18 Aug 2019

Light Tackle Bass

by | posted in: Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

My good friend John Avery caught this stunning bass of 7lb 12oz whilst fishing for thick lipped grey mullet using bread flake presented on a size 8 hook and quiver tip tactics.

 

 

 

I often consider the options for fishing for bass using smaller baits and tactics. Whilst the larger baits work well there are occasions when a more subtle approach can work even for big fish. It is not unusual to catch bass on bread-flake but It is not a first choice bait. Float fishing with live prawn can be very successful and would imagine sea slaters could work. Taming a bass on 8lb b.s line and light float rod is not too difficult and is certainly exciting.

11 Aug 2019

Combe Martin SAC – Weekend Round up

by | posted in: Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Rob Scoines had a weekend to remember landing two personal best fish whilst fishing in the clubs pairs match with only one fish counting per angler his second fish did not count in the competition but a thick lipped grey mullet of 4lb 7oz did and combined with my meagre dogfish of 1lb 13oz won us the pairs competition. Rob also secured the individual best fish prize with the mullet.

(Below) Mark Jones landed a  fine brace of fish including a smoothound of 9lb 2oz and a thornback of 10lb 6oz.

(Below) David Jenkins enjoyed sport in the estuary landing a brace of bass scaling 3lb 5oz and 3lb 2oz.

( Below) Ali Laird and his brother Ian Laird enjoyed a good session outside of the club match landing bull huss, conger, a codling and a bass. Best fish of the session was a bull huss scaling 10lb 1oz to the rod of Ali Laird.

 

 

11 Aug 2019

SOUTH WEST MARINE PLAN – Have Your Say!

by | posted in: Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Steven Guilbert and I am the coordinator of the Devon Maritime Forum (DMF).  The DMF is an independent, not-for-profit partnership, based at County Hall in Exeter, which brings together a broad and diverse range of organisations and individuals who have a stake or interest in marine and coastal issues in Devon and the wider South West peninsula.

Over the last few years the Forum have been working with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), and their Marine Planning team, on the development and implementation of Marine Plans in the region.  Recently we have been tasked with identifying and informing local stakeholders about the continuing development of the South West Marine Plan, the first draft of which is due to go out to public consultation in early 2020.   Although the MMO’s engagement process is well underway, there are still opportunities for stakeholders to learn more, have their say, and help shape the Plan.

As a hugely significant sector in the region, the MMO are particularly keen to still hear from a range of local sea anglers.

 

11 Aug 2019

Stormy waters mean bass!

by | posted in: Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Stormy weather that stirs up the water is not ideal for the lure angler but is often a blessing for the bait fisher. Fishing as the storm abates is often productive with big odour oozing baits fished on big hooks likely to attract a specimen bass. Distance is not an issue with fish often found right in close feasting on food dislodged by the surging waters.

Safety is obviously paramount during rough conditions and marks must be chosen with care. Always look for somewhere with a degree of shelter and never fish where there is no chance of safely landing the fish you hook. Study the tide, weather charts and google maps. Wear a life jacket, do not fish alone and allow a sensible margin of error between you and the sea. Don’t linger as the tide pushes in. Use strong tackle to ensure you can bully a big fish into the net. Take a long handled landing net to allow netting without getting too close to the water.

(Below) Rob Scoines tempted this beautiful silver flanked bass from a North Devon rock mark using launce.

(Below) Rob is about to release his prize back. If you want to keep a bass fish of 4lb to 5lb make great eating bigger fish are best returned alive after a quick picture.

(Below) Paul Saunders tempted this bass during a stormy session at Ilfracombe.