which led to us fishing
this day. Nick and Tony fished with the best tackle all those venues in the area that I had heard
“Right, let’s get started. Oi, Andy, tell the – Daiwa Amorphous Whisker and Zziplex about but never had the chance to actually
boys it’s time to start!” Always this scramble rods and Abu reels – and often became the fish – Sker, Ogmore Deeps, Aberthaw
as pints were gathered from the bar, various focus of all attention when winding up a – names that tripped off the tongue like local
strands of conversation on everything from swishing pendulum cast on one of our legends. Of course, I was woefully
work to car engines and medical issues were chosen fishing venues. They would often underprepared for such venues with my
snipped short and allowed to drift off as turn up at club meetings fresh from angling basic tackle, but there was always a fellow
everyone gradually shoaled inward around sessions on the local breakwaters and member happy to lend a reel, a rod, a sinker
the central cluster of tables where, amongst beaches, keeping their skills honed even or a few lugworm or peeler crabs, just as
the wisps of cigarette smoke and clink of when getting ready to attend other there had been back in the early days on the
glasses, the jokes started to spark and catches commitments. Andrew would often defer to local breakwater.
of the past weeks were compared in the
gregarious atmosphere of my first fishing
club. It was a natural step in my angling
apprenticeship.
After spending those early years of my
angling career accumulating, piece-by-piece
all the tackle I could lay my hands upon via
the means of Christmases, birthdays and
paper round money, learning to use each
piece as well as I could, accumulating the
basic knowhow and skills like handling the
sandpapery dogfish and digging harbour
ragworms, I was always going to search for
the next natural step in building up my
burgeoning toolbox of angling.
Having started my early exploits with,
and learned all the basics from, my
grandfather, these sessions still continued,
but once or twice a month he gratefully
retired to his armchair as I struck out in
search of a wider knowledge base, a search
which led me, along with our fishing
partner Andy, to the monthly meetings of
the local sea angling club. When reading
the fishing magazines as a kid thirsty for
more knowledge, the advice was always ‘join
a club’, and so we found ourselves sat
amongst a group of varied but interesting
strangers a few Wednesdays later.
From all walks of life, this group certainly
represented the broad spectrum of the
angling world. At the head of the table there
was Andrew, the club’s founder. Constantly
harassed and flustered, head half in the
clouds, I couldn’t think of anyone less
qualified to organise a club and yet,
somehow, the subs were always collected in,
the sessions arranged and the club brought
to order. Accompanying Andrew was his
dad, known as ‘Bunny’ to us all. The absolute
foil to his son, Bunny was always there, sat
over his pint with a ready smile, a quick joke
and an easy way that kept the banter flowing
through every meeting.
Byron was the laid-back, easy-going
member of the group. As mellow as a
Sunday afternoon in slippers, he always had
time for us juniors, gently teasing us yet
encouraging in that fatherly way that has
helped so many to take the most from a club
environment. Dai (there’s always a Dai or
two in any given Welsh organisation) who
seemed as clueless as me at the time and
grateful to absorb all and any information
that came his way, usually by our watching
the two rare birds at the club – Nick and
Tony. Members of the famous ‘Cod Squad’
fishing for a few years – but those early
MATCHMEN experiences as a clubman still linger in my
Having started its existence through a few memory, as did the lessons they provided,
sessions in such places, the next logical memories I’m sure I share with countless
step was always going to be match fishing. others in the wider angling community in TEAM VASS 350
Starting informally, we fished the most my area and far beyond. ■ TEAM VASS 350
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divvying up the proceeds between the top TEAM VASS 350

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three places. This quickly progressed to club RRP £99.98
members attending other local matches, (New Edition 4)
fishing small opens and gaining experience
of fishing against other, more experienced
anglers. Where I could not compete in terms
of casting or the range of baits I brought to
the table, I had to try my best to compete in
other ways, experimenting with rig design, VASS Neoprene
Boot & Wader Liners
bait presentation, leads, doing my damnedest RRP £27.98
to show the big guys that I was more than

just an also ran. Although my match fishing
never amounted to much of anything, I firmly VASS R BOOT
believe to this day that the enquiring tinkerer RRP £64.98
RRP £78.98 Studded
in me, the angler who likes to experiment and
try new things, was at least in part formed by
those match experiences, something for which
I am truly grateful.
Sadly, the club folded after only a year or
so of existence, and my path was to lead
elsewhere – college and university via a
social life would see me step away from
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SEA ANGLER ISSUE 641

SEA ANGLER WORDS AND
PICTURES BY
By Mike Thrussell
NEW SERIES: WATERCRAFT ESSENTIALS
In a new series Mike Thrussell explores watercraft: the skills and

knowledge about the environment every angler needs to be successful. This
month he explains the effect of wind on fish and how understanding wind
strength and direction will help boost your catches
WIND STRENGTH
Understanding wind strength and its bearing
on a venue, or typically our choice of specific
venue, is a key element to successful fishing.
It has a major effect on governing how fish
feed across a short stretch of coast, often
concentrating them in numbers on one mark
and less so on a venue nearby.
The Beaufort Scale is a scale of measure
that identifies specific wind strength. The
Shipping Forecast uses this for defining wind
strength on forecasts and projections, and
good tide tables also include it. It’s an
excellent aid to sea anglers defining exactly
what you’re likely to face on the day.
■ Force 0 - 0-1 knots: Sea calm

■ Force 1 - 1-3 knots: Light airs
■ Force 2 – 4-6 knots: Light breeze
■ Force 3 – 7-10 knots: Gentle breeze
■ Force 4 – 11-16 knots: Moderate breeze
■ Force 5 – 17-21 knots: Fresh breeze To convert knots to mph, multiply by 1.15. forecast for a more specific area is the Shipping
■ Force 6 – 22-27 knots: Strong breeze It’s worth having the Beaufort Scale on your Inshore Waters forecast. Area examples being
■ Force 7 – 28-33 knots: Near gale phone for instant reference. Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis or Whitby to
■ Force 8 – 34-40 knots: Gale The TV and general online weather forecasts Gibraltar Point, but it sectionally covers the
■ Force 9 – 41-47 knots: Strong gale
give an estimate of generalised wind strength by whole of the UK. This, importantly, takes in the
■ Force 10 – 48-55 knots: Storm
mph, but it is just that, a generalisation over a more localised geographical features that can
■ Force 11 – 56-63 knots: Violent storm
wide area. The more accurate wind strength influence wind strength.
■ Force 12 – 64 knots plus: Hurricane

THE ANGLE EFFECT
A side on wind is a more precise indicator of where the fish will be. An example
would be a beach facing due west with a left to right flood tide and a southwest
wind. Any food will be pushed more towards the righthand northern end of the
beach, and the fish will concentrate there. The reverse scenario is a northwest
wind with a right to left ebbing tide that sees the main concentration of fish in the
southern corner where the surf is more pronounced, and food being dislodged.
If you’re facing east, expect a wind from the south or southwest with a flooding
right to left tide to draw the fish into the left corner.
On venues where the flood tide is in opposition to an angled onshore wind the
more agitated sea and therefore the bulk of the fish will be in the corner or end of
the beach where the wind hits.
With a big surf created by a direct onshore wind, watch for a wind angle change
as a pressure system passes through. If the new wind angle is blowing more
To get a full picture of short-term future sideways on to the surf tables, this quickly flattens the waves and makes for more
wind speeds, use a few online forecasts, but favourable conditions as the fish will move closer to shore. This is typical of bass,
initially Ventusky when looking a week ahead cod, flounder and rays.
which is fairly accurate, and then the BBC
Inshore Waters forecast before making a final Understanding wind angles in relation to the venue can also help us avoid issues
venue choice. with weed. On that same westerly facing venue, even if there is a left to right
On shallower surf beaches and marks flood tide, the surface waves will follow the wind direction and push floating and
where you fully face the oncoming wind, suspended weed into the corner the wind hits. Fishing the opposite end can see
Force 2 to 5 invariably give the best fishing little or no weed ruining a much anticipated fishing session!
conditions, especially if the wind is a new
wind after a period of calm and the tide cycle
is rising. This creates a series of steady SW W
predictable surf tables that displace sand and
other ground features to expose food.
WIN D
On deeper venues, a general onshore wind D IR E
C TIO
speed between Force 3 to 6 induces ground N
swell that, with undertow, again washes food
from the seabed. On these deeper marks, also FLOOD TIDE
take note as gales pass through for the wind
strength dropping. The seas remain big but
there’s little wind to hamper casting and it’s in
these conditions that big catches can be taken.
In stronger offshore winds, look to fish the
deeper venues where fish numbers are likely S BEACH N
to be more consistent.
WIND DIRECTION E
Rarely are fish evenly distributed along a
beach or section of coastline. The angle the
wind hits a mark or beach dictates where the
bulk of the food and most of the fish are likely
to be.
WIND ANGLE
A wind blowing directly at a beach gives
a more even distribution of fish. To gain
an edge, look for areas where the surf
breaks closer to shore. This indicates
slightly deeper water and food will collect
here. Ground feature also comes into this
equation, this being the corners of a beach
or specific patches of rougher ground or
sandy gullies where fish will concentrate in
greater numbers.
A strong offshore wind can see a new flood
tide start to flood later than predicted as the
wind holds the tide back briefly. Equally, a
strong onshore wind sees the new flood start
minutes earlier and the tide height be greater
than predicted as the wind gives the tide an
afterburner effect. ■

YOUR FISHING CATCHES
ACCOMPLISHED Mick Harden

FISH: 14lb smoothhound
BAIT: Hardback crab
VENUE: Sheerness
DATE: 24/8/24
Ashley Butcher from Ansty

FISH: 13lb 9oz cod
VENUE: On Happy Daze out from Newcastle
Aron Williams,
Isle of Wight
FISH: 8lb bass
Rob Redman
Bernard Toner, Cardiff FISH: 8lb bass FLY: 2in baitfish fly
FISH: 45lb monkfish BAIT: Pirk with a blue gummi VENUE: Cullivoe, Isle of Yell, Shetland VENUE: North west coast of Wales
DATE: 18/08/24 DATE: 27/06/24

In association with
Tommy Martin, Poole

FISH: 45lb tope
BAIT: Live mackerel
VENUE: Poole
DATE: 13/8/24
Dilan Cox, Swansea

FISH: 22lb tope BAIT: Joey mackerel
VENUE: Friars Point, West Wales
Gareth Williams, Isle of Wight

FISH: 15lb 5oz smoothhound
Marrick Palmer, Falmouth

FISH: 4lb 3oz Couch’s bream
BAIT: Whole squid
VENUE: Aboard Patricia rose out of Plymouth
DATE: 11/07/24
Jay Webber Andrews

FISH: 40lb tope
BAIT: Frozen mackerel
VENUE: Oxwich Bay
DATE: 07/09/24

Dale Limpus
FISH: 12lb 7oz pollock
VENUE: Off Plymouth
Breakwater
Rob Lee
FISH: 110lb blue shark
BAIT: Trout
VENUE: Celtic Deep on Rob
Rennie’s Lady Jen ‘The Celtic
Wildcat’ from
Martin Scanlon, Southampton Milford Haven
FISH: 6lb bass VENUE: Shallow mud flat DATE: 24/8/24 DATE: 18/8/24
LURE: Topwater IMA Pugachev Cobra lure in “G point” pattern.
Kaden Copp from South Wales

FISH: 6lb 7oz Blonde Ray
BAIT: Joey Mackerel
VENUE: South Wales Venue
DATE: 29/9/24
Camryn Davidson, Larne

FISH: 2lb three bearded
rockling
DATE: 27/09/24
VENUE: Garron Point,
Northern Ireland
from shore
BAIT: Mackerel head

Dan Owens Martin Thomas
FISH: 7lb thornback ray FISH: 30lb conger eel
BAIT: Double sandeel BAIT: Live pout
VENUE: Anglesey rock mark VENUE: Pembrokeshire
rock mark
DATE: 23/08/24
Ceirion Perry from Anglesey Lewis Pett

FISH: 12lb thornback ray VENUE: Yaverland,
BAIT: Whiting Isle of Wight
VENUE: Anglesey BAIT: Mackerel
DATE: 20/09/24 FISH: 28lb conger

HOW TO ENTER
Email only to sa.ed@kelsey.co.uk
Please supply these details: angler’s
name, age, address, telephone number,
email, type of FISH, weight of FISH,
where caught, DATE caught, BAIT/rig,
whether caught from shore or boat, if
from charter boat, give name of boat,
port and skipper. Please state if the
FISH was retained or returned.
Send us your entries and

win some great prizes
■ SHORE LURE OPTION: Solaris 4000 or
5000 reel, RRP: £60, Epixor 15-50g rod
RRP: £80
■ SHORE LURE OPTION: Solaris 4000 or
5000 reel, RRP: £60, Epixor 15-50g rod
RRP: £80
■ BOAT: Classic CLX, RRP: £60
Cortez Boat Rod, RRP: £90
■ SHORE BAIT OPTION: DSA reel
RRP: £60, Wave Power surf rod, RRP: £80
YOUR TARGETS...
Catch a FISH on this list at the weight or
above in your region to qualify for the
Jim Dempsey, Brighton chance to win prizes in our Mission catch
competition. To enter, send us the details
FISH: 9lb small eyed ray requested above and email that information
BAIT: Squid and black lug wraps and your picture to sa.ed@kelsey.co.uk.
VENUE: Brighton beach
SHORE BOAT
DATE: 27/09/2024 Bass 7lb 9lb
Black bream 2lb 3lb
Red bream 2lb 3lb
Couch's &
Pandora's bream 1lb 8oz 1lb 8oz
Gilthead bream 4lb 4lb
Ray's bream 3lb 3lb
Brill 3lb 5lb
Bull huss 8lb 12lb
Cod 7lb 10lb
Conger 20lb 40lb
Dab & megrim 1lb 1lb
Dover/lemon sole 2lb 2lb
Flounder 2lb 2lb
Halibut 20lb 20lb
Ling 5lb 19lb
Mullet 4lb 5lb
Golden grey mullet 2lb 2lb
Plaice 2lb 4lb
Pollack/coalFISH 6lb 12lb
Common skate 60lb 100lb
Nick Gray Blonde ray 12lb 17lb
FISH: Redband fish BAIT: Sabikis Ricky Baker Thornback ray 9lb 14lb
Small-eyed/undulate 7lb 11lb
VENUE: Cracan, north west Scotland FISH: 3lb 6oz plaice BAIT: Blow lug Ray (other) 3lb 5lb
DATE: 07/09/24 VENUE: Morecambe Bay Sting/eagle ray 20lb 25lb
Smoothhound 10lb 14lb
Spurdog 7lb 11lb
Mark Goddard Tope 27lb 35lb
FISH: 10lb 8oz bass Trigger FISH 2lb 3lb
BAIT: Mackerel Turbot 10lb 13lb
Wrasse (ballan) 4lb 4lb
VENUE: Pevensey Bay Wrasse (other) 1lb 1lb
DATE: 25/09/24 Blue shark - 60lb
Porbeagle/thresher - 100lb
THE RULES...
■ Only catches since September 2024
are eligible.
■ We must see a picture of the fish.
■ We may refuse an entry.
■ Enter by email only (please include all
of the information requested in How to
Enter panel) to sa.ed@kelsey.co.uk
■ Prizes as stated (Okuma reserves the
right to send alternatives).
■ No correspondence will be entered into.
MONTHLY WINNERS:
SHORE: Marrick Palmer, Falmouth
BOAT: Martin Thomas, Pembrokeshire

Master the tackle, tactics, techniques Sea Angler’s expert advice on the bait, Where to fish? Don’t miss our guide to
and rigs needed to catch all your venues, tackle and tactics to catch your how to catch more fish at 49 of the most
favourite species while fishing afloat 30 favourite UK species from the shore iconic sea angling venues in the UK
Don’t miss our range of essential guides to sea angling. Whatever type of
fishing you enjoy, each guide is packed with everything you need to know
Sea Angler contributor Dave Barham Sea Angler’s lure fishing expert, Henry Top tips from a range of experts,
shares his expert advice on how to catch Gilbey, guides you through all you need covering all fishing methods, on how to
25 of the most popular UK boat species to know to catch more fish on lures catch the UK’s most popular sea species
SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/GUIDES
OR CALL 01959 543 747 AND QUOTE SAG721
YOUNG RODS
In association with
Sea Angler’s celebration of the great angling

achievements of its many younger readers
 Thomas Roger Whear, age 9 , caught this cracking 2lb  Alfie Jeans, from
5oz black bream on 13 August from a family boat with Dorset, with a 4lbs 11oz
his grandad. thin lipped mullet caught
at West Bay from the East
Pier whilst fishing a West
Bay SAC junior match and
the Wyvern Junior Open
 Edmund Williams, aged Match. This fish won him
five, caught his first conger both competitions. He
eel on a pulley Pennell rig caught it on three hook
using a prawn and sandeel flapper, size 6 hooks,
bait on the shore at and ragworm.  Tom Harker, 15-years-
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. old, with a 26lb 4oz conger
taken fishing out of
 Twelve-year-old Sam Weymouth on September
Gammon was boat fishing 14th using mackerel on a
from Portland when he flowing trace.
caught this fantastic 2lb
red gurnard on ledgered
mackerel strip.
 Blake Pinnock from

Gosport caught this 4lb
6oz bass at Gilkicker Point.
Bait was a mackerel wedge
on a 4/0 Pennell rig.
 Here is Sofia Griffith,

Twelve-year-old Harley aged 12, with a bass of 4lb
Brown, on only his third MONTH
fishing trip, landed an
LY
WINNER
2oz caught at Barmouth in
West Wales
amazing 175lb skate after
fighting the fish for an
hour. He caught it in Oban
using a herring fillet. £25 TACKLE
VOUCHER
WINNERS
Fishingmegastore.com awards a £25 voucher
prize to each of two winners - the youngster
with the best shore fish and another with the top
boat catch. The winners can use the voucher to
select tackle from Fishingmegastore.com which
is based in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
■ Send your Young Rods entries by email to
sa.ed@kelsey.co.uk

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• Supplied with two spare spools:
8000 aluminium spool & 3000 POM spool
• Line capacity: 0.35mm/385m, 0.38m/320m
RRP £193.75
SERIOUS HOOKS FOR

SERIOUS ANGLERS
Available from
Sharnbrook Tackle
01858 467081
www.sharnbrooktackle.com
E+OE Prices subject to change. Goods subject to availability
E+OE Prices subject to change. Goods subject to availability
BOAT ANGLER Interview by
Dave Lewis
Ever wondered whether you could make Where and when did you start fishing, and
how old were you?
a career as a professional fishing guide? I have been fishing as long as I have been
able to hold a fishing rod. It was my father,
Jakob Oliw explains how he turned his a lifelong fisherman, and my grandparents
who started me on my journey. They used
dream into reality, and provides advice to take me fishing to the lakes and on the
Swedish coast, catching perch, roach
for anyone wanting to do the same and bream. As I grew older I started fishing
on my own. I used to take a foldable rod to
school and used lunchtime and after school
hours to explore the streams and lakes
nearby. As my ambition and interest grew I
started looking further afield for perch and
pike in the larger lakes, and in the
archipelago of Stockholm
.

When you had decided to become a guide,
When did you first decide that you would hired in the town, and every day I had to say how did you set about achieving this goal?
like to become a full-time fishing guide? that there were none. But it was only after I
was asked if I was willing to take people out When I finished school the dream was still
The dream of being a full-time guide has on trips for mackerel and sea trout five times alive, but I didn’t really see a way forward. I
been there since I first found out that it was in the same day that I actually took someone started sending job applications to fish farms
a legitimate job; I was maybe seven or fishing after work. I only earned pocket in Norway and realised that I had nothing to
eight-years-old. For a while I’m sure I money, but it breathed new life into the lose by writing some applications to fishing
thought any job where I could fish at work dream of one day guiding for real. camps as well. After many emails, and very
was good enough! I have always loved few replies, I got hold of Marcus Ahlund,
showing and telling other people about Tell me about the first time you took who runs Explore the Arctic. He said that if
nature, and especially about fish and fishing. paying clients fishing. How was the trip I had all the certifications I was welcome to
and what did you catch? have an interview. I found out that my
I think everyone that loves fishing has at Swedish certificates were not transferable
some point dreamed of becoming a fishing When I was 15 I got a summer job with the and decided I would just take all the
guide. That said, I was often told by caring Swedish Sportfishing Organisation, working necessary courses and go to the interview. I
family and friends that becoming a fishing as a fishing guide for the activities for quit my job, took the internet-based courses,
guide is not going to happen, and that it was children they arranged every year. then travelled to Norway, a 22-hour drive.
not a ‘real job’. During my years at school I The children were aged 4-12, and we were
had a summer job in the local fishing and fishing in an urban park inside Stockholm. The location blew me away. I had been in
boating store. The town I lived in was We caught a steady stream of roach, rudd Norway less than 24 hours when I caught
full of tourists during the summer, and and the occasional bream. One highlight of my first 10lb cod from shore. Marcus and
those were the majority of our the day was a 4lb bream that was caught by a the staff of Lauklines, where Explore The
customers. Almost every day people small girl. I remember the thrill of being paid Arctic is based, welcomed me warmly, so
asked if there were any guides to be for my ‘expertise’ in fishing. when I got an offer I did not hesitate. I have
always been a social person and I have
worked in customer service; guiding involves
a lot of customer service. You may be the
best fisherman in the world, but if you
can’t handle people you won’t do well as
a guide.
Have you had many trips yet when your

clients have struggled to catch fish? What
did you do; were you able to turn the
day around?
Of course I have had slow days when clients

have really struggled to catch fish, but it
really depends on the expectations of the
group. Personally, I won’t consider it a good
day if we haven’t caught at least five halibut
and a cod over 20lb; however, I have had
guests that say it was an extremely good trip
when all we caught was five mackerel!
When I have a group that has been to

Norway before and know what to expect,
some days have been really hard. Halibut
fishing especially can be tough. I always
make a Plan B, usually to target another
species that I know has been good recently.
For example, we might move and fish
some shallow kelp marks with light gear for
the kelp cod. Even though the guests have
requested halibut fishing the whole day, and
swear they have the patience for it, this
change with some easy, quick action has
saved many trips.
What has been the highpoint of your

guiding so far?
My highpoint so far must have been in my

first year. A group arrived that have fished
this area for over 20 years, mostly fishing the
same small area using small soft plastics and
light rod casting for halibut.
After a few days doing this with them I felt

that I was contributing very little. They
knew the area as well as I did, and really
needed no help from me. I suggested we go
BOAT ANGLER
to a new area I had discovered for big help with the gear and techniques. Others
coalfish and pollock, and the day that have lots of sea fishing experience elsewhere
followed I will never forget. We arrived and but need a hand with the specific lures and
caught some medium size fish around 10lb methods we use. Somedays I just need to put
before low tide, but the second the current them on the fish and they do the rest. Other
dropped we stopped catching fish. I told them days I need to show which end to hold the
as soon as the current started the fish would rod. I spend a fair amount of time untangling
eat again, and like clockwork after one hour of lines, pulling lures free from snags and
barely drifting on the flat sea, suddenly the unhooking fish.
birds were diving some distance away. We
quickly drove there and first cast one of the What are the advantages in booking the
guys hooked into a 20lb coalfish. services of a guide like yourself?
For four hours we had fish nearly every cast, Depending on your own skill, I would say
double triple and even quadruple hookups. At you benefit in different ways. If you are fairly
the end of the day we counted 40 fish over the used to fishing in open sea environments and
magical 20lb mark, and one really big one over perhaps have fished in Norway before it is
30lb that we actually had to drive after to avoid mainly convenience, safety and the time you
getting spooled! The best part for me was not gain actually fishing. Hiring a guide is
the fish, but the feeling that I had provided a convenient in many ways. For example we
new experience to people who have been offer an all inclusive option when you book
fishing here since I was a small child. with us. Any clothing you need is included,
as is all the fishing gear. Tackle is expensive
What has been the low point of and heavy, and this saves money and space in
your guiding so far? your luggage as you don’t need to bring your
own flotation suit and rods with you. During
It’s hard to pinpoint the low point of my and after the trip we take care of everything.
career, though it’s more generally those days We clean the boat, refuel and even fillet the
when nothing cooperates. Even during fish if that is what you want. We know our
summer we get times of bad weather and area well, and most importantly know the
when a group gets unlucky and have to go weather here too. We know which wind
out anyway, we sometimes struggle. Even direction works where, and when it’s better
when we can’t choose where we go I have to to stay home. The weather up here can be
provide fish according to the guests’ treacherous and occasionally we do get
expectations. It can get stressful, especially if surprised by sudden storms, but we know
we are stuck in the fjord and the guests where to shelter.
expect big fish to jump in the boat, while at
the same time there’s a storm and raining Another reason to book a guide is to save
like crazy. I can’t really say I enjoy days like time. When you go to a new area you can
that too much! spend most of the trip searching for the fish,
and then maybe only the end of the stay is
What levels of skill and experience do actually productive. With a guide you are
most of your clients have? investing years and countless hours on the
water in that exact area. We know when,
The skill level in the boat varies drastically. how and where the fish will be, simply
Some who come have been fishing in because we know where they were this time
Norway for many years and don’t need any last year and where they were yesterday.

If you want to catch specific species such who operate illegal fishing guiding services in
as wolffish, plaice and redfish these are Norway. When I started working as a guide
very localised, and can be tricky to find in Norway a couple of years ago there were
and catch. A good guide will know spots only about 10 boats approved for guided
for most species of fish. fishing trips.
Certainly if you have very little experience a Do you guide throughout the entire
guide can make all the difference as all of the year in Norway?
gear is included and you have access to a
teacher the whole trip. As a result not only Our boat fishing season starts in April and
will you likely catch more fish with a guide, ends in October, before the winter storms
but you can learn about fishing at the same and darkness sets in. Then follows the quiet
time. After a week with a guide you will month November, before the winter tourists
probably learn more about the fishing than start to arrive in December. People travel here
you would on many trips without one. from all over the world to see the Northern
Everything from knots, lures, tides and Lights and experience a true arctic winter.
currents and, of course, when and where to During the winter season I do day trips to go
catch fish on your own. ice fishing, watch Northern Light and
sightseeing road trips. During the coldest
Safety is another consideration, especially if period all the lakes are frozen with up to three
you don’t own a boat yourself. We are based feet of ice, and even some of the fjords freeze.
in northern Norway where the environment When the fjord ice is thick we sometimes give
is harsh and rocky. You’ll often fish a long guests the rare treat of salt water ice fishing,
way from help, and going out on your own where we have caught fish over 20lb.
without any previous experience up here can
get ugly. Every year fishermen get in trouble Do you have plans to guide elsewhere
in our water, and not all survive. in the world?
Do you have any advice for anyone I have no real plans about guiding elsewhere,
considering doing this? but I dream of maybe working as a guide in
the tropics chasing big fish, where the sun
Please take some time to think about what does not disappear for two months each
you want to get out of the trip. Contact the year. But that is far away and I will simply
guide well in advance of your booking and see where life takes me, and what
ask about the best time of the season to opportunities show themselves.
choose. It is also important to choose a
certified company who has the necessary Do you have any advice to offer anyone
certifications and safety equipment in place. reading this who thinks that they
When you offer guided fishing trips in might like to become a guide?
Norway there are clear and specific rules
regarding the approvals and certificates Being a guide is not all about fishing. What it
required for boats and skippers/guides. really boils down to is customer service. It’s
Before you book, ask if the guide and the extremely social work, and you need to be
boat have these. If the answer is no, you able to handle any kind of person, sometimes
should go somewhere else. It’s no fun being under very stressful situations. And on days
stuck offshore with a guide who doesn’t when you would rather stay inside and not
know what to do, with no radio or safety freeze your fingers off in horizontal snow, you
equipment in an emergency. There are many have to face it all with a smile. Get a good
education: I studied nature guiding as part of
my education and I learned a lot there. You
can, of course, become a brilliant guide
without any formal education. It is very
helpful to talk to people who have experience
of the work you want to do. Fish with new
people, take beginners fishing and try to help
them catch fish. If you only feel frustrated you
may need more training before going pro.
Make sure you have the necessary certification
for what you want to do in the country or
place you want to work. If you are starting
your own business, find a niche where people
are interested in being guided. And if you are
trying in an already established market, as I
did, just send those emails; the worst they
can say is no! ■
To book a guided fishing trip with

Jakob at Explore The Arctic visit
www.explorethearctic.no
SEA ANGLER 49
BOAT ANGLER Words and
photography by
TIM MACPHERSON

fr o m T o r q u ay-based
in slo w p itch jigging t a ll a b o ut his
ss on and find s o u
M ac ph ers on gets a le tt F or re st e r
Tim
r, and SPJ ex pert, Ma n d lures
ter sk ipp e n d of jigs a
char exclusive bra a know ledgea
e all importan
t
ble skipper ar hile travelling
orks ickly. W
ho he w ore qu
ish ed cr ew s of anglers w d the in learning m es I reached out to local ey
bl pe pp in th
esta
y. He has deve
lo in the Phili ed slow pitch jigging and
never been so with regularl the years and has now go
t us in g
low jigging hasmethod that’s ni qu e ov er su pp lies to angler s w ho
help, not only
for pr ov id
a
popular; it’s er the world, but tech e
jigs which h er the UK were happy to ere keen to fish with me. it
own brand of contacts but w e adjust my own skills to su
taken off all ov has gained a lot of his stomers and anglers all ov
it
in particular e UK sea angling his cu "It helped m waters and more varied
s in th and beyond. gling is you er
the much deep ere. I fished inshore wat
ers
advoca te
velo pmen t of the ne of th e beauties of an s to improve th
scene. It’s a de O
g on wrecks never stop learning new wd to get an
ay species found to 360m, although most
bl is h ed m et hod of pirkin other I w as excite at depths of upace in around 150 to 250m a
well-esta cod and skills, so y out
bass, pollack, king your on to learn the art and tr skillset fishing took pl om 150g to 300g. This wasork;
and reefs for ies. One skipper who is ta ns tati fr
in vi
att honed h is ow n and with jigs perience, as well as hard w
predatory spec l is Matt Forrester who ru . Matt’s jigs. M years and when fishing in
a new leve T orqu ay last 10 real learning exbe translated back to our
it to
at Silver Halo
from over th e years ago. much of it ca K.”
n
his charter bo ost exclusively now and h
as
P h ilipp ines a couple of get the feel U pths
th e any trips to fishing in the s we really only fish in de
He uses it alm “It can take m n but it’s also the sum In U K w at er ca n be a lot
t fu
of it. It’s grea so it’s important to learn so slow jigging d
s, of up to 100m ly, however, strong tides anund
of many part er, the finer stuff takes easi er ph ysic al lt – as w e fo
kl y. H ow ev Having e things difficu
qu ic
or e tim e and experience. u and wind can mak from Torquay.
a bit m ith yo out on my trip I have mostly used
ging anglers w
other slow jig For my part milar lures when targetin
g
w inde rs or si s ne ar w here
side ck on the wre
ck
bass and polla in the Eastern Channel.
y
I fish regularl

▲
BOAT ANGLER
Using this traditional drop and slow draw

method can be very effective, but only when
the conditions are near perfect. However,
after my day out with Matt learning more
SILVER HALO CHARTERS
Silver Halo is a 7.9m Cheetah Marine catamaran,
about slow jigging I can see it is actually more built in 2018 to the highest standards and a bespoke
versatile and, when done correctly, could design. Coded for eight people including crew the
potentially be even more effective when the boat is a mix of practicality and versatility which
conditions are tough. provides plenty of deck space (3.5m x 2.6m) but will
comfortably take four anglers taking into account the
need for comfortable angling space. and allowing for
THE TECHNIQUE a more guided experience. Matt takes small groups of
Before we set sail from port, Matt explained up to four anglers and can provide all the correct gear
in detail how the technique works and some for either slow pitch jigging or lure fishing.
of the subtleties involved. It’s really not just www.silverhalocharters.co.uk
about dropping the jig and moving it up
and down in the water column. It is about
making sure you have rod, reel and, crucially,
line balanced properly and then how to use
this as the conditions change.
The key is to get the best jig action possible
and to provide this where the fish can see it.
To achieve that as often as possible can be a
challenge, so there then becomes a need to
fine tune everything.
WHY BRAID IS IMPORTANT

Line is really important because when fishing
at depth the water rubs against the surface of
the braid along its length, from the surface
right down to the leader connected to the
jig. This contact, and pressure of the tide,
causes drag that can slow the fall of the jig,
which can then also hold the top of the jig
high, push the jig away from the boat, and
generally mess with its ‘free-falling’ fishing
action. The jig needs to fall freely and, ideally,
it should be unrestricted. Part of achieving
this is by keeping the line from your rod tip
down to the jig as close to vertical as possible.
Ultra-thin braid is key to reducing the profile
of the line and one of the braids Matt uses
is Gosen X8 Jigging; it’s one of the best
Japanese jigging braids: super smooth and
has excellent strength to diameter ratio.
When pitching the rod up you want the
jig to respond and flick upwards through the
water. When it slows you want it to achieve
an ‘unweighted’ position - typically lying
on its side. This hanging, relaxed position
then allows the best action on the free fall.
If the drag loading on the line – caused by
the water and tide – is too high it can pull
the braid and tilt the jig away from the best
position, ruining its unrestricted free fall.
A dedicated braid really helps improve this
situation as it should be smooth and super
fine; it’ll then cut through the water more
effectively, reducing the drag and helping
the line stay vertical longer so the jig falls
more freely. Matt recommends using braid
with colour coded depth marking so you can
understand the location of your jig in the
water column. If you hook a fish at a certain
depth it’s easier to replicate that depth on the
next pass and avoid hitting snags.
The braid can also work as a bite indicator.
As you let the jig fall after a pitch, watch your
braid on the surface – if a fish takes the jig as
it flutters down it can either take up the slack
▲
BOAT ANGLER
and pull tight more quickly, or the braid may braid drag and any arcing with the tide. The
lie on the surface as the fish takes the weight addition of these slight loads increases with
of the jig off the line, in effect a slack line bite. more depth and current and they reduce
When this happens, it’s crucial to reel into some of the rod’s power, in effect making it
it quickly to set the hook. The rods are too slower and a bit harder to work. When this
short and soft to set the hooks on their own. happens it’s time to grab the next rod up!
PITCHING THE ROD JIG WEIGHTS

After pitching the rod up, as the jig ‘hangs’ The fine-tuning of jig selection is done at sea
and then starts to fall again, watch your and on the day. The first drift will tell you a
braid on the water’s surface, just below your lot and you can adjust accordingly. Generally,
rod tip. Try and avoid slowing the falling for UK waters, Matt recommends jigs from
jig with your rod. If you slow the jig down, about 60g to 120g when inshore and 100g
you’re effectively loading the top of it again to 250g when offshore. Conditions and tide
(in a similar way to the water’s drag on the will determine what you go for on the day
braid) and it will not slide or flutter correctly, but your choice of set-up and rod need to
dropping back and forth and looking really start in the middle of these ranges. If you
boring to any fish! Always lower the rod use a lighter rod, actions will be slowed with
slightly faster than the jig takes the line back,
but be aware, avoid allowing the braid to
heavier jigs; some jigs prefer this. If you use a
heavier, more powerful, rod the actions will
JOKER JIGS AND LURES
Matt has now developed his own
blow back on to the top of your rod! Tip be faster but you will also get better usage exclusive range of jigs – the Joker
wraps are unwanted and can be costly! when conditions are more challenging. Slow Pitch Jigs – which he has created
to deliver the best flutter action in the
water. He has a range of options on
OFFSET SPIRAL ROD RINGS SLOW JIGGING REELS his website www.jokerjigsandlures.
The rods Matt uses have offset rings. At The reel is the tiny powerhouse used to co.uk from 80g up to 200g. He also
first, I thought this was just an accident of hold and retrieve line while jigging and for has his own brand of Joker Pink Bliss
connecting the two rod sections together bringing your fish up to the boat, but there fluorocarbon leader line which reduces
until I realised the rods we were using were is also a bit more to it. A good quality small, line visibility. The cost of the jigs start
one piece. Using a spiral wrapped rod can well balanced, overhead reel is best and from £7.99 up to 24.99.
help eliminate snagging the braid on an ideally with a good rate of retrieve. A strong
eye. However, it’s still a good idea to move and smooth drag is certainly important but
your rod slightly to the side of the braid as it really needs a nice powerful retrieve. This
it falls back onto the water. As you get more is important because the rod is just too light
experienced you can time the rod lowering and cannot be used to pump and lift the fish
just a fraction faster than the falling jig; you’ll up, remember to just keep the rod low and
stay closer to connection and have less chance use the reel smoothly like a winch. Having a
of rod tangles. When your jig falls freely, full spool also helps increase the retrieve rate
you’ll get the best action and in turn get and allows for better working of the jig up
connected to more fish! through the water column. Just one turn can
retrieve close to a metre of line.
Matt was using Ocea jigging reels – these
THE JIGGING ROD are high quality tools which are not cheap.
There are a lot of jigging rods available However, when you are taking such care
now, not all have the correct action or feel. over the gear you are using to maximise the
Usually, they’re lightweight rods of around technique’s success rates, then it’s worth the
six to seven foot which are designed to investment. Remember to fish with one hand
provide the correct pitch and flick of the jig. cupping the rod and reel and one hand on
It’s this action which helps it into free fall. the reel handle. Although we do strike, it’s
It’s important that the power rating of the not enough on its own as the rod is so soft
rod is based on the jig you’re using. In turn, and short. It’s winding super-fast into a fish
the jig you choose on the day should suit the that tightens everything up and helps set
conditions, depth and current. Remember the hooks. It’s also worth noting that there’s
it’s not just about the weight of the jig but often very little pressure between the fish
the profile, this can affect rod loading and the and the hooks at the time of the take, this is
amount of drag in the water. because the fish is hitting the jig as it falls. It
The various rod powers or ratings, and may hook itself, but time is of the essence,
the way each of them imparts its power and keep your hand on the handle, get winding
‘action’ to your various jigs, is important to and lift your rod firmly and make sure!
understand. Look at the ratings or weights
on both the jig and the rod and test your
jigs to see how the rod works them close THE TECHNIQUE
to the boat (at about two to three metres The timing of the pitch, fall of the jig and
below the surface). Just about every rod and the drop, are all crucial. Use your sonar and
jig has a different action and jigs need to be plotter to locate and mark what could be
worked accordingly. Remember, this action hotspots over the feature or wreck. You need
beside the boat will always be reduced a to know where the fish are and the more
bit at greater depth, it will become slightly time with your jig spent in the ‘strike zone’
slower and less aggressive. This is due to the with your line vertical means more fish to the
boat. The sonar screen and a knowledgeable The fish were pretty tight to the wrecks
skipper can help with this. When you locate and quite difficult to tempt. The combination
where those hot spots of fish are, drifts will of tide against wind, plus the presence of
concentrate more to that area and will be dolphins, and possibly bluefin tuna (we saw
timed to allow for those jigs to arrive right a decent sized bust near the first couple of
on, or just ahead, of them; this is then deadly. wrecks we visited), might have affected the
fish’s behaviour. After trying three inshore
wrecks we moved 10 miles further offshore
TRYING CONDITIONS to a couple of bigger wrecks.
On our trip the conditions were quite Almost immediately upon settling on a
challenging – a strong spring tide running drift Matt had a couple of pollack. On a
north west and a force 4 wind blowing from second wreck nearby we hit some medium
the north across the tide. This made getting sized bass – this success was helped by a
the drift right not only crucial, but quite slackening of the tide allowing us longer
tricky. This combination meant the wind was vertical times across the wreck. Getting the
quite often beating the tide on the surface, pitch and flutter of the jigs was critical to this
but as the jigs dropped into the water column success. The fishing was tough and required
the tide would take over. Matt used Silver working the jigs carefully.
Halo a twin-engine Cheetah Cat, to counter Fishing in these challenging conditions –
this slightly by positioning the boat across when the boat is being held or pushed by the
the wind but keeping the engine turned into wind and the tide is going away from you –
the tide – this had the effect of stabilising can mean using a more powerful, longer rod.
and slowing the drift somewhat, so we Possibly use a heavier, slimmer, smoother
were moving at a sensible speed almost in a profiled jig – which was why we used the
straight line. 200g jigs.
He would then cast the jig uptide and let it It’s clear that Matt has put a lot of
stream back to him, fishing it across the stern thought into jigging techniques and tackle.
whilst vertical. He was using both arms, as He’s refined it down to the last detail and
well as his wrists, to pitch up the rod, rather he proved this by catching fish in some of
than just lifting with rigid arms; this helps the most challenging conditions. His jigs
get the most out of the rod’s design and, in don’t just look great, they’re practical and
turn, the jig. The speed of the drift with the certainly tested and proven. I have used jigs
wind meant the boat would move away from occasionally over the years, usually in benign
the jig so effective fishing time each cycle conditions, but as a relative novice using the
was reduced. Before the line angle reached method it was great to learn something new
halfway between vertical and horizontal (45 and put it into practice – especially learning
degrees) he’d reel back and start again. Once from someone which really knows how to
the jig is off the vertical it won’t work as make it work properly. I’ll certainly be trying
effectively - to aid with keeping the jig as deep out this method in my home waters next
and true as possible we were using 200g weight time I get the chance to get out – and I’ll
Slammer jigs. In more clement conditions 80g need to upgrade my gear to make the most of
or 120g jigs would have sufficed. it – any excuse! ■

SEA ANGLER Words and pictures
DAVE LEWIS
n the last issue I wrote about the

time Clive Gammon and I went cod
Wales with Indian TV royalty culminating in a fishing and delivered our fish to
internationally acclaimed chef
slap-up black bream Balti! Franco Taruschio, who prepared us
a fine meal. As good as that meal
undoubtedly was, Michelin Star meals are
Raj and his wife Noorie generally not my thing. Of course, I
relocated to west Wales appreciate a beautiful meal cooked by a
and opened a restaurant skilled chef, but those who know me will
confirm that given the choice the option of a
good curry will generally win my vote. In
this issue I’m going to relate another ‘hook n’
cook’ type story from my past, which to my
absolute delight did end up in a rather
superb Indian restaurant!
Raj Mayur Verma started his acting career
at the tender age of nine. Today he is one of
the leading actors in the globally massive
Bollywood industry. Over the years Raj has
stared in numerous great Bollywood
productions not to mention nine long
running TV soaps, including ‘Mahabharta’
the great Indian epic that has been aired on
the BBC twice.
With the intention of escaping from the
hustle and bustle of hectic city life Raj
relocated his family to West Wales, an area
he had grown to love while filming various
Bollywood projects; yes Wales is
increasingly used as a Bollywood location! In
addition Raj and his wife Noorie, a talented
chef who has cooked for Andrew Lloyd
Webber, Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, opened
a unique Indian restaurant in Fairbourne,
West Wales, ’Indiana Cuisine’, which as you
will see is where our day ended…
We were booked to fish with Charlie
Bartlett, aboard his famous Aberdovey based
charter boat ‘Mikatcha’. We met at the car
park adjacent to the pier, where I was
introduced to Raj, who was looking
resplendent in what was clearly a very
expensive white leather jacket, over a
designer Ferrari polo shirt. Noorie looked
stunning, immaculately turned as she was in
designer jeans, a white silk blouse, Dior
designer sunglasses and high heels. Raj and
Noorie were dressed as if they were going to
watch a game of polo rather than spending
the day fishing the inshore reefs off Cardigan
Bay for black bream. It was politely
suggested that perhaps they should have a
rethink in the clothing department but no,
we were assured, they would both be fine,
after all, they had said, the sun was shining!
Given the state of the tide Charlie’s boat
could only be accessed by scaling down a
narrow vertical ladder, and stilettos and
ladders are not a great combination. But
despite our concerns Noorie scaled that
ladder with natural grace, arriving safely on
the deck looking, cool, calm and totally
unruffled. Raj, on the other hand, was
bubbling with the obvious excitement of
someone who was clearly really looking
forward to his day's fishing
We headed out to sea, following the
buoyed channel that takes you over the
notorious bar at the mouth of the River Skipper Charlie
Dovey and into Carmarthen Bay. We were assists Raj with
heading for a spot where Charlie confidently another bream
told us we would catch enough fresh
mackerel to secure the day's bait, and within
minutes of stopping and commencing fishing
the first mackerel were being hoisted over
the side. Noorie in particular appeared to
have a certain knack with hooking mackerel, the bream mark, we were confident the explained. “Like this,” said Noorie holding
but inwardly I was cringing, just waiting for bream were going to feed. Charlie showed her rod high, the tip bouncing to the
her to slip on those heels and either twist an Raj and Noorie how to prepare bite size unmistakable tune of a feisty black bream!
ankle or worse. As it turned out I needn’t pieces of mackerel, mount them onto the Ladies who fish always seem to catch
have worried: she had good sea legs and small hooks on the simple paternoster rigs either the most or the biggest fish of the day,
somehow even managed to spend the full he had tied, then lower the baited rig slowly or more likely both, and from the start of
day fishing without so much of a speck of down to the bottom. that day the rest of us were left chasing
blood spoiling that white blouse! “When you get a bream bite it will be a Noorie’s ever-growing tally of fish.
With a couple of dozen mackerel lying in very distinct hard rattling of the rod tip, and Determined not to be upstaged by his wife
the bait box and Mikatcha settled in a you’ll have to strike quickly else the fish will Raj, too, soon developed the knack of
steadily increasing run of tide at anchor over rob all the bait and be gone,” Charlie had hooking bream. At times, both Raj and
Noorie were swinging in bream two at a
time, the smiles on their faces proof enough
Another Bollywood fan
that they were thoroughly enjoying their
hears that Raj is in town!
first day's fishing off the coast of their
Welsh home.
We were still catching fish more or less
every drop, but by mid-afternoon all aboard
were keen to move on to the next stage of
our day, a visit to ‘Indiana Cuisine’, where
fresh black bream were once again scheduled
to be the star attraction, albeit transformed
with a Balti twist! I have enjoyed curry and
other Indian delicacies in all four corners of
the world, and many places in between, but
the meal I enjoyed that day ranks amongst
the very best I have eaten anywhere. Skilfully
prepared by Noorie and the restaurant’s
resident chef, several hours later we were
presented with the bream we had caught,
expertly transformed into the sort of
mouth-watering dish that can only be fully
appreciated by eating it.
In April this year Indiana Cuisine
relocated from Fairbourne to Macdonalds
Plas Talgarth Resort in Pennal near
Machynlleth. If you fancy a special culinary
treat visit: www.indianacuisine.co.uk ■
BOAT ANGLER Words and pictures
BY TIM MACPHERSON
With the recent introduction of new AI technologies

to help with boat safety, Tim Macpherson has a look at
the risks and best new products to keep you safe on the
water this autumn

ccording to recent statistics
from the US most fatalities
involved boat owners
operating without boating
safety instruction and
occurred on open motorboats,
personal watercraft and cabin motorboats.
Drowning was the cause of 75 per cent of
deaths, with 87 per cent of victims not
wearing lifejackets. In the UK in the MAIB's
(Marine Accident Investigation Branch)
2022 report there were 1,263 marine
casualties and accidents in the UK – a figure
which is down on 2021 numbers but about
average for the previous five years. Most of
these were in the commercial sector
particularly in the fishing industry. For the
boats under 15m the figures were much
reduced, but in 2022 there were still 292
incidents with non-commercial vessels, with
only eight regraded as serious “accidents”.
Now it’s true to say that, thankfully,
accidents amongst boat anglers in the UK
are relatively rare but anything which aids
increased safety is certainly something to be
looked at. There has been, particularly since
the Covid lockdown, an increase in boat
ownership – and with it the chances of
inexperienced boaters going to sea. I have
had lots of anecdotal and eyewitness reports
of unseaworthy boats being overloaded while
being used for leisure angling along the
South Coast.
Of course, simple things like wearing
lifejackets, which too many of us still don’t
do, will help – and now lifejacket design has
improved immeasurably so that wearing one
is not an encumbrance. But anything that
can help to make us safer at sea should be
looked at.

BOAT ANGLER
TOP 5 BOATING INCIDENTS WEAR A LIFEJACKET VHS RADIO

There are five major reasons for boating Anglers should not think Very often situations
incidents – reports from both the UK a lifejacket is just an at sea develop
and US confirm these categories: skipper emergency device. It’s rapidly and very
inattention, inadequate lookout, operator by far an angler’s often you won’t
inexperience, excessive speed and engine or best friend on the even have a chance
other mechanical failure. water and should to raise the alarm.
A lot of these really shouldn’t be an issue be regarded as a Don’t wait, inform the Coastguard as
in small angling boats but I know of standard piece of soon as a potentially difficult situation
examples where becoming engrossed in a clothing – just like is developing. Speed is of the utmost
fishing activity can lead to not noticing putting on a pair of importance, you never get time back. Once
approaching weather systems or in one case socks. If you do go into the notified, they monitor the situation and do
where a fishing boat was approaching my sea you’re protected; without regular check calls to make sure the situation
anchored boat and the skipper of the other it your chances of survival are hasn’t worsened.
boat was not on the bridge, he was hauling reduced. A well-fitting lifejacket/floatation You can use your VHF Radio, VHF
gear, and had not seen us… needless to say device will provide an angler with precious Digital Selective Calling (DSC), a PLB,
we very quickly upped anchor and moved survival time until help arrives. Advances in Emergency Position Indicating Radio
when he got too close. technology mean that lifejackets are not the Beacons (EPIRBs) and even 999 on your
Lack of preparation for a trip is a frequent bulky items they were years ago. mobile phone. All vessels should be
reason why anglers get into difficulties: not An auto-inflate lifejacket will inflate even equipped with a VHF set and nowadays
knowing the area you're fishing in, not taking if you are unconscious and will keep your they nearly all have DSC inbuilt into
enough fuel, failing electrics (guilty as charged as head above the water. There is a diverse the units.
recounted in a recent issue) and poorly serviced range designed for anglers, from fishing vests The advantage of the VHS radio is that
engines (we’ve all had engine fail on us). with integral gas inflation to slim-line fly when you make an emergency call on it you
fishing horseshoe jackets. There are so many will tell everyone within range what your
TECHNOLOGY TO available on the market now you can pick the
type that best suits your style of angling.
situation is even if you cannot see them –
there might even be someone nearby who
IMPROVE SAFETY can help you more quickly.
The boating industry is currently
witnessing a technology
A PERSONAL LOCATING
renaissance, with new BEACON (PLB)
innovations aimed at enhancing These are attached to
safety onboard vessels and a lifejacket or worn
changing the way boaters around the neck and
operate. There are a selection when activated will
of key advantages which are send an emergency
making notable changes. alert to a Mission
On a global level use of Control Centre
autonomous boats are becoming who then relay the
increasingly popular, with drones being used for information to the Coastguard.
inspections and surveillance, enhancing search Individual PLBs have different features.
and rescue operations. AI technology and One with built-in GPS will give your
navigation systems are helping to reduce human position. Without a GPS it will still alert
error on board vessels and improving overall Coastguards but won’t reveal your location.
safety. Satellite communication systems ensure By registering your PLB (at www.gov.uk/
reliable, high-speed internet for better maritime-safety-weather-and-navigation/
coordination and emergency response. register-406-mhz-beacons) the Coastguard
IoT (Internet Of Things) devices enable will have all the relevant information about
real-time monitoring, enhancing decision- your vessel available. This will save valuable
making and safety. Most boats over a certain time and allows the most appropriate search
size now use advanced radar, sonar and AIS and rescue asset to your assistance to be sent.
(Automatic Identification Systems) for better For as little as £120 you can make a
situational awareness and collision avoidance, massive investment to your ongoing safety
leveraging AI and machine learning for early whilst afloat and put your mind at ease.
warnings. IoT sensors and predictive analytics
enable early detection of issues and proactive
maintenance, enhancing reliability and
EMERGENCY POSITION
reducing downtime.
All these AI innovations are being put into
INDICATING RADIO
practice – mostly for commercial shipping and BEACONS (EPIRBS)
larger boats but no doubt over time as costs These are devices installed on a boat and can be
reduce some of it will become available to automatically activated upon immersion or
recreational boat anglers. impact or triggered manually. They send a
On a more practical level there are a lot of distress alert to the Coastguard with your
things we can do as boat anglers to ensure our position and can be accurate to plus or minus
safety is enhanced and we regularly feature 50m! A basic EPIRB will cost around £350 and
these in our Boat Store feature: PLBs, Satellite one with in-built GPS and other functions a bit
based MOBs and other devices which we more. It’s a small price to pay to have a state-
hope we’ll never have to use. of-the-art piece of kit that could save your life.
You can easily check the tide and Fuel, batteries and other vital kit
GENERAL SAFETY ADVICE weather conditions on a number of apps
which give real time weather and tidal
We would recommend always making
sure that you have more than enough
Check the weather and tide conditions data. XCWeather, Windy, Surfline and fuel for the duration of your time afloat,
This seems an obvious action that any Tides Near Me are some popular apps carry a spare battery and be competent
angler would take before going afloat, (all featured in issue 638). In addition, it’s in being able to change it. Make sure that
but it is so important to check the well worth knowing the local currents your anchor is readily available if needed
outlook ahead. Often the sea can be and features in the area you are fishing. and has enough anchor chain and rope
your friend when you depart for a day The Navionics app does have some of for every eventuality. Also carry a bailer
afloat but a sudden change in weather this data and studying this carefully in case of engine failure. Never overload
can happen very quickly. A check of the could save a lot of time and effort. the vessel and make sure that you stay
forecast for the following 24 hours will within the limits of the vessel’s abilities.
allow you to determine if the weather Maintaining your boat
is going to change significantly so that A well-maintained boat sounds obvious, but The fobs have up to 300 hours of battery
you can alter your plans accordingly. there are often aspects that are overlooked life, and are generally powered by an
Listen to local knowledge and make sure, or missed. The most important of these is easy to change standard coin cell battery.
if fishing an area unfamiliar to you, that the first service of the new season. Boat The hub then connects to 12-24V power
you are aware of the tides and direction anglers will often put their boat to bed, or and to your engine stopping system.
of drift. use it very little during the winter, and the
importance of a full service by a qualified A lot of these measures are regularly
Anglers are well known for their marine engineer before heading back out in adhered to by most boat anglers but
attention to detail when targeting their spring must never be over looked. The risks it’s always important to keep checking,
chosen species, including preparing the of going afloat for the first time without a keep refreshing and keep checking.
correct rigs, obtaining high-quality bait service in a vessel that has been barely been Above all prepare for your trip, check the
and selecting their chosen venue; a little used are high. It’s as important as getting the weather, make sure you have enough fuel
extra planning into the weather could MOT done on your car! Always check that regularly service your engine – which is
make their fishing trip one to remember your engine(s) and safety equipment are your life saver – and above all, stay alert
and not one to forget. properly serviced and are working properly. and be prepared for the worst.
"On a global level use of autonomous

boats are becoming increasingly popular"
MOBILE PHONES FLARES
Using a mobile as your Always an essential
only safety device element of your boat
is not advisable survival gear. We’ve
because if mobile all had the traditional
network coverage flares in our boats; they
is poor then you are expensive and have a sell
might not be able by date so need replacing on
to make a mobile a regular basis – and disposing of them has
call at all. Keeping become a real issue. So the advent of electronic
your phone dry is also visual distress flares – some of which include
essential, keeping it working infra-red technology – means that these flares
must be a priority. Keep it in a don’t have a sell by date and will last a lot
drybag or small see-through plastic wallet to longer – and be much less hazardous.
ensure that it remains functional despite the
wet conditions. Above all, make sure your
phone is fully charged before setting out. CORDLESS KILL CORDS
Avoid fishing alone in remotes spots and, One piece of new tech which is
if fishing at night (not recommended), take available is a cordless kill cord.
more than one light. You can always use These devices act within
your light (even from your mobile phone) to two seconds of a person
alert someone on shore. going overboard. The
VHF radio coverage along the coast is systems consists of an easy
generally much better. For remote to install hub mounted in
locations, carry a 406 Personal Locator your boat and a wearable
Beacon just in case. Make sure that fob. The two communicate
hand-held VHF radios and fixed VHR wirelessly with each other.
microphones are stowed correctly and that There are a few different brands
they are not inadvertently transmitting - available with some like the Olaf Guardian
open microphone carriers can render all having the capability to have up to 25 fobs
communications on Channel 16 (useful for larger boats) so if any of the crew
impossible. goes over the engine will be stopped instantly.
BOAT ANGLER
TOP 10 N E W H IG H -T EC H S A F E T Y
GAD G E TS F O R BO A T F IS H IN G
# MAN OVERBOARD - OCEAN EMERGENCY POSITION
1 SIGNAL SAFESEA M200: INDICATING RADIO BEACON
- OCEAN SIGNAL SAFESEA
A robust ‘man overboard’ device with
Class M AIS approval,
ensuring immediate
and reliable distress
signalling. NFC Mobile
S200 (AIS SART): The SafeSea S200 is an Automatic
app connectivity has Identification System Search and Rescue
been incorporated to Transmitter that enhances search and
provide easy to use MOB rescue operations with precise location
programming, product tracking. NFC Mobile app connectivity
details and testing provides easy to use SART programming,
information. product details and testing information.
#
■ RRP £278.40
2 ■ RRP: from £700
#
# 5
3
PERSONAL
MUSTANG SURVIVAL LOCATING
LIFE JACKETS:
Mustang Survival continues to push the BEACON -
boundaries of innovation with its latest
release, the ISO-approved Atlas 190 Pro OCEAN SIGNAL
Sensor Life Jacket. Recipient of a Special
Mention at the DAME Design Awards in
the Personal Equipment category, the
RESCUEME PLB3:
This is a compact and
Atlas 190 Life Jacket is a ground-breaking powerful Personal Locator
inflatable platform with a re-engineered Beacon that combines AIS
bladder for exceptional turning and the global response
performance and airway protection. capabilities of Cospas-Sarsat
These life jackets emphasise comfort in an industry first, to ensure
during prolonged wear and impressive safety for mariners and
safety—190N of buoyancy—when inflated. outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The Atlas utilises ADAPT Technology ■ RRP £483
(Advanced Airway Protection & Turning);
bladder lobes shape turns the wearer face
up effectively, baffle barriers dissipate
incoming waves and an integrated
pillow provides optimal head support
ELECTRONIC
and stability.
DISTRESS FLARES -
The deluxe (DLX) model adds an integrated
spray hood for extra airway protection OCEAN SIGNAL # 4
and a water-activated light for increased
visibility in emergencies, ensuring
everyone returns home safely. Only
RESCUEME EDF2:
Here’s a state-of-the-art electronic
available for purchase in the UK, online distress flare providing superior
and at all Mustang Survival retailers. multi-colour visibility, including new
infrared technology. The buoyant
RRP: electronic flare is compliant with
■ Atlas 190 Pro Sensor Life Jacket £210 new Radio Technical Commission for
■ Atlas 190 DLX Pro Sensor Life Jacket £230 Maritime standards.
■ www.mustang-survival.co.uk ■ RRP: from £120

IRIDIUM 9575 EXTREME
#
SATELLITE PHONES:
It’s always useful
to have an extra
8
#
communication device
when angling well
offshore out of phone
range and this phone,
6
the Iridium Extreme,
is the new satellite
handset from Iridium
and is engineered with
more features and more
accessories than many
others on the market.
This model is built with
the same reliable voice
and data capability
feeds simultaneously on a compatible
that Iridium users
have come to trust and GARMIN CGC DECK CAMERAS:
Garmin has launched a new marine
chartplotter or share the video across
networked chartplotters throughout the
runs off the same fully
global satellite network. camera. The CGC 245 and 255 are purpose vessel. Mariners can also use digital zoom
The Iridium Extreme built to enhance proximity awareness to take a closer look at a specific area of
has more features and accessories than and confidence – particularly when interest or pan around the field of view to
any other Iridium satellite phone and docking. One is deck mounted the other focus on anything within sight. Engineered
is the only one with real time tracking flush mounted. Both cameras feature for a wide range of boats, the GC 255 has
and GPS-enabled SOS. It can connect on-screen distance markers and guidance a stainless steel thru-hull design that can
with devices such as the Iridium Axcess lines to provide peace of mind during low- be flush-mounted, while the GC 245 has a
Point or MailASail’s Red Box to create a speed manoeuvres. surface-mount design and is available in
Wi-Fi hotspot to keep in touch on your black or white options to compliment the
devices, giving access to email, WhatsApp The cameras deliver multiple views boat’s interior.
and weather downloads. It’s also the directly to a compatible Garmin
first phone with military-grade 810F chartplotter, including Standard RRP:
durability: it’s dust proof, shock and jet- View, FishEye View and Bird’s Eye ■ GC 245 surface mount camera – £689.99
water resistant. View. Users can see up to four camera ■ GC 255 flush mount camera – £1039.99
■ RRP at £1571 from www.Mailasail.com

■ RRP £2399 with MailaSail Red box FIRESAFETY STICK:
Every boat should have a fire extinguisher
OLAS GUARDIAN
EXPOSURE MOB CARBON 2 on board – usually dry powder-based
systems which are great but can be
WIRELESS KILL CORDS:
Cordless Kill Cords are a new and very
messy and are often large and unwieldy. useful piece of safety tech. These devices
MARINE TORCH:
Stay safe and highly visible at sea with
We have found a new
innovation in the Fire
act within two seconds of a person going
overboard. The system consists of an easy
this Carbon 2 strobe torch. It has a unique Safety Stick. It’s very to install hub mounted in your boat and
#
blend of carbon and aluminium and is
designed to float and flash when thrown
into the water. It works up to a depth of
5m and has an extremely powerful light
small and lightweight
and is based on tried
and tested technology
created for the
9 a wearable fob. The two communicate
wirelessly with each other. There are
a few different brands available with
some like the Olaf Guardian having the
allowing maximum versatility. Its strobe space programme. capability to have up to 25 fobs (useful for
is activated when immersed in water – this By chemically larger boats) so if any of the crew goes
combination with a torch and strobe is a interrupting the chain over the engine will be stopped instantly.
new development. If you fall overboard of combustion this ■ RRP: £235
the light will float and automatically start fire stick puts out fires
strobing at 1 flash per second for up to without the toxicity or
#
20 hours. Alternatively, it can be thrown
towards a MOB and it will float, start
strobing and clearly mark the position.
■ RRP: £130
danger associated with
traditional devices.
It can even be left in
an enclosed area to
10
continue to suppress
a fire when you have
escaped. The discharge
time is longer than a
conventional compact
extinguisher and is
not pressurised in its
stable state so it’s safe
and durable.
■ RRP: £70
#
7 ■ firesafetystick.com
63
SEA ANGLER Words and
Photography by
DAVE LEWIS
UK & IRELAND
LEOPARD SPOTTED GOBY SPECIALIST
SPECIES HUNTING
Dave Lewis explains

where to find, and how
to target, this distinctive
mini species this autumn

U
nlike other members of the goby Divers report that leopard spotted goby are
family, which can be very hard to shy fish, typically inhabiting very rocky and TACTICS
distinguish from each other, the kelp strewn areas, often favouring cracks on As with most mini-species LSGs are primarily
leopard spotted goby, Thorogobius steep walls and caves. Shipwrecks are another scavengers, eagerly grabbing whichever tidbits
ephippiatus, with its distinctive favourite habitat. You can find LSGs in very come their way. My fish were caught on tiny
orange and red spots, is easy to shallow water including inter-tidal rock pools, pieces of ragworm, but other baits including
identify. The ‘LSG’ has diamond-shaped scales, bit they are also found at depths down to 40m. similar size offerings of other species of worm,
blue-edged dorsal fins and a black spot at the I am told that many species hunters fish long shellfish, mackerel and pieces of crab-peeled legs
back of the first dorsal fin. It can be found along and hard in order to catch their first LSG. I was would no doubt work. Clearly it is essential to
Atlantic coasts from Scandinavia to Madeira, lucky, my first fish was one of several caught in use very small hooks, such as size 14 or even 16.
including the Mediterranean. A desirable ‘tick’ a single day fishing Fishguard Breakwater. At With an almost countrywide distribution,
for any species hunter, the current British the time my target fish was the elusive topknot, LSGs are absent or rare throughout East
record for leopard spotted goby is held with a which I did eventually catch, but only after Anglia. It’s a species that all species hunters
fish that weighed 39g: less than an ounce-and- I had brought to hand around half a dozen and LRF enthusiasts can target. Given my past
a-half. That fish was caught at Cemaes Bay, LSGs. At the time I considered them to be success I’d suggest fishing between the boulders
Anglesey, in 1995. something of a nuisance! on the outside of breakwaters would be a good
starting point. Try and concentrate on fishing
the remaining depressions still holding water
towards the low water mark, as these are where
most fish will be forced to congregate until the
next tide allows them to disperse amongst the
structure. On occasions it might also be possible
to sight fish for this species if, for example, they
can be located in deep rock pools at low water.
Finally, I’d guess that, given the numbers of fish I
caught at a single location, if you hear of fish being
caught at a particular mark, it would be extremely
likely that further attempts would produce more
fish. Time now for you to find out! n

SEA SCHOOL
Our experts solve your fishing problems
ASK THE EXPERTS

When sending your question,
please remember to include
your name and address
Q Watching the recent Olympics, I noticed that most of the throwers,

such as discus and javelin, were throwing at an angle between 32 to
36 degrees. Is there an optimum angle for casting a fishing weight?
EDDIE SKINNER
BP says: Probably the key element in 45 degrees to the ground. However, during
beach casting is the release point of the the set up before casting, the angler
CHRIS KENNEDY DAVE LEWIS lead weight. Too soon and you end up should be looking in the direction the
Chris is a specimen Based in Newport, sending it into the sky; too late and an cast is to go with your eyes looking up at
hunting specialist South Wales, our early dip in the sea is your reward. The around 40 degrees to the horizon. These 40
based on Sark and contributing editor optimum release point is when the stiffest degrees is around the optimum angle for
answers shore Dave answers boat part of your rod is in front of you at about the lead to leave the rod.
fishing questions. fishing questions.
Q Other than getting

your rod tip as high as
possible, do you have
any tips for when there
is lots of weed when
estuary fishing?
DAVID MITCHELL HENRY GILBEY ANDY GILLINGHAM
David is Sea Angler’s Angler, blogger
editor and is an expert and photo- CK says: My first would be to
on sea angling policy journalist Henry, use a rig and components that
and conservation . based in Cornwall, are as streamlined as possible
is our lure expert. to try to limit catching weed
on your rigs. My second would
be to try to understand the
area in which you are fishing
intimately. Often, estuaries
have periods of the tide that are
almost impossible to fish and
other phases when there is little
to no weed at all. It’s imperative
that you have up-to-date
BEN BASSETT BRIAN PASK
information where possible and
The Plymouth Brian is a qualified that you fish the tidal phases
angler and sea angling coach that give you the best chance
blogger will and casting tutor
provide answers who works with
of catching and avoiding heavy
on the sport of young people weed passing through. I might
light rock fishing and experienced even be tempted to use a 7ft
(LRF), the go- anglers to improve or 8ft tripod and put the cups
anywhere tactic. their fishing skills. high to elevate my rods further,
providing it is not overly windy.
Q As a result of an injury to my left
shoulder I now have limited use in that
arm. I have been told that it’s ok to try
beach fishing again, but when casting
the distance is about 20 metres less than
before my accident. I would like to know
if a more expensive rod would help me
achieve more distance.
BRIAN COLEMAN
BP says: I am sure that some anglers out there may

claim that their favourite rod would be best for you
and help increase your casting distance, but I am not
amongst that group.
As a casting and beach fishing coach, I am lucky
enough to have been afforded the opportunity to try a
range of different rods. You might think that this would
put me in a position to tell you exactly which rod would
be best for you. However, my answer to the question,
“what rod will allow me to cast further?” is always the
same: it is not necessarily the more expensive rods that
will help you. It is about finding the best rod for you.
The well-worn phrase “bend it to send it” is actually
correct. To get the best distance, you need a rod that
you can load with energy when it is bent. This can
be dependent on a number of criteria such as your
mobility, strength, any relevant injuries, casting style
and more.
Ask around your angling friends, a friendly local
tackle dealer or even through a local Facebook fishing
site to see if there are fellow anglers who might let
you have a go with their rods to try and find the extra
distance you are looking for. Trying different kit really
is the best way forward when looking for a new rod.
Don’t forget that as well as the rod, there are other
components involved in casting! Ensure your reel is Q Should Sea Angler be using its influence
fully spooled with an appropriate line and shockleader. to promote the banning of treble hooks?
Do you need to change your casting style to get more No matter how careful anglers are during
out of the rod you already own? Finally, distance isn’t
the only factor involved in catching fish – they could be
removal the damage will be threefold that
in close, very close. caused by singles. The use of trebles is
completely outdated, especially in times of
conservation of stocks and the promotion of
catch and release.
TREVOR HOWLETT
DM says: I am increasingly in Most anglers use the

agreement with your opinion hooks provided by the
that treble hooks are, for the manufacturer and most still
vast majority of examples, come with trebles. I believe
unnecessary. Having started the angling manufacturers
using jigs and lures with therefore have a role to play
single hooks I haven’t noticed in providing their products
any reduction on hook-up with single hooks – or the
rates and the release of option of singles or trebles.
the fish is much cleaner As far as promoting a ban
and easier. Aside from the of treble hooks goes, I would
hooks in the fish, I’ve found be much more cautious. I
disentangling the single don’t believe this is necessary
hooks from the landing net and I would much rather see
much quicker too, helping me a voluntary cultural change
get my lure back in the water amongst sea anglers towards
more quickly. using single hooks.
HOW TO ASK US A QUESTION

Email: sa.ed@kelsey.co.uk
or online: facebook.com/seaanglermag
By asking a question you are giving us permission to use your name and where you live
in all versions and platforms of this magazine.

SEA SCHOOL
BOAT ANGLING
Q Is it best to use a reel with or without
a level wind when fishing from a boat?
TREFOR EVANS
DL says: For light to medium fishing (6-12lb, 12-20lb and

20-30lb class) I am happy to use either, though almost all of
the reels I use afloat today are non-level wind. For anything
heavier than 30lb class I do not recommend a level wind:
from my experience the strain exerted on the level wind
mechanism will eventually lead to failure. Given a little
practice, levelling the line by hand becomes second nature
Q When fishing afloat, are hardback crabs
as effective as peeler crab?
COLIN MCCABE
DL says: From my experience, no. Whereas peeler crab will catch

most fish that swim in UK waters, hardbacks are only effective
for relatively few, such as smoothounds and wrasse.
Q Any advice for fishing

aboard small boats in
foggy conditions?
MARK RUDDLE
DL says: My best advice is if in

doubt, don’t go out. If you do decide
Q Can you explain the CE regulations,
to head offshore keep well away more specifically the aluminium plate
from any areas used by larger
boats or commercial shipping, and fitted to most boats?
certainly avoid anchoring in busy SIMON MURPHY
waterways. Even if you have GPS
carry a compass too and know how DL says: The CE regulations classify different waterways
to use it. Finally, navigating in fog is in four categories: A, B, C and D. A is offshore, and D covers
very disorientating. Often you may mostly sheltered inland coastal waterways. The plate
be convinced you are heading in the indicates which areas that boat has been deemed suitable
wrong direction, despite what your for use within, along with the maximum size engine that can
electronics are telling you. You must be fitted, the maximum load it can carry and numbers
trust your equipment, especially of adult crew.
that all important compass.

Q What size feathers or
lures are most effective
for catching mackerel?
NEIL MATTHEW RHYS
DL says: On a good day almost any

lure will catch mackerel including
traditional feathers, along with their
modern equivalents such as Hokeye
lures. On other days the size of lure
can be critical. When struggling to
catch mackerel on regular size lures,
switching to very small lures such
as shrimp rigs or Sabikis can result
immediately in multiple strings
of fish.
Q Is cuttlefish a good bait

afloat and if so, for which
species? Also, where can it
be obtained?
JIM HOGSHEAD
DL says: Cuttle is a tremendous bait

that is effective for many species, most
notably conger, cod, bass, skate and rays.
It’s a very tough bait that holds up well
when fishing areas where lots of small
fish quickly destroy softer baits. Cuttle
can occasionally be bought in a tackle
shop, frozen or fresh from a fishmonger;
however, the most reliable source is
commercial fishermen. In areas where
cuttle is a popular bait, such as the
South Coast, most charter skippers have
contacts from whom they can source it.

SEA SCHOOL
Q I like the look of these that it’s crosswinds. This is why I turn
to a metal lure like the Surf Seeker
casting jigs. Do you use because I can simply whack it out and
them, and if so, how are wind it in.
I tend to turn to casting jigs either
you fishing them? when I am fishing in deeper water
MATT THORNHILL or if I want to cover a lot of water – or you feel a sharp tap, wind down very
good casting jigs cast like missiles – or quickly and strike. You can get casting
HG says: I do use casting jigs, but not when there are visible signs of bait jigs down deep if need be; however,
as much as I use something like the like birds working. Remember, with you can also cover a lot of water and
Savage Gear Seeker. I wouldn’t be a casting jig that the lure is fishing fish them with a sink and draw back to
without a casting jig or two though, on the drop, or to put it simply, as you if, for example, you need to reach
and in some sessions they have caught it’s sinking. This is when you are feeding birds.
me bass and pollack when nothing most likely to get hit, but you need In my lure box I would tend to carry
else has. Initially I bought a load of to control that drop and maintain a 20g or 30g casting jig for my regular
casting jigs to use for my surf fishing, contact all the time. With a sink and lure rods, then perhaps a 40g one if I
but I soon found out that “jigging” draw retrieve, I see the “draw” or am fishing with a more powerful rod. I
is virtually impossible when you are lifting up as kind of setting the lure, really like the Savage Gear Jig Minnow
fishing at range over fairly shallow then the “sink” or “drop” is when the (20g and 40g) and Seadra (good range of
water and especially if you have strong lure is fluttering down and the fish weights, including 30g versions) casting
crosswinds. Fishing with casting jigs will nail it. When you are fishing your jigs. They all tend to come pre-rigged
from the shore is all about control and casting jig with a controlled drop, if and then you can adapt the hooks as
feel, and if there is one thing that kills at any point your lure suddenly stops you see fit.

Q I have never caught
a bass; I want to stick
to lure fishing only and
live in Leicestershire.
Please can you suggest
some places in the UK
along with times of day
and time of year where I
have the best chance of
success?
ANDY JAMES
HG says: You won’t tend to find anglers

divulging specific locations and tide times
Andy, but make Google Earth your friend
and also consider doing some guided
lure fishing with somebody like Marc on a family holiday to somewhere like A lot of reefs I fish seem to work better
Cowling of South Devon Bass Guide or Cornwall, I would be pouring over from high water down – the ebb tide –
Marcus Hezeldine of Seeker Sportfishing. Google Earth in search of shallow, reefy and a lot of surf fishing on surf beaches
Lure fishing for bass is so much about ground, and I’d be looking to fish it with I do tends to work well from low water
the where and when. If you were going “gently, bouncy” onshore conditions. up – the flood tide.
But the best way to take a crash
course in lure fishing for bass, and
the sort of ground you need to fish, is
to hire a professional guide. Nothing
beats confidence in lure fishing, so to
be guided by professionals who know
where to look for bass and when is
invaluable. Indeed, It might well be the
best money you can spend on fishing.
Learn, absorb and use the knowledge to
search for your own bass fishing.
Q It’s really confusing various lures you might use. In some

trying to work out cercumstances I might want a stiffer
tip and more powerful butt section
what lure rods are best to fish metals in windy conditions,
for soft plastics, which but there is nothing which says the
same rod can’t also fish soft plastics
are best for surface and hard lures. Just because a lure
lures, and which are best rod might have a slightly softer tip
doesn’t make it worse for fishing
for hard lures. What surface lures at range, if you like
should I be looking out fishing with a rod like this.
Fishing rods are very personal
for to help me? things and it should be all about what
JIM BERRINGER you can afford and how you like a
rod to behave. Obviously, make sure
to go for a lure rod which covers the
HG says: My advice? Don’t sweat it weights of the lures you mostly use: if
for one second, because I did, back in you tend to fish with lighter lures for
the day, and all it did was confuse the example then you don’t really want a
hell out of me! I have decided that I rod rated to 60g. That’s not so much
simply don’t care what lure rod has to do with the type of rod rather than
apparently been designed for what it’s hard to effectively cast and fish
style of lure fishing – within reason lighter lures on more powerful rods.
of course. I am not going to use a Some anglers like fishing their soft
boat designed slow jigging rod to try plastics on a lure rod with a softer tip,
and bang metals into a raging surf whereas other anglers prefer a stiffer
from the shore! It’s all about how tip. It simply doesn’t matter. Go with
you cast, and fish, and feel with the what you like fishing with.

SEA SCHOOL
LIGHT ROCK FISHING
Q You use a leader that is stronger

than your mainline. Is this for casting
reasons, so you don’t snap off on
the cast?
RICKY HOUNSOME
BB says: I don’t always, but I do when I am using ester

line. This is because the best ester (polyester) line is very
fine, usually less than 2lb breaking strain. In general, I
use a 3lb fluorocarbon leader with my braid and ester, so
I end up using a leader that is stronger than my mainline.
This isn’t great for when you snag, but it’s ideal for
when you land a fish as you can grab the leader, not the
mainline, for controlling and lifting the fish. This may
seem counterintuitive but I absolutely love ester line; it
has been a revelation for my super ultralight fishing. The
main point of it being that it sinks quicker than nylon or
braid, and provides minimal resistance as you cast, so Q To what degree does fun influence what
you can use tiny weights and lures. With a well-set drag, technique or rig you use in comparison to
you can still land quality fish too.
what you think will perform the best on
the day?
JAKE MICALLEF
BB says: Increasingly more and more so. You could also interpret
‘fun’ as ‘a challenge’, and that is what I find myself doing very
regularly. Although I still really enjoy a good old species hunt,
trying to work out the best way to catch on a particular lure or
technique, or trying out a more outlandish lure, is what gives me
the biggest thrill when lerfing these days. We have never been
more spoilt for choice with lures and tackle, it is truly a golden
age for LRF. So I love taking advantage of that and pushing what
I think is possible. Fishing is fun, but LRF is on another level in
my opinion.
Q With the steady increase each

season in new plastic lures, do you
have a favourite that continues
to catch for you, especially if
circumstances seem to be against you?
BILL SEAGER
BB says: An interesting question: I guess it depends on

whether we are talking about plastic or the artificial
baits. If it is the latter, then the Ecogear Aqua Shirasu
continues to catch everything I need it to and gives me
that confidence I need when times are tough. For true soft
plastic, it is either the Magbite Booty Shake for smaller
species or the Keitech Easy Shiner for larger species.
Getting the best out of our lure fishing is often in the head,
so those fallback lures and techniques can be crucial.

72
SEA SCHOOL
How to improve your fishing skills
Coach Brian reports on an amazing month when

the generosity of the sea angling community to
help get kids fishing has been a shining example
for others to follow
O
ne of my youth club parents, an amazingly generous gesture. The group
a good friend Barry, was would like to thank Percy’s Tackle in Lewes
out fishing with me (a rare – you are incredible!
occasion that I am fishing and In addition to this, we have had traces
not coaching) when I noticed made for us by Chris, another friend
he had a new reel. When Barry told me how of mine, as are Bob and Dave both who
little he had paid for it, I asked him to order regularly donate bait, our biggest expense
me 20 reels for the youngsters! A few days every week. A few other people have been
later Barry called to say that his contact in touch recently with further offers of kit
didn’t have this many in stock but would and we are currently arranging collection
get back to him. Some days later Barry of it. It is such selfless donations that enable
called to say he was going to the tackle us to run the club in the way that we do and
dealer’s warehouse to collect our reels and allow dozens of young people to experience
mentioned that the dealer was going to the joy of sea angling.
throw some extras in for the kids. A few On the fishing front, things have been a
hours later, Barry called again and, unlike bit slow but we have managed to pick out a
him, was somewhat stuck for words! The few fish here and there. Dan and Andre from
dealer had “thrown in” so much stuff that my adult beginners’ group have broken their
the car was full! duck, Dan with a nice flounder and Andre a
Barry and I met up that evening. To see small pout. These may not be the greatest
the amount of boxes in his house was a bit fish in the world but how many of you caught
mind blowing! On top of our reels we had something spectacular for your first fish? It
been gifted some 12ft beachcasters, some doesn’t matter what the fish is, or how big it
9ft beachcasters with reels and some 7ft is, it gets you the fishing bug and you want
spinning rods also with reels. In a separate more and bigger. That is the thrill that I get to
box was a pile of rig building kit. All in all, experience alongside those I coach.

What of the youth club aside from ON THE WATER – AT LAST!
getting new kit? A second postponed boat First drop saw a very quick bite resulting
competition owing to a windy weather in a small smoothhound for Joseph. We all
forecast, again! We do seem to be getting thought we were in for a great evening’s
stronger winds, and more often. As we are a fishing. Sadly, this was not to be. Several
beach launched club, this makes launching mackerel were caught, which do not count
and retrieving dangerous so we have to err in competition, but very few other fish
on the side of caution. made it to the boats.
Having said this, all the plans finally On our return to shore it was nice to
came together and, on the third attempt, see the youngsters getting involved in
we managed to get afloat. The amount of putting all the kit away, including boats
organising that goes into getting a group of and engines. We did have a presentation, as
youngsters out on several boats at the same this was a competition, and I was delighted
time is mind boggling. Boats – no issue for to see so many parents attending as well.
us as we have eight club boats which are Joseph topped the leader board with his
available for members to use if they provide smoothhound and was awarded the trophy
an engine. But where do you get a load of and a voucher for our local tackle shop.
lifejackets for all the youngsters? Luckily, I Organising an event such as this is
know a man. Many thanks to Reg Phillips for extremely stressful and I am pleased it
the loan – I will get them back to you mate! is over. However, I am delighted that it
We then needed an engine and skipper for went so well. It is a shame that the fish
each boat! This is a problem but nothing didn’t turn up in the numbers we hoped,
that Les from our boatyard can’t sort out. but seeing the smiles on the faces of all
“That’s what we do,” he said. What a fantastic the young anglers after the event made
attitude. We are very grateful for everything everything worthwhile. Having managed
he and his colleagues do. to get a single boat session for the group
Our youth club meets on Wednesday this year, I hope to run a short series of
evenings and, with the darker evenings boat events next year.
getting ever earlier, we need to go to sea Coaching is not all about turning up and
earlier in order to make it a decent session. catching fish. The organisation of kit, bait,
The day we managed to get out meant marks to fish and tactics all take time and
that the youngsters, coaches and skippers effort – especially finding marks!
needed to be on the beach by 4:00pm at More of this to follow in future months
the latest – not easy when parents, coaches along with us following the journey that
and skippers are all working. Despite two of my youth club lads are about to
this we made it. 13 young anglers across embark on.
four boats skippered by Ian, who works They would like to get into match fishing
in our boatyard; Dan, a club member who – a really tough gig. I will be putting
very kindly volunteered; Keith, one of our them through some intensive coaching
coaching team; and me, all made it onto the to try and get them into a position that
sea and, after a few issues with a couple of they can enter the junior section of some
the boats, found ourselves anchored up a competitions and hopefully compete
few hundred yards off our local pier. for prizes. n

TACKLE
those extra casting yards.
clip to ensure they’re casting the correct distance each time.
and movement in the handle when retrieving
■ RRP: £89.99
■ Available from Tronix Stockists
SHIMANO OCEA BOMB

DIP RANGE
The new Shimano Ocea ‘Bomb Dip’ range of poppers
are designed for large, hard fighting species such as
GTs, tuna, roosterfish and the plethora of other hard
fighting species anglers today target. Closer to home
these would be very effective lures for large coalfish in
northern Norway, and even bluefin tuna.
Ocea Bomb Dip poppers are a floating lure that have

an overall length of 170mm, and weigh 72g. As is the
case with most quality surface lures they are supplied
without hooks, leaving the angler to choose whether
to rig using traditional treble hooks or the more
popular in-line single hooks. Bomb Dip poppers are
supplied with heavy duty split rings. Moulded from
tough clear plastic, key features include exclusive
Jet Boost and Flash Boost technology for increased
performance. Jet Boost consists of a deeply cupped
front end with through vent, which in addition to a
loud pop creates a fish attracting bubble trail.
The flash boost includes a shiny spring-loaded silver

plate within the translucent body that flickers and
flashes when the lure is retrieved, and even works
when the lure is stationary, enabling predators
to home in on the lure with speed and aggression.
Currently there are six colour options available within
the range.
■ RRP: £29.99
■ Available from Shimano stockists

WESTIN SOLAR UPF HALF
FINGER GLOVES
Protect against the elements with these microfibre leather gloves
that have been carefully designed to give maximum comfort and
feel when embarking on your next fishing adventure.
The spandex material gives improved fit, thanks to a degree of

stretch, whilst the anti-slip silicone print on the palm and fingers
provides reassuring grip when you need it most. The ultimate
fishing glove for warmer climates, choose between full finger or
half finger models to suit how you fish.
■ 50+ sun protection

■ 85% polyester/15% elastane
■ Microfibre leather palms
■ Anti-slip silicone print inside palm and fingers
■ All-over graphic print
■ RRP: £26.99
■ Available from www.gerrysfishing.com
MAJOR CRAFT
HARDROCK
CUSTOM TRAVEL ROD
The Hardrock Custom Travel was designed in
collaboration with Major Craft Japan and Tacklewave.
It is a versatile four piece travel rod that is a perfect
companion at home or on your travels. The four-piece
blank has a regular fast action and is perfect for
working smaller hard baits and soft baits.
■ Length: 7ft 6in

■ Casting: 5-25g
■ Action: Regular Fast / Super Sensitive
■ Supplied in protective travel case
■ Travel length in case 67cm - out of case 62cm
■ Perfect for general lure fishing
■ Carbon blank
■
■
Fuji K guides
Fuji reel seat
FISHEAGLE FISH
■ Ergonomic EVA Grip GRIPPERS
The problem with fish grippers is the ease with which
■ RRP: £169.99 they can cause a hole in the jaw of the fish. The design
■ Available from www.rokmax.com of the Fisheagle Fish Grip changes this, thanks to the
secure but accommodating jaw width and protective
tips. The gripper is rotatable which reduces the chance
of the fish freeing itself, and features scales in the
handle for quick and easy measurement, letting you
get your catch back in the water as quickly as possible.
The Fish Grip is made from ultra-light aluminium

with an anti-slip rubber handle meaning they are light
and easy to use but strong. Available in 2 sizes: up to
28lb scale and up to 45lb scale.
■ RRP: £34.99
■ Available from www.fishingmegastore.com

SEA ANGLER WORKS AND PICTURES
BY CHRIS KENNEDY
Chris Kennedy makes the case for why

the Daiwa BG MQ offers the best value for
money in its class of heavy-duty,
mid-priced, fixed spool reels

’ve written previously about the DRAG
fixed spool revolution and the The first thing beyond the reel feeling
technological advances made by bulletproof is that it is very smooth on the
Daiwa, particularly when it comes retrieve, as is the drag mechanism. The 20K
to making robust reels that will models offers you a whopping 44lb (20kg)
cope with the rigours and of drag, which is enough for anything in the
challenges of rough ground and large UK. It’s almost impossible for any man to
specimen fish in the UK and Ireland. I fight at more than 30lb of drag for any
picked up the first interaction of the BG sustained period on a beach caster, and if
fixed spool with its Digigear back in you run a test, most fight at a much lower
around 2017. Since then, we’ve had a level when using long rods; it’s exhausting.
Magsealed version, which I also own in These reels offer more than enough for
various sizes, and this was followed more most anglers, aside from perhaps those
recently by the BG MQ. chasing pelagic fish like bluefin tuna or
This article is looking at mid-price range having heavy use with sharks. If you need
options offering the best value for money. more, the Saltiga is still the best on earth
With a recommended retail price of £290 for for that. The Saltist MQ bridges the gap
the largest size you would be forgiven for between the two.
thinking that these were at the higher end of
the price range, however, the increase in
inflation means many reels are significantly PERFORMANCE
more expensive, with some costing around Most of the new Daiwa’s now come with a
£1000. For a decent-quality multiplier or traction band on the spool, so you no
fixed spool, you’ll have to lay out some longer need to add monofilament backing
serious cash these days if you are looking for before applying your braid, which is very
quality, performance and longevity. handy. Once I had spooled these shiny
new BG MQs up and strapped them to my butterfly rays and stingers up to the surface
rods, I absolutely loved the feel of them. in relatively deep water; the reels didn’t
ONE PIECE The weight is not prohibitive, but I am miss a beat. The BG MQs performed
The MQ stands for the monocoque, very used to using robust, durable fixed admirably, landing fish in excess of 100lb.
meaning a one-piece body, as opposed to the spools for the challenges of rougher In my opinion they offer great value for
older style reels, which were made of many ground and large fish, which these are money in today’s inflation-sensitive market.
pieces. This design, which also exists in the designed to cope with. I am still a big believer in buying once and
Saltist range and the Certate, offers a more Fishing with them is a real pleasure; having something that lasts over having to
solid feel when playing fish, giving greater they feel absolutely solid when casting a replace things at regular intervals.
strength. I am looking specifically at the 7oz lead and big bait, and they are so At this price point, the BG MQs are
20,000 model, which replaces the old 8000 reassuring when playing fish up to the better value than the competitor options,
sizing, more or less in terms of line capacity. surface quickly. The monocoque frame is giving you a solid reel that will cope with
The application is mixed to rough ground definitely a plus compared to the older- any fish in UK waters, bar perhaps big
fishing and species like tope, conger, huss, style reel bodies. The line lay is also decent tunas. I wouldn’t want to use them
spurs, ling or common skate. The reel itself for casting. For this type of reel slight regularly for porbeagles and similar
will take in excess of 500m of 79lb Daiwa improvements have filtered down from labour-intensive fish but the BG MQs will
J-Braid, though it is, of course, equally usable Daiwa’s flagship models in terms of the be perfect for huss, conger, tope and even
with monofilament. I prefer the low- spool design. I first spotted the reel earlier common skate. You can’t go wrong. n
diameter super braids which provide power this year when fishing in Fuerteventura,
and minimal drag in the wind or in fast tides. when a friend was using one to play large n RRP: From £235
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL RATION/CRANK B / BLINE CAPACITY WGT. DRAG
20BGMQ2500D-H 5.7:1 / 80cm 6 300m/0.16mm 235g / 8.3oz 10kg
20BGMQ3000D-XH 6.2:1 / 93cm 6 300m/0.18mm 265g / 9.3oz 10kg
20BGMQ4000D-XH 6.2:1 / 99cm 6 200m/0.20mm 285g / 10oz 12kg
20BGMQ8000-H 5.7:1 / 110cm 6 300m/0.28mm 635g / 22.4oz 15kg
20BGMQ18000 5.3:1 / 125cm 6 300m/0.42mm 865g / 30.5oz 20kg
20BGMQ20000 5.3:1 / 134cm 6 300m/0.51mm 860g / 30.3oz 20kg

REVIEW Words and
photography by
LIAM GUNN
DESIGN AND FEATURES

The Holsta is crafted from a durable, high-
quality material that will ensure longevity,
lasting the test of time. The Holsta simply slots
into the groove on the side of your existing
seat box – most popular tackle boxes on the
Liam Gunn tests Spooligan’s new range of market will accommodate the Holsta such as
TronixPro, Daiwa and, of course, Shakespeare
gadgets aimed at making your fishing easier seat boxes. Using it in this way is great:
everything you need is to hand, and right at
your seat box.
I
don’t believe I’m alone in always tinkering SPOOLIGAN HOLSTA:
with things and looking to refine and Features
improve my beach fishing setup, looking HANDS-FREE CONVENIENCE ■ Holds all your baiting tools
for things to help make things more The Spooligan Holsta is a versatile and ■ Keeps tools perfectly to hand
efficient. Every now and then I come across a convenient accessory holding tray that ■ Slots to hold elastic, bait needles,
clever new product that grabs my attention and addresses a common problem faced by many scissors and more
stands out amongst the crowd. One of these anglers - keeping your essential baiting tools ■ Works perfectly with other
is the Spooligan range, including the Holsta, handy. Using this clever contraption, I no Spooligan products
Grippa and Adapta, which offer unique longer find myself scarpering over the rocks ■ Clips on popular Shakespeare, Daiwa
solutions that are designed to meet the diverse to try and find the nook or cranny that I have and Tronix Seat Boxes
needs of modern shore anglers. These products placed my bait elastic and scissors in - you get ■ Made from tough material
allow the roving shore angler to adapt and the idea! This innovative tray is designed with ■ Available in Blue or Black with
streamline their equipment, thus making their slots that will securely hold your bait elastic, Orange details
fishing experience more enjoyable and earning baiting tools, scissors, knives and much more.
their place in your tackle arsenal. ■ RRP: £19.99

I need it – talk about dynamic! The Adapta
SPOOLIGAN ADAPTA fits snuggly onto a 5/8” aluminium tube,
The Spooligan Adapta is a versatile adapter which is most commonly used for a range of
designed to provide multiple functions in different accessories.
a single, compact device. The Adapta is Using a combination of the Holsta and the
an angled mounting plate which has been Adapta allows you to secure the Holsta on
purpose-designed to accommodate the items such as your tripod – I find it fits well
Spooligan Holsta and is crafted from high- on my Ian Gold’s tripod – and the Adapta can
quality, ultra durable materials. The Adapta be inverted depending on the angle which you
comes with Velcro straps to secure this would like the Holsta tray to sit at. Having
adapter clip, allowing you to clip the Adapta everything you need at your tripod can be
on to a range of different surfaces. For a more great, particularly during those busy sessions
permanent fixing you might want to swap out when you can’t afford to leave the rod stand
the Velcro straps and use cable ties instead. area in case a rod lunges over!
I like the fact that using the Velcro straps it
can be swapped around depending on where

REVIEW
on the take. The Adapta has multiple grooves

cut into the inside of the head to accommodate
different angles, meaning that the line can be
placed within the rest head. This means I can
instantly pick the rod up and strike; there is no
need to ensure the line is not trapped behind
the tripod bar. For me, this small feature is a
stroke of genius and I really appreciate the level
of detail that has clearly gone into this product.
The Grippa is available in a low diameter,
LDM option which will accommodate rods up
to 24mm in diameter, but is also available in a
larger size, accommodating more beefy rods up
to 28mm diameter. For the single-rod match
angler there is also the Grippa Solo which fits
into the V angle on popular tripods, and is
available in LDM and standard sizing.
Features
■ Upgraded rod rest head
■ Low diameter and standard
options available
■ Fits rods up to 28mm in diameter
■ Improved rod support
PORTABILITY tripod brands – and provides a secure, soft grip ■ Positive yet soft grip
I must admit that I am fond of the portability for beach rods. ■ Helps to keep multiplier reels the
of the Holsta; it is so lightweight and fits nicely I think the Grippa will be a huge hit, right way up
in the seat box when stowed away. I used to particularly with multiplier users, who ■ Greatly reduces the risk of your rod
carry a tripod net with me everywhere, but commonly have the issue of the rods turning being pulled or knocked off the
it had its down sides: in high winds it was a the wrong way while in the rest, and ending rod stand
nightmare, and in Scotland there is seldom a up ‘upside down’ in the rod rest with the reels ■ Less likely to scratch your rod than
day without that dreaded wind! The Holsta the wrong way – although I am a fixed spool standard plastic heads
is a much better system for organising all the user these days, I can only imagine how excited ■ Also grips rod if leant ‘backwards’ on
tools and bits I need to have at hand, plus it multiplier users might get when they see how the rod stand
doesn’t turn my tripod into a makeshift kite! snug these grippas are. ■ Fits standard bar as used on Ian Golds
You can also mount these on the outside of I always have a fear of a large fish, or tide, and other popular rod rests
a Bigaloo, or Igloo type-shelter, which would pulling my expensive rods and reels out the ■ Available in black or orange
be great for those snotty weather days where stand; these rod holders greatly reduce the risk
you need to hunker down. A third option with of that happening. They also have an angled ■ RRP £11.99
this tool is that you can actually mount it on grip, so if you like to lean your rod on the
the back of your seatbox backrest conversion. stand backwards, while you bait up, change
The list of options as far as mounting these rigs or deal with fish, then you still have secure CONCLUSION
clever products knows no boundaries! support for your rod. The Spooligan range, including the Holsta,
As a fixed spool user, a pet peeve of mine has Grippa and Adapta, offers innovative and
Features always been having to make sure my line sits practical solutions that can significantly
■ Allows Holsta to be fitted to 5/8” tubes below the tripod bar while in the rod rest; this enhance your fishing experience. These
■ Angled mounting plate for the allows the line to run freely if a spritely fish is products are designed by anglers, with
Spooligan Holsta the ‘thinking’ angler in mind, providing
■ Perfect to fit on rod rest legs, shelter convenience, efficiency and reliability. Hats
frames or seat box backrest off to the clever clogs at Spooligan HQ! All
■ Helps to give perfect positioning of products are available from www.veals.co.uk
the Spooligan Holsta
■ Ready fitted with Velcro
securing straps
■ RRP £12.99
SPOOLIGAN GRIPPA:
SECURE YOUR RODS
The Spooligan Grippa is another clever
product and is a modern and upgraded rod rest
head, designed to secure rods firmly in place.
DESIGN & FEATURES

The Grippa is made of a supple material that
will accommodate rods of various diameters
and simply slots snuggly onto standard tripod
bars – such as Ian Golds and other popular

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REMEMBER TO QUOTE SEA ANGLER WHEN

RESPONDING TO AN ADVERT IN THE MAGAZINE! VISIT: ANGLERSWORLD.TV
SEA ANGLER WORDS AND PICTURES
RODNEY GOODSHIP
RODNEY GOODSHIP’S
When your reel fails it’s not going to be catching a dab or whiting; it
will be on a fish of a lifetime, or even a PB. Rodney Goodship explains
how to keep your reel in peak condition for when you need it most

1. Some bearings come out easily and some The gear can be as small as 10mm and the
are pigs, but they do need to come out and tooth 1mm. All this power goes through a
be checked. Clean with a good de-greaser very small piece of metal. Don’t put the rod
or lighter fuel and dry. in the holder on the gunnel and use the reel
as a winch! Use the rod, not the reel, to
2. If they don’t run smoothly replace them. beat the fish. “Pump and wind, don’t grind“,
Bad bearings never get better. is often heard on my boat. I am now
replacing more and more pinion gears as
3. Pack the new ones with grease but don’t this misuse causes wear and also affects the
overfill. Grease is very good at stopping drag setting as well.
galvanic corrosion where stainless steel
screws are going into aluminium bodies.
Even better, replace the screws with DRAG
aluminium ones. Drag settings should be 20 to 30 per cent of
the line strength. A fish will tire better
If you get stuck with a service just send all taking line and it has been proven that the
the parts to a service centre and they will second run will always be less than the first.
sort you out. I regularly get a bag of bits! Make a big fish work. The build-up of lactic
Photos as you are taking it apart help as acid in the fish will get the job done. Just
well. When you are buying bearings you remember to keep tension on the rod/reel
get what you pay for. Cheap bearings are when you pump and wind so not to lose
cheap for a reason. line on the reel.
Another one that makes me laugh at the
service centre is where the complaint is the
PUMP & WIND drag is not working. Guess what? The line
The number two killer of reels is misuse. is slipping around the spool as there is no
Modern reels have high ratios up to 7 to 1, backing. Always use tape on the spool then
or over 12 years I have been high drags up to 50lb, and power handles. 20 to 30 yards of mono backing. Fill, but
running the repair, service and You will often see the reels being used as don’t over fill, with braid as tight as you
warranty centre for Seigler small winches. To get the high speeds the can. Use a heavy weight on the bottom, or
Reels US here in the UK. I’ve makers use smaller pinion gears. If you troll a weight on the way out to your fishing
seen the good, the bad and the think about how gears work, only one grounds, to get as much tension in the
ugly of UK fishing reels. The tooth is in perfect position at any one time. spooled braid as possible. n
range has astonished me: from the perfect
reels in for a full service at the end of the
season, to the seized solid, stored in a bag
in the shed at the start of the season. The
one thing I tell all my customers: bad reels
never get better all on their own. If
something is wrong, get it sorted sooner
rather than later.
RUST
The number one killer of fishing reels is
rust. After every trip you must clean your
reels as soon as you can. How you do it is
up to you: from full immersion to just a
spray or under a running tap. All are fine
but you must then dry the reel too.
Shaking is good, as is drying in the sun. A
hair dryer works well too. Then, when, and
only when, you are sure its 100 per cent
dry, give it a good spray with WD 40 or a
light oil. Every few days it helps to spin the
reel and work the drag just to keep it all
moving. Dry, warm storage is also the
number one tip for long reel life. Storing
reels in a shoebox in the airing cupboard is
the best place I have found, or near your
hot water tank but never in a neoprene
bag: a real reel killer!
All this will keep rust at bay and extend
the reel life. However, all metals rust, even
stainless and hybrid ceramics will rust, so
to make sure you’ve got no hidden
corrosion, take the reel apart and look for
rust and treat with a good reel grease. If
you feel able and confident to try a service
here are a few tips.
SEA ANGLER WORDS BY TIM
MACPHERSON
The Southampton International Boat Show is always a great

opportunity to have a look at some of the newest boats, engines,
electronics and gadgets available for boat fishing. Tim Macpherson
reports on some of the most interesting new products on the market
BOATS of polyethylene - a material completely
The centre point of the show – with recyclable, resistant to weather and
plenty of choice on offer. The Orkney mechanical damage.
592 Centre Console is a new boat on the www.specialistsmallcraft.co.uk
block. Orkney have been producing Another interesting portable angling boat
excellent angling boats – built on a more is the Milha Boat from Zego Marine.
traditional hull shape and they have now This is a cracking little angling platform –
launched a new centre console model good for inshore and estuary fishing. Billed
– which are becoming more popular as a hybrid kayak/boat it is lightweight
amongst many sports fishermen. The and the unique design and capacious in
new 592 is designed to run offshore in board storage are a major selling point for
comfort. Its Nelson heritage is apparent this one-person boat which takes a 6hp
in the way the hull handles rough water outboard or electric motor. A good option
with ease. The 27” interior freeboard if you’re after a lightweight, easy to launch
and self-draining cockpit add to the affordable boat. Available from
feeling of safety and security. www.milhaboat.co.uk
www.orkneyboats.com Aluminium boats are also becoming
Anglers are increasingly turning to small more popular with anglers and the
more portable SIBS and plastic boats. Norden 600, this year featured on the
Amongst the variety on display was the Suzuki stand, has the same hull design
Roto-Tech Kontra 450. Its hull profile as the Smart Fish. The version on show
combines the advantages of a RIB had the complete package including a
sponson with the convenience of a Suzuki engine. The boat has a forward
spacious displacement boat - combining open cabin fitted with 3D Craft seats.
space, stability, seakeeping and It’s a fast, stable boat which can get up
performance. The high and fine bow to speeds of over 30 knots, although in
combined with underwater hull profile the test zone we could only get up to 10
ensures a dry and smooth ride making knots. It includes lots of excellent
for a very capable craft in all conditions. storage space and a 40l live bait tank.
It has a double-shell construction Rod holders and all the usual accessories
with many buoyancy chambers, meaning are included and it’s a very spacious boat
it is practically unsinkable. The 450 is a that comes with non-slip flooring.
modern and multi-purpose boat, made www.3dcraftboatsuk.com

ELECTRONICS
It’s been a relatively quiet year for new
marine electronics products with the big
players introducing some interesting
upgrades, accessories and additions.
Raymarine were showing their Axiom 2
pro and 2 XL, both of which are a solid
upgrade on this popular fishfinder/
chartplotter, while on the Garmin stand
we got a demonstration of the new GC 245
and GC 255 marine deck cameras
(featured elsewhere in this issue) and
Lowrance were featuring their Ghost
trolling motor, not new but still an
excellent angling product for those who
fish in areas where stealth is essential.
Suzuki had the Suzuki Fishing Team

ENGINES AND ACCESSORIES on their stand with the Shimano fishing
There were lots of electric outboards to simulator – always great fun as visitors
see and one which caught the eye was the are challenged to simulate fighting big
range of Temo portable electric engines game fish including bluefin tuna.
designed for all sorts of boats. They are The team had two boats showcasing the
reliable, durable and very easy to use and latest Suzuki DF300B engine and the
are an ultra-light and powerful propulsion DF250 Kuro, which was launched
solution. www.temofrance.co.uk earlier in the year and is notable for its
The ThrustMe Kicker Outboard is a special matt black finish. They were also
cutting-edge outboard motor. showcasing their engines on a variety of
Lightweight and compact it has a fully boats including Ultimate Boats,
enclosed propeller powered by a 1000w Wetwheels’ Cheetah Cat, Island RIBs
brushless motor coupled with an and Excel Marine.
integrated 259Wh lithium battery. At As always there is a large selection of
only 4.5kg its light and at £1000 RRP it’s waterproof clothing on show but
worth looking at for inshore angling Mustang Survival, who also produce
where stealth is important. From £1000 their excellent Atlas Pro Sensor
at www.thrustme.uk. lifejacket, have some excellent
Garmin had their electric trolling motors lightweight angling apparel, the newest
on display, while BHG were showing being their Essential Taku waterproof
their lightweight Prop Guards, a strong jacket. Waterproof and breathable with
and non-corroding poly carbonate 3-layer MarineSpec SP fabric used
injection moulded two-part safety cage throughout, it is abrasion, saltwater and
that helps protects your propeller (and UV resistant. Sealed seams and YKK®
you from your propeller). The two halves AQUAGUARD® zippers protect
bolt onto your engine cavitation plate against rain and spray, and the drop
and skeg and can be fitted with basic hood cinches tight when the wind picks
tools within 30 minutes. The 13" Blue up. Fleece-lined pockets keep hands
Prop Guard is suitable for most outboard toasty, and an internal chest pocket
motors from 40-60hp, and all propellers holds your valuables. The draw-cord
up to 13" in diameter (not pitch!). £275 hem adjusts for a customised fit.
from www.bhg-marine.co.uk www.mustang-survival.co.uk

SEA ANGLER Words and pictures
JIM WHIPPY
NEW
SERUSIIEVELSY
EXCL
for Sea Angler!
Jim ponders on the lack of mackerel, the arrival of bluefin tuna in

East Sussex, and whether the whiting or cod will turn up this autumn
L
ucky G’ is jointly owned by me, Ross
Parsons and the former editor of
Saltwater Boat Angling, Tim
Macpherson. Tim had not been out
in the boat since our first trip of the
year at the beginning of May when we were
towed back by the Eastbourne Lifeboat after
our cutout switch shorted out about three
miles off Bexhill. He had done plenty of
fishing since but not out with Ross and I, so it
was important to find him some fish. We
were fortunate to get a few mackerel and with
the squid we had taken with us we decided to
anchor up and go for bream. The bream were
there in numbers and we enjoyed some light
tackle fun with them. Then Ross hooked a
tope on his bream gear and had some fun as it
shot off in all directions. Both Tim and I then
hooked similar sized fish around the 12lb
mark. Tim was a happy man with a bag of
good bream and the tope action.
NO SHOW
When the mackerel didn’t arrive off
Eastbourne beaches through June and July,
we all thought they would be here in August,
but they still didn’t show. Now we are into
September and they have still not shown up,
apart from the odd shoal. It’s getting serious
as so many other species follow them and the
but by this time the tide had dropped away
and nothing took our offerings. The boys
enjoyed the day, but I was left very frustrated
wanting to give them a day to remember and
with a few fresh mackerel we would have
had some good sport. I will have to get them
out again if the opportunity arises and the
mackerel show up.
E-BIKE
Recently I bought an e-bike to use for fishing
some of the more difficult spots to get to. At
first I carried my rod bag over my shoulder
until it started to slip around and ended up
catching against parked vehicles such as vans
and camper vans, while the bottom end poked
out into the road. What I needed was some
sort of tube fitted to the bike that I could
slide the rod bag into. I ended up with one of
Eastbourne tackle dealer, Tony Kirridge’s,
prototype rod bags with a fish measure on the
side that I cut in half and bungee clipped to
the wheel frame and rack above the battery.
whitebait they are feeding on. Even out in Last year a few codling turned up at the This leaves me free to have a bright orange
the boats the lack of mackerel has become beginning of September and everyone got backpack with my tackle on my back and the
a concern. I know some people will find a excited about a possible good winter’s cod rod in the tube. It has proved to be a much
shoal and think the sea is full of them, but fishing. It didn’t last and a couple of weeks safer option. The roads are not very safe, so
it’s not reflected over the wider area. Even later they had gone. Once again, they have I have set up three back lights, one flashing
commercially the lack of our main bait fish shown up in early September; the question is and two front lights. To these I add a spare
is shown up by the price of mackerel in the will they stay around this year to give us some headlight making me look like Blackpool
fish shops. Normally at this time of the year winter sport or are we destined to spend our illuminations as I travel home late at night.
the price drops dramatically, but the current time over-run by pesky whiting?
shop price is still around £5.50 a kilo. POOR FINISH
Now there are reports coming out from GRANDSON’S TRIP Basically, I am, like most anglers, an optimist;
Brighton that as many as 11 bluefin tuna I managed to find a window in the weather but this summer I have had my faith put to
have been caught from the port in mid- to take one of my grandsons out in ‘Lucky G’ the test. The last four shore sessions have had
September. This is hundreds of miles east before he starts Uni. Ben brought has mate resulted in three blanks and one small
of the Cornish grounds they have been Matt along with him who had never fished conger eel. I have got to the point where I
showing up in over the last few years. Some from a boat before. Having told them the will welcome the whiting back! Mind you,
anglers are concerned that the number of plan was to catch them a tope they were very that feeling won’t last too long. Maybe they
tuna around has contributed to the loss of excited. Everything looked perfect; the tide will be absent this autumn as the mackerel
the mackerel shoals. Another theory is that was right, weather excellent, but there was a have been all summer. That would be fine if
the numerous super trawlers in the channel problem, we couldn’t find a mackerel. First, some decent codling come along to take their
are hoovering them up. we tried close in to the harbour where they place. Short tides can make fishing harder
sometimes shoal up, then at two miles, four from the shore and this year we have had a
HOUNDS AND EELS miles and six miles out, all to no avail. We run of them for the past three weeks. Maybe
The results from our recent club eventually caught a few small bream and pout the bigger tides will shake everything up and
competitions have been very similar with on some old lugworm that I brought with me. keep those rod tips twitching. n
just small eels, a thornback ray and the odd I rigged up a whole pout for conger or tope
flatty caught in the first two-and-a-half
hours. Then one or two smoothhounds on
the very last casts taking the top spots. This
is because most of our evening matches
finish well before high tide when the bigger
fish move inshore.
I have often been asked why not fish
later in the tide to include the high tide.
To organise matches to suit all situations
is not easy. A number of things have got
to be taken into consideration: length of
tide enabling bait to be pumped, avoiding
weekend matches and finishing at 10pm so
it’s not too late for those working the next
day. Getting all those things to match up only
happens around twice a month which is why
competition fishing, where you must conform
to either certain areas or maybe fish on drawn
pegs, is so different to pleasure fishing when
you can choose your time and venue to suit.
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HOW TO HIJACK FISH BEHAVIOUR AND SUPER-CHAR 18/03/2024 14:13
SEA ANGLER WORDS BY
PHILL WILLIAMS
EXTRACTS FROM
NEW
SERIES
You Should Have Been Here Yesterday is a book

by Phill Williams documenting sea angling
in the UK throughout the 20th century. It is
considered to be the most comprehensive
history of UK sea angling ever compiled. This
month we start a new series bringing you
extracts from the book. We begin with the
early years and development of GPS, and why
boat anglers owe a debt of gratitude to one
Professor Albert Einstein!
ou have to be of my brilliance of one Albert Einstein more than
generation or older to 100 years earlier, GPS would probably have
appreciate the degree of been no better than the systems it replaced.
influence GPS both has, and
continues to play, in all our REMEMBER THE 2000D?
lives on a number of levels. The early days of electronic navigation were
The old land-based transmitters which reliant on land-based signal stations. When
were used to operate Decca, and later, wreck fishing began hitting the headlines
Navstar were unreliable due to weather, during the 1960s and early 1970s it was
atmospherics and positioning of the facilitated by Decca, which came in a
beacons, to the point where at times you progression of updated versions over time.
really would be fishing blind. Then along Next came the Navstar 2000D, which for a
came the GPS system, which itself was small boat angler like me was the first time
problematic in the early days until the I, and many others like me, had access to
Americans decided to give us the full, accurate navigation. Phillips also produced
undiluted version. However, without the a similar instrument, but it was the Navstar
92
that grabbed all the headlines, and Russians had put Sputnik into orbit in it was both way better and way more
presumably the bulk of the sales. The 1957, demonstrating not only a reliable than the alternative land-based
Navstar and Phillips weren’t so much technological superiority over the West at systems, still fell some way short of the
improvements on Decca, but cheaper, the time, but that, if orbiting satellites accuracy we all enjoy today.
easier to use variants of it, converting the could be tracked from the ground, such as GPS for ‘the masses’ became a reality
Decca signal into latitude and longitude the US military had done with Sputnik, following the shooting down of Korean
– though the Decca numbers could also then the reverse was also potentially Airlines Flight 007 by the Russian military
be displayed and used from it if preferred. possible, allowing people or objects on the in September 1983, killing all 269
Like Decca, the Navstar and all other ground to be tracked by satellites, and with passengers and crew on board. The
incarnations of machines using land-based that the race to build a fully functional Russians had mistakenly identified the
Decca signals, it was prone to inaccuracies satellite navigation system was on. passenger jet as a spy plane after it had
caused by climatic conditions, plus This also triggered the race to provide strayed off course into Soviet airspace
potential shut downs for maintenance or satellite navigation to non-military users, a due to the fallibility of the navigation
repair purposes. race the Magellan Corporation claimed to systems used by civilian aircraft during the
have won in 1989 with a handheld device early 1980s.
COLD WAR INFLUENCE called the Magellan NAV 1000. However, At the time, the US had an early version
Such inaccuracies and encumbrances had fearing GPS might also be used by of GPS operating from around a dozen
to be borne by sailors and fishermen. But America’s adversaries, the US Defence satellites. Fearing it might fall into the
for military purposes, only the best was Department deliberately downgraded the wrong hands, and be used against them by
good enough. Particularly after the signal accuracy of the system which, while adversaries, they had deliberately
downgraded the signals for civilian use,
including civil air travel. The Korean
airliner tragedy triggered a sudden
change in this policy. President Regan
ordered the higher signal quality to be
made available to everybody when the
next overhaul of the system was put in
place. The world at large would finally
get access to GPS operating at full
strength. What’s more, it would be
available for free.
It took 10 years and more than $10
billion for the second version of GPS to
come online as promised. As you might
expect, the US military continued (and
continue) to work on
improving what everybody
now has access to. Finally,
in 1995, Roger L. Easton,
Ivan A. Getting and
Bradford Parkinson
delivered the GPS that
offshore sea anglers know
and love today; providing
the reliable military grade
precision requiring a
‘constellation’ of 27
satellites (24 in use with
three spares), a figure that
has since risen to 31, each
orbiting the Earth twice daily
forming a network from which any
four need to be in line of sight of
a ground-based receiver at any
one time.
This in turn allows receivers
carried in vehicles on the ground, in
the air or at sea, to interpret a
precise set of location coordinates by
measuring the transmission times of
radio signals from these satellites,
with the proviso that Albert
Einstein’s 1905 calculation for
relativity is built into the
transmitted result to take account
of the fact that time passes at
different rates depending on the
mass of objects such the Earth
being in close proximity to the
orbiting atomic clocks.
SEA ANGLER
The system obviously is in a constant state

of improvement and upgrade. In 1998, Vice
President Al Gore announced plans to make
the GPS satellites transmit two additional
signals to be used for civilian applications,
aimed in particular at improving aircraft
safety. This was implemented in 2000. Also
in 2000, just before departing office,
President Bill Clinton decided to get rid of
selective availability.
The powerful degradation of GPS put in
place just before the first Gulf War was
removed, making it as much as 10 times
more accurate at a stroke. Following this, in
2005, the first ‘Block II’ satellites were sent
up to join the GPS constellation, followed
by the ‘Block III’ satellites for availability in
2014. And throughout, the US Airforce,
which manages the military GPS system,
has endeavoured to keep at least 24
satellites available for at least 95 per cent of
the time, which is good news for sea anglers
and bad news for the fish the system
undoubtedly helps us to locate.
E=MC2
You don’t have to be Albert Einstein to
catch fish, but you do need to have had the
internationally acclaimed mathematical
genius to realise the benefits of the
advanced navigation which goes hand in
glove with the level of offshore boat fishing
and maritime safety we currently enjoy
today. For without his 1905 theory of
Special Relativity where energy equals mass
times the speed of light squared (E = mc2),
"President Regan ordered the higher signal
and more importantly for offshore sea
anglers, his subsequent linked theory of
General Relativity 10 years later in 1915,
quality to be made available to everybody
we wouldn’t enjoy the repeat accuracy of
electronic navigation we see today.
Without this, the Global Positioning
when the next overhaul of the system was
System (GPS) we now rely on for so many
things, including finding fishing marks and
the repeatability to return to them at will,
put in place. The World at large would finally
simply could not operate. Without
Einstein’s equations, GPS would literally
be obsolete within days. Okay, so we would
get access to GPS operating at full strength.
still have other less accurate forms of
electronic navigation. But surely nobody
What’s more, it would be available for free"
who has ever used and relied on Decca or
similar land-based systems would want to
go back to the days of unreliability caused
by atmospheric variables, signal station
failures or close downs for essential
maintenance and repairs?
For GPS to maintain the level of
precision we currently enjoy, the ‘ticks’
from GPS satellite atomic clocks must be
known to an accuracy of 20-30
nanoseconds, a nanosecond being one
billionth of a second. Because the satellites
are constantly moving relative to observers
on the Earth, effects predicted by Einstein’s
theory of General Relativity must be taken
into account to achieve this required 20-30
nanosecond accuracy.
It all boils down to how an observer on
the ground sees the satellites in motion

relative to themselves. Special Relativity
predicts that we should see these clocks
ticking more slowly causing the onboard
atomic clocks to fall behind identical clocks
on the ground by about 7 microseconds (7
one millionths of a second) per day because
of the slower ticking rate due to the time
dilation effect of their relative motion.
GPS satellites are positioned in orbits
20,000km above the Earth where, due to
the Earth’s mass, the curvature of
spacetime due to gravity is less than it is at
the Earth’s surface. General Relativity
predicts that the clocks onboard satellites
close to a massive object, like the Earth,
will seem to tick more slowly than those
located further away. As such, when
viewed from the surface of the Earth, the
clocks on these satellites appear to be
ticking faster than identical clocks on
the ground.
Calculations using General Relativity
predict that the clocks in our GPS
satellites will get ahead of ground-based
clocks by 45 microseconds per day, and
that the combination of these two effects
means that GPS satellite clocks should tick
faster than identical clocks on the ground
by about 38 microseconds per day. While
it might sound insignificant – bearing in
mind the level of precision required here
– 38 microseconds equates to 10
kilometres a day! This is why engineers
who design these satellite systems program
in Einstein’s predictions before you or I
use our GPS systems to accurately locate
our fishing marks! ■
WHAT'S ON
Your at-a-glance match events planner l = Penn Sea League
l 19-20: Hastings SAC 2 day open email daiwaopen@gmail.com or

OCTOBER 9.30-2.30pm day 1 and 10-3pm day 2, register on the day 7:30 – 9:30 at
l 12: Southern League round 10 of 12 & lug, fish, squid baits only, Mark Rogers the Northfield country club
open, Goring, 5-10pm, pegged, measure & 07770 973062, Colin Crosby 07971 252652, Withernsea HU19 2BT. Or tickets can be
return, £15 match entry, £5 pools, £10 pair, colinmichael123@gmail.com purchased from the following:
team of five free, 2022 League entry £25, l 20: Irish Federation of Sea Anglers, East Coast Tackle Tansterne, Hull
booking ends one hour before start, book 4-8pm Rossbeigh, check-in at the car Angling Centre Hull, Holderness
only, Darren 07919 073232, Mike 07983 579596, park, entry; senior 15eur and junior 10eur Hardware Withernsea, Coso’s Tackle
Ian 07736 004714 or Ant 07775 691916. Nick: contact: Chris O’Sullivan 08515 32770 Scarborough, Westlands Angling Centre
southernleagueandopens@gmail.com l 20: RNLI Open, 70 Peg Limit, - Sigglethorne, Quids in bait and tackle
l 12: Holyhead & District Angling Middle Lane Ulverston. Booking on Hull, Squids in Sea baits Goxhill
club, Tom Lynch Open Sea Angling Kingfisher Car Park, Ulverston LA12
Competition, by kind permission of Stena 9RA. Booking on 10.30am to 11.30am. NOVEMBER
line UK fishing 1230-1630pm £20 entry, Fishing 12.30pm to 15.30pm. Total length,
Live Facebook peg draw 9/10/2024 7pm, Pegged match, 3 zones, concession and l 2: WCAC Open Rover,
PayPal: Holyheadangling@yahoo.com - family pegs available, entry fee via 5-9pm Minehead to Blue
Friends & Family. Limited to 80 pegs, pre bank transfer £20 senior, £10 junior. Anchor. Book in, sign on and PENN
book, all senior anglers to fish outside wall. Tied positions done on count back, presentation at the Royal PLUS
No minimum size limits, straight measure, email ffabeach2020@gmail.com British Legion, Watchet TA23
all dogfish 50cm rays, smoothhound and l 20: Northumbrian open, £12 entry, 0AR. For more info contact
bullhuss measured noses to tail. All junior fishing 10:30 - 14:30 weigh-in Bank House Steve, West Coast Angling Centre,
anglers to fish FOC on pegs allocated on club, Newbiggin. Boundaries Tynemouth Watchet 01984 634807
inside of breakwater - junior anglers may pier to sea houses south pier, all piers, l 2-3: SAMF Teams of Five,
receive help from an adult, but must be able rivers and estuaries excluded. Deal and Hythe, pre-book, PENN
to cast and retrieve unaided. All prizes will be Contact Steve Surtees 07888 674873 qualifying teams only to PLUS
confirmed on payment cut off 4th October l 20: Aldeburgh Blind Charity open, Rob Tuck 07855 848967
6pm - only payment guarantees Aldeburgh beaches, fishing 10-3pm, l 3: Seaham Angling Club
entrance. Presentation at Holyhead hotspurs £25 entry, no white rag or edible crab, Seaham Open, fishing 12-5pm, for more
football club - LL65 2YE presentation at Old Generating station, information contact: Anthony Price
l 13: South Wales Sea Anglers Open Cardiff contact Paul Harrison 07788 860562 07434 589493
Foreshore Rob Cole 07792 456428 l 25: Edinburgh Winter Shore League, l 3: John Smiths open sponsored by
l 13: Weston Outcasts SAC, Burnham- Joppa, Reg 6-6.15pm @ Promenade the Station Hotel, fishing 9-2pm, weigh-
on-Sea, Open competition. Sign on: View, EH15 2ES, fish 7-10pm. Pre-book in for 3pm, Station Hotel, Church
The Lighthouse Inn, Burnham-on- only, contact Ian Campbell 07907 805822 Street, Filey, heaviest single fish match,
Sea from 11am TA8 1LN, fishing: 1-6pm. l 26-27: Northern Ireland Federation £15 entry, £2 juniors, contact Scott
Presentation: Lighthouse Inn, Burnham-on- of Sea Anglers 2 Day Open, Blowman 07934 049126
Sea. Entry: £20 includes flatfish pool. Rules: East Antrim coast. Booking l 3: West Bay Sea Angling Club,
1 rod 3 hooks, 18cm size limit on all species: in on Friday at the Curran PENN 49th Chesil Championship, supported
catch, measure, witness, return and convert Court Hotel, Larne, Co PLUS by The Angling Centre, West Bay,
to weight (heaviest bag). No tripods allowed Antrim 6-8pm. Pegged West Bexington and Abbotsbury, 11-
on the beach prior to sign on. Contact Jason match. Entry £60 +£10 5pm. Sign-on from 9:00am at Bridport
Brown for more information: 07792 292858 federation fee. First prize £1200 with Football Club DT6 5LA. Entry fee:
l 13: East Coast Warrior Open, 10-4, zones and overalls down to 10th cash and seniors £20, juniors £10, Optional Super
scales down 5pm, weigh in at Marine pub sponsored prizes. Contact Harry McKee Pool £5 1st, 2nd, 3rd most points. Match
Hornsea. Pre booking at Eastcoast tackle and on nifederationofseaanglers@gmail. is Measure & Return (SAMF length to
Westlands. Tickets on the day from 7.30am com to book in. points). No setting up before signing
at Lyndsy’s cafe (formerly Lilys). Entry £10 l 27: Reel Fun Fishing: Burnham League on. First prize: £300 (Most Points), 2nd
senior, £5 junior. Biggest fish 5 places, biggest & Opens, 3 Match Series (all results prize: £200, 3rd prize £100, Ladies’ prize
whiting, biggest flattie. Boundaries Sewerby count), meet and draw 9.30am, fishing £50, Junior prize: £25 Voucher (ladies &
steps to Humber bridge north bank. 11am - 4pm, £30 League entry (pre-pay juniors can win major prizes as well).
l 13: East Anglian Sea League, teams of at Reel Fun), 100 per cent pay-out top For more information phone The
five and open, venue TBC, length to weigh 8 anglers, £20 entry per match (100 per Angling Centre on 01308 421800
conversion, £25 entry, juniors must be cent pay-out), zone prizes, heaviest fish l 7: David Neil Bait Supplies Shore
accompanied by an adult, pre-book only with and winner’s bonus, all pegged & zoned (3 League Match 3, Ardrossan South
Rob Tuck 07855 848967 zones), maximum 60 pegs available, 1 rod Beach, 9.09pm low. All matches
l 13: Welsh Flounder and Bass Competition 3 hooks, 18cm size limit on all species: are open to everyone, pre book
Senior & Junior, Loughor estuary 12am to catch, measure, witness, return and only. Fishing is 7pm until 10pm, peg
5 pm, £1000 1st prize. Any enquiries 01792 convert to weight (heaviest bag). No bait draw 6.15. Details from David Neil 07831
875050 or 07970 404522 Brian Country Stores restrictions. Pre-book only: contact Reel 192717
l 17: David Neil Bait Supplies Shore League Fun Fishing 01275 848652 l 8: Edinburgh Winter Shore League,
Match 2, Irvine 6.06pm low. All matches are l 27: Breakaway Open, Felixstowe, Newhaven (west), Reg 6-6.15pm at
open to everyone, pre book only. Fishing is booking in Felixstowe Club House Western Harbour Breakwater EH6 6PA,
7pm until 10pm, peg draw 6.15. Details from 8 - 9 IP11 2EL, pegged match, £20 all in. fish 7-10pm. Pre-book only, contact
David Neil 07831 192717 Contact Matt - Ipswich Sea Angling Club Ian Campbell 07907 805822
l 18: Edinburgh Winter Shore League, TXT 07810 564399 l 9-10: Scottish Federation
Newhaven (east), Reg 6-6.15pm @ Western l 27: Daiwa open 2024 10-4pm, of Sea Anglers, Ian Reid
PENN
Harbour View, EH6 6PG, fish 7-10pm, pre-book weigh in 4-5pm, Northfield Country Memorial. For more
only. Contact Ian 07907 805 822 Club, Withernsea HU19 2BT, scales details and to book a peg PLUS
l 18-19: Anyfish Anywhere down 5pm prompt. Heaviest fish please contact Chris Horn
2-day event Llandudno Julian PENN competition, £2000 first prize. 0787294480
Shambrook 01803213555 Boundaries Bridlington North beach l 10: Penarth SAC Open Penarth
l 19: West Cork & District
PLUS to the Humber bridge. Entry fee £15 Bob Galley 02920 706995
Open, Youghal Beach, 6-10pm, for adults, juniors £10 for junior prizes l 10: Leinster League Roney Point,
check-in Clay castle car park 4:30pm, only or £15 all in. Postal pre book 1-6 contact Alby Allan for details
contact sodonovan6@gmail.com with Jonny Vickers 07595 484619 or albertallan@hotmail.com

SEA LEAGUE
2024
Congratulations to the 416 anglers who have scored Penn Sea League points since January 1st. Here’s the full
leader board for 2024 so far. Those names highlighted in blue are all registered for the 2024 league and prizes.
Don’t forget, if you wish to be eligible for prizes, and potentially fish the grand final in 2025, you need to register
via the Angling Trust website
1st Saul Page Deal 121 28th Darren Bond Lancing 25 Dean Francis Yeovil 17
2nd Shaun Moore Cardiff 60 Paul Kemp Hull 25 Gordon Blyth Patrington 17
3rd Sam Collier Deal 53 30th D. Newland Ryde 23 Ian Dancey Waterlooville 17
4th Gareth Griffiths B.Furness 51 Tom Wells Deal 23 John Johnson Minehead 17
5th Wayne Leason Hull 50 32nd Dan Mogridge Portsmouth 22 Nick Westgarth Stockton on Tees 17
6th Ben Bradstock Honiton 46 Kevin Warner Horncastle 22 Peter Hammond Ferryside 17
7th Neil Cutler Gateshead 38 34th Darren Browne South Shields 20 61st A. Chester Hedon 16
8th D. Shorthouse Kettering 37 Joe Wales Shoreham 20 Dave Cave Holyhead 16
Mark Taylor Grimsby 37 Mel McIntyre 20 Deano Ryan Portsmouth 16
Nathan Elliott Dover 37 37th Alan Price Rhyl 19 Matty Sabiston Grimsby 16
11th Ben Price Holyhead 34 Chris Guthrie Cramlington 19 M. Lazenby 16
12th Dave Wade Hove 32 Garry Hutson Cleethorpes 19 66th Adam Farmer Penarth 15
Richard Yates St Marg Bay 32 40th Gavin Owen Connsett 19 Adam Johnson South Shields 15
S. Moore Hartlepool 32 Matt White Lancaster 19 Ben Arnold Brighton 15
Shaun Tucker Swansea 32 Mike Kyle Easthouses 19 Craig Maddock Caerphilly 15
16th Allan Hughes Holyhead 31 Richard Burt Clacton 19 Dewi Parry Gwalchmai 15
George Smith Grimsby 31 44th A. Dugdale Peel 18 Gareth Gardiner Sunderland 15
Shane Russell Old Colwyn 31 Ben Laws Whitby 18 N. Charlesworth Hornsea 15
19th Louie Smith Deal 30 Daniel Crump Barry 18 Paddy Kerrigan Jarrow 15
20th Ged Stevens Bar in Furness 29 Dave Lane Weymouth 18 Paul Molyneux Upholland 15
Martyn Wilding Scarborough 29 D. Llewelyn Barry 18 Paul Smith South Shields 15
22nd Steve Potts Gosforth 28 David Cooper Edinburgh 18 Ray Shepherd Hedon 15
23rd Steve Adams Chelmondiston 27 Jason Brown Bridgwater 18 Richard Dorgan Bristol 15
T. Roberts Holyhead 27 Keith Smith Blyth 18 Steve Williams Jarrow 15
25th Simon Drayton Gainsborough 26 Lloyd Summers Caerphilly 18 Till Hall Bath 15
Tommy Tate Sunderland 26 Wayne Davison Thornton 18 90th Dave Wilson Hornsea 14
Troy Francis Killarney 26 54th D. Richardson 17 Frank Potter 14
Steve Potts Gosforth 11 Gareth Gardiner Sunderland 7

TOP SCORERS – AUGUST 2024 6th Chris Fiatal Ormsby 10 Kevin Warner Horncastle 7
This month’s winner was Paul Molyneux Gareth Griffiths Bar in Furness 10 W Harriman 7
with 13 points from one event. Remember, 8th David Neil Saltcoats 9 19th Carl Greenhow 6
to win the monthly prize you need to John Phillips 9 Gary Parsons Bridgend 6
be registered. Paul McIntyre Jarrow 9 Gavin Owen Consett 6
11th Gavin Parker Wallasey 8 22nd David Cooper Edinburgh 5
1st Paul Molyneux Upholland 13 Mike Kyle Easthouses 8 Kenny McCoy Sunderland 5
Neil Cutler Gateshead 13 Shaun Tucker Swansea 8 Steve Rapka 5
3rd Dave Morris Deal 12 14th Adam Johnson South Shields 7
4th George Smith Grimsby 11 D. Llewelyn Barry 7
HOW IT WORKS
■ With £10,000 in tackle prizes the points, based on entries, are awarded to the top three
plus section winners and captors of the largest fish caught in each designated Penn
match. Penn also awards a prize of a Spinfisher fixed-spool reel to the angler scoring the
most points in matches shown in each issue. If there is a tie, the winner will be the angler
whose total is from the greatest number of results and is then chosen on merit by the
Angling Trust. An angler can win only one reel during the year. To win a prize you must be
registered with the Penn Sea League – supply your name, address, phone and email. Send
fixtures, results and league registration by email to Ian Bowell: ian.bowell@icloud.com

BLUEFIN SPECIAL FLORIDA KEYS PART II:
KEY WEST AND DORADOS
■ A SPECIAL ON THE FIRST EVER
UK RECREATIONAL FISHING FROM THE DEEP,
SEASON SO FAR INCLUDING ANOTHER
■ THE UK BLUEFIN TUNA CHANCE TO WIN A TRIP TO
CHAMPIONSHIP FLORIDA WORTH £5000!
■ TACKLING-UP FOR TUNA:
THE KIT YOU NEED
HENRY GILBEY ON
GUERNSEY’S GREAT
WINTER BASS FISHING
ON SALE NOVEMBER 8TH2024

Pre-order today at shop.kelsey.co.uk/seaanglerissue OR SCAN OUR QR CODE
01524 422146 ANY AMOUNT
just order we can2 TYPES ONLIN FREE
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ZIPLEX IS BACK AT GERRYS CALL FOR UPDATE ON LATEST STOCK!

Century are now one of the leading producers of top of the range surf rods, with fantastic advances in
Now in more limited range but still exactly the same as they were before buit on the same mandrils with
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suit your fishing you can’t go wrong. Gerry’s also now are the only supplier that can custom finish your same matierals. Still some of the best fishing and casting rods in the world with a fantastic following!
rods, you need to call us to discuss your wants and needs. Gerry’s have been building rods in house for Prices shown are for the standard finish still to a fantasic spec, but can be whipped to any spec you
40+ years! desire. Still built either in house at Gerry's or by world famous builder Chris Dance.
Call us 01524-422146 to talk over your spec.
Some of the finest, most versatile rods, with Anti-twist technology ultra thin bite sensitive tips
Profile GT 13ft 4" 100-180gms (glass tip) super slim 50/50 split blank with fantastic bite detection £525.00
and Titanium K Guides.
RRP Gerrys Price Profile EVO 13ft 4" 100-180gms almost the same as GT but with a carbon tip for faster tides quicker recovery £525.00
M4 GT 13ft 4" 100-225gms (glass tip) one of the most sold all round fishing rod with fantastic bite detection £560.00
Tip Tornado Graphex Sport 13’ 11” / 125-225g Heavy - Mixed............................£685.00 ..............................£599.99 M4 EVO 13ft 4" 100-225gms almost the same as M4GT but with a carbon tip for faster tides quicker recovery £560.00
Tip Tornado Graphex Supermatch 13’ 6” / 125-200g Light Heavy - Smooth ......£640.00 ...............................£559.99
Tip Tornado Graphex Match 13’ 6” / 125-175g Mixed - Smooth..........................£635.00 ...............................£554.99 ALL RODS NOW COME IN A CUSTOM HEAVY DUTY ZZIPLEX ROD BAG
Tip Tornado Graphex Supermatch LD 13’ / 50-150g Mixed - Smooth .................£610.00 ...............................£534.99
Tip Tornado Graphex Ultralite ST 13’ / 50-125g Smooth.......................................£585.00 ...............................£509.99
Eliminator T1200 14’ 10” / 125-225g Heavy ground...............................................£815.00 ...............................£714.99 NEW DAIWA KENZAKI SURF RODS
Eliminator T1200 Salvador Bustos Edition 14’ 4” / 125-225g Heavy ground ....£815.00 ...............................£714.99 As you would expect from Daiwa, a new rod that
Eliminator T1000 14’ 10” / 125-200g Heavy ground..............................................£795.00 ...............................£694.99 will take some beating at this price. They look
Eliminator T900-SGT 14’ 4” / 125-200g Heavy - Mixed ..........................................£715.00 ...............................£624.99 and fish like a rod twice the price!
Eliminator T800-SGT 13’ 6” / 100-175g Mixed - Smooth .......................................£655.00 ...............................£574.99 UK built with a choice of 2 lengths 13ft 6'' cast 4-7oz and 14ft 2''
cast 4-8oz both with great tips that won't bounce around in the tide
Eliminator T700-SGT 15’ / 100-170g Mixed - Smooth............................................£685.00 ...............................£599.99 but as most Daiwa have exceptional bite registration and cast great.
Excalibur TT 14’ 10” / 100-225g Heavy ground ........................................................£795.00 ...............................£694.99 Movable reel seats and K style guides (braid friendly) and hybrid
design suitable for multi or fix spool reel.
Excalibur J 13’ 6” / 100-200g Mixed ground.............................................................£615.00 ...............................£539.99
Excalibur C 13’ 10” / 100-200g Heavy - Mixed .........................................................£615.00 ...............................£539.99 13ft 6'' only £229.99 14ft 2'' only £239.99
Kompressor WR 300 13’ 3” / 125-225g Heavy ground ...........................................£640.00 ...............................£559.99
Kompressor SS 13’ 10” / 125-200g Heavy ground..................................................£570.00 ...............................£499.99
Kompressor S 13’ 10” / 125-200g Heavy - Mixed ...................................................£565.00 ...............................£494.99
TTR 14’ / 125-225g Heavy ground ...............................................................................£770.00 ...............................£674.99
“SOME OF THE BEST LONGCAST REELS”
Tip Tornado Sport 13’ 6” / 125-225g Heavy - Mixed ...............................................£570.00 ...............................£499.99
Gerry’s stocks all the Century boat and spinning rods too!
PENN SPINFISHER
NEW PENN VIIS LONGCASTS

Bomb proof mag sealed reels, with metal
spools, anti line twist slow oscillation 5+1
PENN TIDAL
LONGCAST
DAIWA TOURNAMENT
BASIA SURF 45 SCW
FIERCE CLOTHING
b/bearings.
Norm £750.00 G/P £599.00
5500LC 215 x 15lb mono,225yds x 40lb Maybe the best long casting reel, Penn has
Possibly the longest casting reel of all time!
braid norm £189.99 G/P £169.00 ever, produced, mag sealed reels, with 2
Utilising corrosion proof Zaion in body and
6500LC 330 x 15lb mono, 380yds x 50lb metal spools, anti line twist slow oscillation
rotor, Magsealed and 7 CRBB, Zaion Air
As you would expect from this trusted brand this new clothing braid norm £199.99 G/P £179.00 9+1 b/bearings.
Rotor 45mm LC Long Cast Spool 300mts
is brilliant, extremely waterproof, loads of features, Gerry’s 7500LC 400 x 18lb mono, 400yds x 60lb 7000LC norm £189.99 G/P £169.99 x 0.18mm. Slow Cross Wrap,QD Quick
think it’s the best on the market just look at the features braid norm £219.99 G/P £189.00 8000LC norm £199.99 G/P £179.99 Drag,One Piece Air Bail.
FIERCE 2 PIECE SUIT JACKET,

BIB & BRACE £114.99 SOME OF OUR BEST SELLING
Pongee fabric, 100% polyester with PVC coating,
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BASS RODS AND REELS
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with warm fleece, Chest pocket with water repellent
zipper, Adjustable cuff with rib inner cuff, Bib & Brace WESTIN W3 SEA BASS LURE ROD
Elasticated, adjustable braces ,Two lined, zipped All rated 12-42gms fast action slim and lightweight,
pockets, Long zippers in legs with gusset and adjustable Fuji guides FPS reel fitting.
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8ft 4” £129.99
9ft 1” £129.99
10ft £139.99
FIERCE SMOCK £59.99
Pongee fabric 100% polyester with PVC coating, 8,000mm Taffeta DAIWA BG SEA BASS ROD
lining, 100% polyester. Light 120gsm poly-fill padding. Handwarmer Fuji Alconite O guides, Air Sensor reel seat. Daiwa’s BG,
pockets lined with warm fleece. Large chest pocket with zip and Black & Gold, design a stunning looking rods. 9ft BG902
flap. Water repellent zip pocket at front. Waterproof side zipper for HFS is rated 14-42gm. 9ft 3” BS932 HX HFS is rated
easy access. Adjustable hood hem and cuff. Sizes Med to XXL. 14-56gm. ALL £149.99
SUGGESTED REELS FOR RODS ABOVE
FIERCE ZIPPED JACKET £59.99

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Taffeta lining, 100% polyester. Light 120gsm poly-fill
PENN SPINFISHER SSVII LATEST MODEL! DAIWA BG MAGSEALED
padding. Water repellent zip pocket at chest. Water repellent Sizes 3500, 4500, 5500 any reel £129.99 Sizes 3500, 4500, 5500 any reel £199.99
Total reliability able to submerge in water with mag sealed body Spoil yourself with this magsealed reel, drop it in the water no
side zipper for easy access. Adjustable hood hem and cuff. system. IPX5 Sealed body and spool design CNC Gear Technology problem. Mag Sealed. Black Anodized Machined Aluminium
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Housing (“HardBodyz” Body & Side Cover. Graphite Air Rotor,
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Fishing THE UK'S NUMBER 1 NORWAY SPECIALIST!

Anglers Serving Anglers
For the full range www.gerrysfishing.com

GERRY’S CAN HELP AND ADVISE WITH ANGLERS THAT SPECIALISE IN NORWAY AND OVERSEAS ANGLING, WE HAVE ANGLERS THAT HAVE BEEN
TO MANY DESTINATIONS JUST CALL 01524-422146 OPTION 1 ASK FOR ADVICE! “ANGLERS SERVING ANGLERS”

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WIN A FISHING HOLIDAY TO FLORIDA WORTH £5000!

UK’s No 1 sea fishing magazine

TIPS AND TACTICS FOR EPIC

TOP TIPS FOR SERVICING REELS

HOW UNDERSTANDING WIND

DOWN TIDE, covers all down and uptide techniques

UPTIDE OR Match, serving across the typical mix of

ALL TIDE choices covering 15-25lb and 25-40lb

REC’D LINES/ CLOSED

STM1130-BU MATCH 11’0” 484g 12-30lbs 2+3 QT’s 172cm £329.99

it’s your chance to win the fishing

SHORE ANGLER 46 LIVING THE leopard spotted goby to your 2024

4 SEA ANGLER ISSUE 641

84 TAKE REEL CARE

97 PENN SEA LEAGUE

SEA ANGLER ISSUE 641 5

Lasse Bøe provides a masterclass in finding, preparing, and using one of

Pay attention to the white

Using mussels on a flattie rig is like ringing

located where rich people have their yachts

A fruit knife with cut-off

SEA ANGLER ISSUE 641 9

For bigger mussel baits, like fishing for

WHAT SPECIES TO EXPECT

10 SEA ANGLER ISSUE 641

WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD?

2. Instant warmth and all-day 4. Super warm heat Threads

SEE THE FULL RANGE AT WWW.ZEROFIT.CO.UK

Sea Angler editor’s first experience of

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plenty of wildlife to keep you on your toes,

Manatees are a common sight when fishing

The ice box: an essential item for Florida!

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“It’s tempting to strike and lift the rod

WIN A FISHING HOLIDAY

■ Accommodations provided by:

Squall Lever Drag Reel BEACHCASTER & SURF RODS

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Suprema 3.0 Surf & Beach Rods Saracen Complete Beach

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Max X Bass Spinning Combo Firebird Boat Multiplier Rod

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The European conger eel is the largest of 14

Releasing the beast!

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TOP TIPS FOR CATCHING SHORE CONGERS

However, these toxins break down when

THE LARGEST 3 DAY

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divvying up the proceeds between the top TEAM VASS 350

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