Catch, Clean, Skin, and Smoke Dogfish

Shore winter rock fishing with bait in this video below fishing dusk into darkness. One of the best ways to cook and enjoy Dogfish a member of the small shark family is by hot smoking. It really is a great way to enjoy them. On a fantastic evening for fishing off the rocks after dark, I catch some Dogfish then clean, skin, fillet, and prepare ready for smoking on a small home smoker in the fishing shed. 

In addition to the fishing and catch and cook, I talk about the tackle set up, and the rig and bait. Bon Appétit! Eating Advice: Although very good eaten cold, smoked Dogfish is most enjoyable when still warm and juicy.

 

Kayak Fishing - A Great Day Multi Species Fishing - Plenty of Fish!

Out kayak fishing in the video below at the crack of dawn on a fantastic but cold Cornish winter’s morning multi species fishing at anchor both bait fishing and lure fishing. 

The potential species were Cod, Whiting, Mackerel, Squid, Horse Mackerel, Bull Huss, Thornback Ray, and Dogfish. Although I never caught all of those species it was a fantastic day out on the water with plenty of fish caught. The video includes some interaction with some boat anglers.

 

Float Fish for and Catch, Clean, Fillet, and Cook Garfish - Great Fun and Tasty Free Food

The autumn is a great time in Cornwall UK to go shore fishing for Garfish otherwise known as Needlefish or Long Nose with plenty around and float fishing is a fantastic fun way to catch them. 

Garfish are good to eat and shown in the video below, I set out to harvest some for the table. I have a great time on a beautiful still autumn day and a real pleasure to at the Cornish seaside fishing. Back home I prepare the Garfish and cook using a tasty Garfish recipe. Bon Appétit!

 

Lure Fishing for Bass over Shallow Rough Ground using a Metal Lure

Metal (tin) lures or spinners definitely have a place in UK lure fishing for Bass however, they are not just for surf beach fishing or fishing off the rocks when there is a bit of depth. Given the right lure, they are great for fishing over shallow rough ground as an alternative to a shallow diving plug, a surface plug, or a weedless soft lure. Apart from that, they are cheaper than many other hard lures. 

Shown in the video below, I fish a shallow rough ground mark on two windy days where at times there is only about a foot of water covering the rough ground out to depths of about 10 feet. I fish with a 26g Westin Salty a very shallow working metal lure with a great action. Over the two sessions, six Bass are caught and session two turned out to be a great session. In addition to the fishing, I talk about a casting technique when it is windy, using and positioning single hooks on metal lures, and pose a question about Bass following lures without taking.

 

Saltwater Fly Fishing for Bass & A Casting Method That Works for Me

Back out shore saltwater fly fishing targeting Bass and continuing the learning process as a beginner from previous sessions. I shot the video below over two fishing sessions, and in the first session, I continue much the same as last year. However, in the second session I try a new fly casting method I had been practicing that eliminated the need for false casting and cured a problem I was getting with knots in the leader due to tailing loops.  

This fly casting method worked much better making the fishing session less tiring not having to do false casting yet casting just as far. Shore saltwater fly-fishing is definitely not easy and a great challenge but very rewarding when you do have some success, and a Bass is caught very quickly although a struggle to find some fish. However, it was great to get plenty of casting practice and progress with the learning process.

 

Plug Fishing for Bass from the Rocks – Great Conditions but Hard Fishing

Shore rock fishing in the video below. Sometimes when you go shore lure fishing for Bass, you think you have all the right conditions such as an onshore wind, a lively sea, a good spring tide, and an overcast day. Unfortunately, even the best conditions do not always produce the best fishing and can disappoint. This was one of those trips where everything seemed to be in my favour and although I did catch a small Bass, which was great I expected the fishing to be better. However, that said it is always great to be by the water fishing and always great to at least catch something.

I am using plugs and because of the lively conditions using the IMA Hound Glide and an IMA Hound Glide copy. These plugs are great for these conditions because they cast so brilliantly into a wind and dig in well when retrieving therefore, are able to cope with the choppy sea. Part of the video shows some slow motion footage casting of this plug into the wind. As mentioned early in the video the sea is lively/choppy but OK to fish with a steady choppy sea and no big swells. I know this mark very well and what is fishable or not fishable in safety and do not fish this mark or any other rock mark when I consider the conditions are dangerous.

 

Summer Float Fishing for Mackerel – Great Fun in the Early Morning Sun

Shore rock fishing in the video below and up at the crack of dawn to have some early morning fun float (bobber) fishing for Mackerel. Along with spinning float fishing is my favourite way to target Mackerel. It's relaxing watching the float and exciting when you see the float go down when you get a take from a fish. 

I have a great morning with plenty of Mackerel caught some to take home to enjoy and some released. Apart from the fishing I talk about the tackle, the rig, and the baits used. A truly great way to spend an early Cornish summers morning fishing on the rocks.

 

The Wife and I Go Mackerel Fishing for a Mackerel Breakfast on the Rocks

One great thing to do during the Cornish summer is to get up and go Mackerel fishing at the crack of dawn and if successful have a Mackerel breakfast on the rocks or on the beach. 

With the help of my wife Linda we do just that get down onto the rocks at first light and do some spinning for Mackerel. Shown in the video below, we have a great morning and after the fishing barbecue the freshly caught Mackerel on the rocks, which is definitely a fun catch and cook. However, I give out a warning that at the end of the video, I have a bit of a rant about those people that go to these beautiful places and then trash the place leaving their rubbish behind!

 

 

Bass Fishing with a Bombarda Float and a Red Gill Sandeel Soft Lure

Shore fishing in the video below where once again I use a Bombarda Float to target Bass (Sea Bass). However, unlike last time where I used a saltwater fly as the lure I use a Red Gill Original Sandeel soft lure. 

  

Weighted floats have been used for years as a weight to cast out a distance very lightweight lures such as Red Gill’s for example the Bubble Float. The streamlined Bombarda Float is ideal for this method particularly when Bass fishing in shallow water and I have a great session. In addition to the fishing, I talk about the Bombarda Float setup, and choosing lure colours for Bass fishing.

 

Summer Spinning for Mackerel - Awesome Fun on a Hot Cornish Summers Day

Shore fishing from the rocks in the video below. Although I fish for many different species of fish throughout the year, I still love shore fishing for Mackerel either spinning or float fishing and find it a huge amount of fun. 

On a gorgeous hot Cornish summer’s day in July I have some great sport spinning from the rocks for my first shore caught Mackerel of the year. In addition to the fishing, I talk about the lures I use and using single hooks on metal lures instead of treble hooks. 

Bass Lure Fishing from the Rocks - Twitching Weedless Lures Worked

Shore fishing in the video below where I focus on catching Bass from the rocks using Bass lures such as plugs and soft lures (soft plastic lures). Although fishing on a very bright calm day the recent big increase in bait activity in the water gave me hope of success. I had a great session and the method that proved successful in these conditions was twitching and bouncing a weedless lure down in amongst the rough weedy rocky ground, which is a deadly method at the right location. 

In addition to the fishing, I talk about the lures and the method used. Although targeting Bass Mackerel were also caught on Bass lures. There is some take for the table and catch and release and I discuss both my take and catch and release policy.

 

Hard Work Fishing for Mackerel and Pollack but a Stunning Morning at Sea

Kayak fishing in the video below and up and out at sea fishing at the crack of dawn on a stunning Cornish summer morning. The main target species was Mackerel but had a try early on for Bass. 

It proved to be hard work finding some fish however, did not blank and managed to catch a few Mackerel and a couple of Pollack lure fishing close to rough ground. Although hard work finding the fish it truly was a great morning to be out at sea on the kayak.

 

Bombarda Float Fishing for Bass with Sandeel Flies - Awesome Fun

Shore fishing in the video below and although small, a lot of Bass (Sea Bass) caught fifteen in total using a Bombarda float and saltwater Sandeel flies. I had fantastic fun catching them using this method. 

 

The video goes quickly into the catching due to seeing the Bass bubbling on the surface but I also I talk about the Bombarda float fishing method, the setup, and the flies used such as the Surf Candy, Turrall Sandeel, and Launce Sandeel. The bombarda float is also known as Sbirolino or Spirolino floats. This is a very effective way of lure fishing for Bass with lightweight lures and an alternative way to use saltwater flies if you do not want to take up conventional saltwater fly fishing.

 

Float Fishing for Grey Mullet – Sight Fishing - Fantastic Fun

Shore fishing in the video below float fishing for Thick Lipped Grey Mullet using bread as bait. Sight fishing is my favourite way of fishing for Mullet when you can see them, cast your bait to them, see them frustratingly just suck at the bait but eventually, get one to take the bait and swim off taking the float under. 

In addition to the fishing, I make a bread soup to use as an attracter and get the scent of bread in the water, and talk about the tackle used. I had some fantastic fun targeting these challenging fish. 

Kayak Fishing – First Day Back Bang 6lb Bass Plus Multi Species

With the lockdown no fishing rule lifted and with a great forecast I headed out on the kayak. The plan was just to enjoy the day out on the water and try for different species of fish using different methods lure fishing and bait fishing. I hit lucky and on the second cast hooked a great Bass (Sea Bass) what a start! Video below.

The rest of the day was hard going but managed to find a few more fish Mackerel, Pollock, and Wrasse. It was great to be out on the water again after so long and a Bass catch to remember.

How to Make a Kayak Drift Chute / Drogue / Drift Sock & How to Use It

A drift chute otherwise known as a drogue, drift sock, or sea anchor is a great asset when sea kayak fishing. Apart from the fact that when windy it slows you down it enables you to position the kayak with the bow or stern pointing into the wind and swell making it much more comfortable to fish than a broadside position.

I initially purchased a parachute drift chute but after several years of use lost it so decided to learn how to make my own parachute style chute. In the video below, I talk about the components needed to make the chute and go through the steps of how with the help of my wife we made it. In addition, I talk about how I use the drift chute when fishing in different situations.

Buy, Prepare, and Cook Lobster – Lockdown Bargain Buy and Cook Treat

With the pandemic lockdown still in place and no kayak fishing, I had an opportunity to buy as a treat a commercially caught live Lobster at a great price.

In the video below, I prepare the Lobster by splitting into two halves and cleaning. I then prepare a great green sauce (sauce verte) then grill the Lobster halves and serve with the green sauce. In addition, I talk about how I dispatched the Lobster. Bon Appétit!

How to Make Assist Hooks for Jigs - Catch Mackerel, Cod, Pollock, etc

Fishing jigs rigged with assist hooks for vertical jigging and other types of fishing work well for many different species of fish.

In the video below, I show how I make my own assist hooks and talk about the components needed with a step-by-step guide on how to make them.

How I Got Into KAYAK FISHING and Why?

It has been nine years since I started kayak fishing and in the video below, I go back and talk about how I got started and why. I talk about my experiences fishing out at sea on charter boats long before taking up kayak fishing and relay some stories from those charter trips along with all the different locations around the country.

I talk about those that influenced me to get into kayak fishing, and the basic way I started before getting to the experience I have now.

How to Make Sweet Chilli Sauce - Great for Fish, Shellfish, Squid & More

Homemade sweet chilli sauce is a great dipping sauce and very easy to make. It goes well with squid, shellfish, coated fish fillets, and other fish. Apart from fish, it is great with cheese, chicken, cold ham, pork, beef, eggs, potato wedges, chips, on crackers, or on toast and probably many other things.

 
With bad weather outside so no gardening and a break from making tackle talk videos during the lockdown, I make some sweet chilli sauce for a weekend treat.

Q&A: What Braid, Fluorocarbon, and Mono Fishing Lines Do You Use?

In the video below, I answer questions I receive about the Braid, Fluorocarbon, and Monofilament (Nylon) fishing lines I use or have used. The lines I use are lines that I have found to be a decent quality at an affordable price when fishing on a budget. I talk about the lines and the when and why I use them.

A New Bass Lure from Portugal to Try – Custom Chaser Lure

Last year 2019, a Portuguese Bass angler sent me a Bass (Sea Bass) lure that he uses with great success in Portugal. This is not your usual type of Bass lure but a custom lure using a metal lure or spinner with a soft plastic chaser or trailer known as a Pingalin rigged weedless or non weedless.

This is not a new lure in Portugal but is new to me to try for our UK Bass fishing in 2020. Some anglers in the US use the same type of lure setup for Striped Bass.  In the video below, I talk about the lure, the setup, along with options we have in the UK to do this type of lure setup. In addition, I show how to set the lure up and the components needed and some footage of the action of the lure.

Fishing on a BUDGET - All of My Sea Fishing RODS, REELS, and CLOTHING

A bit of fishing gear tackle talk during this lockdown no fishing period where I go through all of my shore and kayak sea fishing, rods, reels, and clothing accumulated over many years of fishing. In the video below, I talk about LRF (light rock fishing) rods and reels, Mullet fishing rods and reels, saltwater fly fishing rods and reels, spinning rods and reels, kayak fishing rods and reels, Bass fishing rods and reels, beach casting rods and reels, and shore and kayak fishing clothing.

Much of the tackle shown is inexpensive budget fishing tackle and some of the tackle is well over 20 years old. The video filmed outdoors in the garden on a beautiful sunny spring day and a pleasure to be outdoors during these difficult times. For those of you that can last the length of the video there is a brief glimpse of Rob long before he had grey hair!

Pike Fishing - The One That Got Away - In Slow Motion

In the video below, a short bit of slow motion footage when summer lure fishing for Pike up country in North Buckinghamshire a few years ago. Nothing much to say except it got away! Just a bit of entertainment to music, no words needed.

 

 

Walk Around the Veg Plot - Growing Potatoes in Bags - Potting Shed - Grow Your Own Food

Something different in this video below during these lockdown times and no fishing where I take an early season look around the vegetable garden and talk about the plot, making your own compost, growing potatoes in potato grow bags, and bringing vegetables on in the potting shed.

For me, there is a connection between catching and cooking your own fish and shellfish and growing your own vegetables and salad. It is the fantastic feeling you get by catching or growing your own food.

Ooh Is That a Bass? - NO THIS IS A MULLET!

I am sure many of you that fish would have experienced fishing at a location where there are non-angling public around such as harbour walls, piers, and some beaches. You hook a decent fish and it attracts the attention of people. About five years ago, I was fishing a harbour wall for Thick Lipped Grey Mullet. I hooked a Mullet and it attracted the attention of some ladies. The ladies appeared to be obsessed with Bass and were standing behind me watching whilst I played the Mullet trying to manoeuvre it into a drop net 20 feet below the harbour wall!

The following is an amusing video extract (shown below) from the full video I made called Harbour Wall Fishing for Grey Mullet. This video has been re-edited to improve the sound level and re uploaded. The motto of this video is PATIENCE and TOLARANCE! Just a bit of fun during these difficult Covid-19 lockdown times.

Being Interviewed About Sea Fishing and Kayak Fishing in Cornwall

A Falmouth University student called Amy doing a Marine Natural History course contacted me in early February asking to do a short film about sea fishing and in particular, kayak fishing in Cornwall. The plan was to do an interview with questions and answers, film some fishing, and film some cooking of the catch. The interview has been filmed however, due to Covid-19 and lockdown the rest of the filming had to be put on hold. I filmed the full interview of Amy filming me and when the Covid-19 problem eases, I will be able to show Amy’s completed video.

 
In the interview video below, I talk about the fishing, the environment, the nature, eating the fish, and growing your own produce in the vegetable garden. Some of you that fish may be able to relate to some of the experiences.

Q&A: What Type of Kayak Fishing Rods and Reels Do You Use and Why?

With the current Covid-19 UK lock down and no fishing a bit of tackle talk in the video below answering the questions I often receive about kayak fishing rods and reels. This is mainly for beginners to kayak fishing.

I talk about the type of kayak fishing rods and reels I use, and the why and when I use them and the various species of fish I target using these rods and reels. In addition, the line setup for each rod and reel. This is a re-edited re-uploaded video.

Massive Tide Foraging - Scallops, Oysters, and Edible Seaweed

In the video below, I take advantage of some very big tides to do some Coastal Foraging for fantastic free food, King Scallops, Pacific Oysters, Native Oysters, and Edible Seaweed.

Back home, I prepare the Scallops by opening them and extracting the edible meat and shucking (opening) the Oysters. I cook the Scallops with a great Scallop recipe, and serve with some of the edible seaweed, and prepare and cook the Oysters.