Dec 19th Last Shore Trip 2012

I am spending Christmas and New Year up country in north Buckinghamshire.  That is about as far from the nearest coastline as you can be therefore, sea fishing over the holiday period is out of the question.  If the lakes and rivers are not too flooded, I planned to do some Pike fishing instead.

Before leaving for Buckinghamshire this weekend, I was keen for one more sea fishing session, which would be my last of 2012.  Work commitments meant I would not have enough time for a kayaking trip therefore; it had to be a few hours on the beach with bait or shallow rough ground with plugs.  I decided on shallow rough ground with plugs.

In the late autumn opportunities for shore plug fishing are limited mainly due to the clarity of the water.  The autumn seas colour the water making lure fishing difficult and it is probably better to fish with bait.  However, on the occasions when the water clears it is still possible.  The Bass are still around and I target them to the end of December and sometimes into January.

On Tuesday, the seas calmed down, and the shallows cleared, and I was hoping that today it would still be clear enough.  I decided to fish a shallow rough ground mark that I had highlighted in a previous post Shore Bass Fishing with Plugs 17/11/12.

It was low water was at 16:00 and I could make it to fish an hour before low water and fish up to dusk.  Previous records had shown that around the low water period to be the best time.

When I arrived, the water was clear however, there was a lot of floating weed, which was going to make plug fishing difficult.  It would be a case of casting into the clear sections of water and hoping I did not pick up bits of weed on the retrieve.

When I fish this mark I usually cast over the weed covered rocks or into gullies but this did not produce any takes.  Another feature is a very narrow sandy beach that runs between the rough ground.  This had large amounts of loose weed washed up from the previous rough seas. 

In the past, I have seen Bass patrol just behind weed similar to this.  I think they look for small baitfish that swims into the weed at the water's edge.  I sometimes see Cormorants diving amongst the weed after the same small fish.  From a side vantage point, I decided to cast the plug just beyond the weed and retrieve along the edge.  Within two turns of the reel bang, a Bass was hooked and landed.

The fish took a Tackle House Feed Shallow.

It never ceases to amaze me that you can catch Bass in such shallow water.  Sometimes you have to keep telling yourself that they could be there rather than thinking deeper water.  If there were, one thing I could pass on regarding shore Bass fishing it would be think shallow not deep.  This Bass was caught in no more than a foot of water.

The Bass was 41cm so not a monster.  My last two shore Bass fishing trips had produced six undersized Bass that were returned therefore, this one was for the Christmas pot.  No more fish were landed on this trip.

With regards to Bass size limits there are many calling for an increase from the 37.5cm to 40cm and higher.  Based on my own catch record over several seasons there appears to be plenty of Bass available to the rod and line angler over 40cm therefore, if there was an increase I believe there would still be plenty of opportunities to take some for the table and it can only make it better for the rod and line angler. I only target Bass from September to December and sometimes into January.  This season to date I have caught 35 Bass that have been over 40cm.  I have not taken all of those Bass but have had more than enough for the table.

I am looking forward to next year's fishing both from the shore and from the kayak.  I am also looking forward to getting together with some of the Cornish kayakers from the Anglers Afloat forum.  In the meantime, it is up country for some Pike fishing.

December Beach Fishing for Bass 14-12-12

There was a time when the only Bass fishing I did was from the beach and mainly at night.  These days most of my Bass fishing is during the day with lures either from the shore or from the Kayak.  This is usually over rough ground which has proven to be far more productive with better quality fish than open sandy beaches.  That said, I have caught many Sea Bass from sandy beaches and still occasionally enjoy this type of fishing particularly in the Autumn/Winter when it can be difficult to get out on the kayak. 

In Cornwall, Bass are caught on the beaches right into January but over the years, I have found the best time is September to December.

It is generally known that you give yourself more chance of catching Bass and other species from sandy beaches if you fish after dark.  However, that is not to say you cannot catch during the day because you can including bright days especially if you choose your spot on the beach carefully.  By that, I mean fishing near features, close to rocks at one end or the other, near isolated rocks on an otherwise featureless beach, gullies, river outflows and strong currents all seem to attract Bass.  Time of tide is also important which varies location to location but in general I have found around the low water period to be the most productive time.

The beach I am fishing today is a small south facing bay.  It has a fresh water river outflow, rocks at the left and right borders and a couple of isolated rocks exposed at low water.  The current on the far left and right of the beach is stronger than the rest of the beach and during spring tides there is an outgoing rip even on an incoming tide. 

I fish this beach as close as I can to the left rocks where there are also a couple of isolated rocks on the beach itself.  The most productive time is two hours either side of low water.  You do not need a big surf just a steady surf of about four to five breakers.  I have also caught Bass when it is flat calm but fishing close to the rocks. 

At times, the biggest problem is weed which I find incredibly frustrating as it can make fishing impossible.  If there was one reason I would give up beach fishing altogether it would be because of the battle of weed infested surf!

The food generally available to the Bass is sandeels, crabs, brown shrimp, white ragworm and razor clams.  I have caught with sandeels but these days I use razor clams.  The scent is fantastic and for me it is confidence inspiring bait.  I know from the past that if the Bass are around they will find it and take it.  They love it and if you have to buy it, it's a great deal cheaper than peeler crab!

Razor Clams Excellent Bass Bait

Being soft razor clams can be difficult to work with.  I find it easier to prepare them at home by first threading a baiting needle through the main meat section.

Then fold the rest of the meat up to the foot and bind with bait elastic to make a sausage.

Then cut to the required size.

When baiting up, thread them on the hook the same as you would a worm and secure with more bait elastic.  Because the meat is already bound with elastic it's much quicker and easier to bait up.

The rod I use is a 12ft Greys 2oz to 4oz Bass rod with an Abu 6500 multiplier loaded with 15lb nylon and a 30lb shock leader.  The fish hook themselves but I enjoy holding the rod and feeling the bites and this rod is very light.

The rig is a pulley rig with a short 10" to 12" snood and a 5/0 Varivas Big Mouth hook.  I find longer snoods tend to tangle.  Bass seem to take quickly in the surf I do not find any need for longer snoods.  The leads are 3oz or 4oz Breakaway's, heavier leads are not needed at this location.

I arrived about 1 hour before low water and the surf looked good.  There was a bit of weed but it looked fishable.

After baiting up I cast out about 70 yards from dry land.  I have never found any need for distance casting when surf Bass fishing.  On this beach they are usually within 100 yards and at times only 20 yards out.  I like to vary the distance in an effort to find the fish.  On the ebb tide they tend to be a bit further out but usually still within the 100 yards.

No fish were caught on the last of the ebb and as the tide turned I shortened the distance to about 50 yards.  I had a couple of bites that did not materialise but it was a sign that there were some fish about.  I changed the bait regularly to make sure of a fresh scent trail and as the tide really started to move the first Bass was landed.

The following couple of hours produced four more fish.

None of the fish were big enough to be keepers and all were returned.  There is always a keeper around the corner and it was good to see plenty of small fish that may be keepers next year.

It was a while since I last went beach fishing and I enjoyed the trip.  I admit I would rather be out on the kayak Bass fishing over a shallow reef knowing that I stand more chance of a decent sized fish but to me being in the environment fishing takes you to and catching fish big or small is a pleasure.

Kayak Reef Fishing 08-12-12

I had been patiently waiting for a decent weather forecast that coincided with my availability since my last kayak-fishing trip on the 20th October and today, it finally arrived.

I love the sea but I also fear it and I am scrupulous when it comes to checking weather forecasts.  I usually check three forecasts, the Inshore Shipping Forecast, the XC Weather Forecast, and the Wind and Swell Forecast.  The forecast was a slight to moderate offshore wind with a swell of less than 2.0m decreasing as the day went on.  For the area I intended to fish this was ideal.

My plan was to drift fish over a reef that lies about half a mile out.  The reef is an oasis in an otherwise baron sandy desert.  At high water spring tides in lies in about 40ft of water.

An oasis in the middle of a sandy desert.

I fished this reef from May to August this year and caught Wrasse, Pollack, and Kelp Cod otherwise known as Kelpies or Red Cod.  Kelp Cod are Cod that take up residence on inshore reefs in the spring and summer months and take on redder colour that matches their surroundings.

Kelp Cod caught in the summer.

I was yet to fish this reef in the winter therefore, was not sure what to expect but I was hoping for Pollack and Cod.

You can check all the forecasts but you can never be 100% sure of the state of the sea until you arrive at the location and I am pleased to say on this occasion it looked good.

Conditions looked great.

My intention was to drift over the reef jigging lures on the bottom.  I set up rods with different lures for two reasons, one so that I can quickly change alternating between drifts, and two if I get snagged and lose the lure I already have another rod set up to quickly resume fishing.  I also set up a rod for trolling.  I use this rod when paddling back up tide/wind to reset the drift, which means I am always fishing. 

The lures I intended to use were Savage Sandeels, Savage Sandeel Slugs, and a 50g metal jig fitted with an assist hook to reduce snagging.  On that rig, I also position a Norwegian Gummi Makk about 50cm above the jig.  The method used is simple; the lure is lowered to the bottom, jigged a few times, reeled up a few turns, and lowered back down again.  Most times the fish (particularly Cod) take the lure on the drop just as it is about to hit the bottom.

Savage Sandeel Slug Savage Sandeel and Metal Jig with Gummi Makk

Once the gear had been loaded on the kayak, it was ready for the launch.

Ready to launch.

On the way out to the reef, the sea looked wonderful.

Perfect!

On arrival, I first worked out the direction of the drift, which is usually a combination of wind and tide.  I then positioned the kayak just of the reef and deployed the drift chute or drogue to slow down the drift and give more fishing time.

Drogue deployed.

The first drift produced the first fish a Ballan Wrasse.  You can always tell when it is a Wrasse.  You get the initial pull followed by a few shakes of the head, then a dive as it tries to get back down to the reef after which they tend to come quietly.  At first, you think it could be a Cod but the difference between the Cod and the Wrasse is that the Cod's head shaking or banging just keeps going!

Wrasse taken on a metal jig.

Subsequent drifts produced two more Wrasse.

No Cod or Pollack were caught which was a bit disappointing.  Wrasse are abundant mainly because there is not much of a market for them however, I believe some are being sent from Cornwall to sushi restaurants in London.  There are good eating and I do take a few each year.  They are filleted and the tough thick skin removed.  I then use them in fish stews or fish cakes.

Despite no Cod or Pollack, it was great to get back out on the kayak.  The weather was good and paddling back with the setting sun was a pleasure.  There is something about looking at the Cornish coastline from sea.

I am hoping to be able to get out again over the winter and maybe pick up some Cod and Pollack then.

A Quick Shore Bassing Trip 05-12-12

I have not been able to get out on the kayak since 20th October.  The marks I tend to fish are rather exposed and it does not take much of an onshore wind to make you decide to stay onshore particularly in the late autumn and winter months and recently the weather has been awful.  There is no doubt since I started kayak fishing my catches have improved in quantity, quality and variety of species however, it can be frustrating when you just can't get out!  That is one reason I would never give up shore fishing, another is that I can go for short spur of the moment trips when time is limited.  If I go out on the kayak it tends to be for at least half a day but more often the whole day.

I had an unexpected couple of hours free and decided to do some plug fishing for Bass.  It was low water at 15:20 and I could just make it to start fishing at low water minus 30 minutes and fish up to dusk/darkness at about 16:45 therefore, a very short trip.

Once again the mark was a shallow rough ground mark and fortunately only ten minutes from my home therefore, very handy for a quick trip.  The great thing about shore plug fishing is that you can travel so light and it takes no time to put the gear together, get in the car and go and I usually have my gear on standby for such an occasion.

When plug fishing I like move around but due to the limited amount of time, I could only try a couple of spots.  If I strayed too far from my starting point I might have a bit of a problem getting back over the rocks in the dark and having once fractured an ankle slipping on the rocks, I am much more cautious now!  Not to be recommended I can assure you!

At one point it looked like this trip was to draw a blank but just as the light was about to go I hooked and landed a small Bass which took the plug just a I was about to lift it out of the water.


Undersized Bass Returned


The fish was undersized and returned however, any Bass is a pleasure to catch and better than nothing at all.  The fish took an IMA Komono SF 125 over shallow rough weedy ground.

IMA Komono SF 125

Bad light then stopped play and it was time to head home.

Most of the shore fishing I do from September to January is for Bass.  I either plug fish over rough ground or bait fish from the beach.  Hopefully, I will be able to get out on the kayak this winter and if so will be targeting Cod and Pollack.

Top Sea Bass Lures

We all have our favourite lures.  For me a top lure is one that consistently and repeatedly catches rather than it looks good and should catch.  That tells me there is something about the lure that entices the Bass to take as opposed to just following.  Here are some lures that I have found do just that.

Savage Prey 130 Psycho Sandeel

The Savage Prey 130 is a floating diver that dives between 40cm and 80cm.  It casts well although as with many plugs, you get the occasional spin mid air that kills the distance but most times, it stays straight.  The main thing is that it catches and I have caught a great deal of Bass both from the kayak and from the shore using this lure.  It also catches Pollack and Mackerel.  The bonus is now at the time of writing it is half the price of most top plugs!

Tackle House Feed Shallow 128

As the name suggests the Tackle House Feed Shallow a very shallow diver between 5cm and 30cm.  I mainly use this plug from the shore when fishing very shallow rough ground when most floating divers just dive too deep.  It is a great alternative to using a surface plug.  It casts OK but not as well as the Savage Prey when there is a bit of wind.  Once again, the main thing is that it consistently catches.

IMA Komomo SF-125

The IMA Komomo SF-125 is another very shallow diver 0cm to 30cm.  If need be, this plug can be made to work just under the surface by holding the rod at an angle and the action will be just as good therefore, another great alternative to a surface plug that consistently catches.  It casts very well and in my opinion, a better caster than the Tackle House Feed Shallow.

Megabass Zonk 120 Gataride Hi-Pitch

The Megabass Zonk 120 Gataride Hi-Pitch is a great casting lure and the one to use when there is a bit of wind about.  It has a hinged front lip that straightens in flight to make it aerodynamic.  It dives to about 2 - 4ft has a great action and catches!  From the shore, I only use this lure when there is at least four foot of water and in particular, when it is windy.  It can be used anytime from the kayak for trolling or cast and retrieve as long as you are aware that, when kayaking in the shallows, this lure will dive down a bit deeper than the Savage Prey. 

The hinged front lip can break under pressure when snagged.  I picked up a tip from Graham Hills blog that prevents that from happening.  The two small nodes that are designed stop the lip from hinging right back can cause it to break under a lot of pressure.  These are filed down to prevent this from happening.  See the tip here. 

14cm Savage Sandeel Slug with 16g Savage Sandeel Jig Head

I use the 14cm Savage Sandeel Slug with 16g Savage Sandeel Jig Head when drift fishing from the kayak and what a great lure it is.  The Sandeel slug and the jig head are purchased separately.  The head of the slug is cut off and replaced with the Sandeel jig head.  On the drift over rough ground, I cast the lure down wind and jig back to the kayak.  I have caught a great deal of Bass using this method.  The action is so realistic particularly if you give the occasional double jig.  Aside from Bass Pollack, love this lure as well.

10cm Savage Saltwater Sandeel with 16g Savage Sandeel Jig Head

The 10cm Savage Saltwater Sandeel with 16g Savage Sandeel Jig Head is used in exactly the same way as the Sandeel slug.  The action of this lure is slightly different due to the paddle tail.  Out of the two, I would say the action of the Sandeel slug is more like a real Sandeel in the water however, this is also a great catcher of Bass.  I use the heavier 42g jig head with the 15.5cm Saltwater Sandeel when vertical jigging in deeper water and have caught several Cod.

Six Top Bass Lures that Catch!

When purchasing lures there are so many colours to choose from it can be difficult to decide on which.  I really do not know if colour makes any difference.  Maybe the action and shape is more important or a combination of all.  What I have seen many times when using different lures is Bass showing interest but not taking.  I do feel I have to go on something and I like to match as closely as I can the colour of the baitfish the Bass feed on.  Sandeels, Smelt, Mackerel, Pilchards, Sprats, and Anchovies all have coloured backs with a light underside.  The backs are either light green, dark green, light brown, dark brown, light blue, dark blue to black.  The undersides are either white to silver.  There is of course the red of the gills and blood.  Take the Sandeel as an example, it has a green or sometimes light brown back with a white silvery flank and underside.

The sprat has a dark blue almost black back with a silver flank and underside.

You will notice the lures I have shown all follow a similar pattern of a coloured back with light underside.  I would much rather spend my £20 on a plug that is similar to the colours of the bait fish that swim in UK waters than something that looks like a fish that swims in my tropical fish tank or because my favourite colour is purple but as said, I cannot really be sure if it does make any difference.  What I do know is that if I keep consistently catching then I must be doing something right.

Update August 2014:  Below is a video about plug fishing for Bass over shallow rough ground.