![]() After all, how many of us really need to take more than half a dozen mackerel home? Much more fun is a light spinning rod, with a float rig or spoon or metal lure such as the classic Dexter Wedge. On the subject of larger fish, you would also be well advised to include a dropnet or long handled landing net (Daiwa make an LRF net handle that extends to 5.9m), if you are to safely land that three-pound wrasse or surprise bass! Common tactics and catchesįor many shore anglers, the main event each summer is mackerel – the perfect beginner’s fish. Beachcaster and feathers work a treat, but I find it crude and quite wasteful. Dropshot or LRF tackle is an absolute delight for mini species (typically with 5-6lb braided mainline and a 4lb fluorocarbon trace), while a medium lure rod, typically coupled with 10lb mainline, will handle larger lures, longer casts and harder fighting fish. ![]() If the sea is rough or the bottom is snaggy, you might err on the side of caution and start with 10-15lb line.įor much of the time though, lighter tackle will suffice and I often use a lure fishing rod. This will suffice for bottom or float fishing. Starting with basic tackle for traditional methods, you can scale down the typical beachcaster for a shorter pier rod or even a carp rod (Leeda produce some ideal affordable rods, including a sea fishing pier model, for under £30). As there’s little need to thump a lead out to the horizon, it’s usually possible to use lighter tackle than usual. The gear used to fish man-made venues can vary from the toughest beachcaster to ultralight lure fishing tackle. Typical tackle for piers and structure fishing As these venues tend to be public, the locals may well have friendly advice and be willing to share their ‘insider’ knowledge. However, there’s no substitute for just heading out to test different methods and talking to locals. But there are also species you’ll find more or less all year round, such as wrasse and various rock fish (see the Fishing In Wales Sea Species chart for a general guide to catches by season).īesides online resources, the local tackle shop is probably the best place to pick up advice. ![]() Winter months bring shoals of whiting, pout and sometimes codling. The summer months are busiest, as mackerel, bass, pollack and other species come close in to hunt fry and sand eels. You can expect to catch a variety of fish. Most of these venues offer free fishing, although some piers require a modest day ticket fee. Sea walls, harbours and any marks that offer depth and shelter are ideal. While my main focus will be piers and breakwaters, I should start by saying that the same rules apply for various spots on the coast. Piers, promenades and other man-made hotspots In short, these venues offer big advantages and something to catch all year round. I also love being able to fish close in, because with the shelter and structure provided you can often ditch the broom handle rods and get maximum sport with much lighter tackle. Since those early days, I have fished a wide range of piers, marinas and sea walls. It was a huge confidence boost and without this breakthrough, I may well have abandoned sea fishing altogether and stuck to fresh water. No longer was I hampered by my limited casting skill and basic tackle a ragworm lowered close-in led to rod-rattling bites and species I had never caught before. ![]() Having had precious little luck from local beaches, the vantage point of the sea wall proved a revelation. It was at a harbour many years ago, in fact, that I really caught the sea fishing bug. Like many other sea anglers, I have a soft spot for piers and other structures. Here Dominic Garnett of the Angling Trust shares his top tips for getting the best from these venues. Offering easy access to deeper water, piers and other man-made structures provide great fishing for beginners and experts alike.
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