Preparing for fishing mayhem!

So my plans to get out a bit more since my last blog haven't really come to fruition.  But that's ok.  Oddly.  The main reason being I am preparing for my favourite fishing season and what is most probabilistically going to be pure, unadulterated fishing mayhem over the next few months.  I mean serious, intense fishing times ahead. Let me elaborate.

This month, Dougal Martindale and I will be escaping the clutches of the Isle of Wight to fish with a couple of friends at Purbecks.  Paul Swainston and Nick Bevis will kindly be escorting us to the mark and fishing with us.  Its always exciting to get off the Island for a spell and fish somewhere completely new .  If the fish come out to play, bonus!  I hope that we get sufficient information and pictures to present a feature to Barns too.

Later this month is the time I like to hit the back-o-the-Wight, as in my opinion this is when things pick up a bit more.  It's perfect, I just wish the damned flies / gnats / beach bugs would leave already.  Sitting with your headlight on you just as well be wearing an Acme Bug Magnet...I cannot express how infuriating I find them.

Atherfield, one of my favourite places to be this time of year

Next month is going to be a very exciting time for me, as I am off to Herm Island near Guernsey.  Quite literally, I cannot wait and have been rig making, servicing reels, preparing gear all in readiness for the trip.  In preparation I have bought a pair of VASS waders which I have to say, based on appearances and initial feel, I am very pleased with.  They need a 'field test' as it were, but I am sure they will be quality through and through.  The waders quite ingeniously came with a catalogue of other VASS products, which naturally I now feel I cannot possibly live without, especially with winter looming...

The Vass Tex 740 Super Nova waders with studded soles, my little treat...

Now I will only be back from Herm for a couple of days before I take part in Browners Cod Comp on Chesil.  Another new venue for me and I am very excited about it.  I know Chesil is a real species hotspot and if I am truthful, I am looking forward to a variety of fish.  It wont win the comp, but in all honesty I am going because I think it will be fun, its a new location and I love catching a wide spectrum of different species.  The competition is aimed at raising money for the RNLI, which to any sea angler is a worthwhile cause. I hope to meet as many new people there and just generally have a good time!

All for a worthy cause, the RNLI

Then my last big trip of the year is a week in Dungeness, with the Cod-father Alan Brown, another new location!  If I get my first shore cod, even if miniscule by others standards, I will be delighted.  Cod are a fish I intend to put some serious hours into this winter, it may be in vain, but I am willing to put the effort in to get one from my home shores.

Trusty ol' Trust

As was available through the Facebook Group (Wight Lines) I have had my responses from the Angling Trust and the Chief Executive, in the most courteous way possible, commented that there will not be a reply to a tertiary round of questions.  In fairness, Mr Lloyd was more open and forthcoming than any of the previous respondents; however, I cannot help but feel there is still a gaping void between what sea anglers want to know and what they are having shared with them.  The crux of it is join the Angling Trust or don't have a say; however, people won't join the Angling Trust because of a lack of faith around distribution of resources and true prioritisation between angling disciplines.  Its a situation which will undoubtedly remain at status quo.  Unless something changes, it looks as though neither party is likely to budge and unless remediation takes place, never the twain shall meet.

Tackle Awards 2013

As we (frighteningly) approach the end of another year, the TSF Tackle Awards are upon us, with a survey being collated to represent the views of the angling community.  There is a chance to fish with one of the TSF Team and feature in the magazine, just by completing the online survey or posting an entry in.  The website has full details on entering, also it has been posted to the Wight Lines group.  Be in it to win it! 

Angling Answers.com

I have to say I have found AnglingAnswers.com hugely helpful!  I am still learning new things all the time, as any angler should do, and the website has been a real help with advice, information and support from my peers, especially Barns, Mike Thrussell and my competition nemesis John Popplewell!  Pop on over to the website and have a mooch around, sign up is £5 for lifetime membership...

Angling Answers Sea Fishing 

Marine Litter

Well I am still adhering to the "Just Take 5" campaign, but of late no matter where I go that could be "just take 500 items" and it wouldn't make a dent.  OK, so that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it does seem to be getting worse.  Perhaps its predominantly down to the summer holiday makers, time will tell, but I do get the impression its more complacency by locals.

 Angling Trust Just Take 5 campaign page

Great Wight Shark

There seems to be quite a bit of Shark activity off the IoW at present, with a sizeable fish (Thresher) being caught by the Totally Awesome guys (reported through Boat Fishing Monthly magazine).  Not too long ago I got hit into by something huge on the shore, I didn't hook it but it was strong enough and quick enough to strip about 50 yards of line off the reel and return a whole mackerel no more than 5mm thick.  That had to be a member of the shark family, and I get the impression that it wont be too long before a shore angler gets the catch of a lifetime.

Video cap courtesy of the Daily Mail website, accessed 05/09/2013 at (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2409697/Largest-shark-UK-waters-Anglers-reel-14ft-shark-17ft-dinghy.html)

You can view the video at Totally Awesome Thresher video or visit Boat Fishing Monthly's Facebook page (BFM Facebook Page). 

Tight Lines one and all,

Adz

A long time a coming…

Well I haven’t been out for coming close to a couple of weeks due to other commitments and it has certainly been at the forefront of my mind just how long it has been.  I had planned a trip out on Friday evening but as is often the case with weather predictions, the weather warning for rain actually turned into a dry night with no rain until 3am, so needless to say I was disappointed at being influenced by the prediction.

So Saturday night I decided it was time to get out and wet a line before I forget what it was like to do so.  I went to Hamstead with regular cohort Mark Barton with a variety of baits and some hope for a bit of sport, given the chop on the water and a nice colour present too. 

 Hamstead has been good to us this year for fun fishing

First cast I lobbed out peeler crab bait which I froze on the rig from my last trip (never being one to waste bait!).  After about 20 minutes my rod was tapping away and was what I thought would be weed on the line, given Mark advised me it was present earlier that evening.  I felt a weight clinging to the bottom, until it got to the surf and I saw splashing and kicking.  Thinking it was a small ‘Smut’ I went down to collect my fish, only to find the biggest lobster I have ever had, just shy of 5lb.  Needless to say I was more than content with that and rung my wife to say we were set for tea the following day!

 The biggest Lobster I have had, 4lb 14oz, my first from Hamstead

Fishing was really hard down Hamstead, the wind was pretty intense, the weed was pretty consistent but more disheartening was the absence of bites.  I had one Smooth-hound of about 3lb at the top of tide caught on a beauty of a cocktail; ½ Ammo Peeler and about 6 Slipper Limpets lashed together; however, that was all I had.  Mark had a Wrasse on worm (around 9oz) and a ‘Smut’ pup (ounces) before I arrived, but nothing after.  It’s probably my last trip to Hamstead this year, but it has given me a fair share of sport fishing this year so I cannot grumble.

A 3lb 'Smut' was all we could manage between us... 

Peeler crabs usually great for a number of species, 

this time landing a sizeable Lobster...

Ammo Slipper Limpets, a bait I am keen to keep trying, especially in cocktails.

Fugu you!

I received my 4 spools of Fugu this week and stripped all my reels and refilled with it.  It really is my favourite line on the market at the minute and is great value for money.  I hope it stays around as I don’t want to change, so I may have to stock up just to be sure I have it to hand!  Fugu is available from Mushiki Tackle which can be found through Google or via Facebook.

Out with the old, in with the renewed!

In these time of austerity where the majority of us are feeling the pinch, its not as easy to just go out and buy new equipment as often as we would perhaps like to.  I recently had a rod rebuilt, as it is fair to say it was well beyond its prime, but I couldn't bare to see it scrapped.  So I passed my Conoflex Vampire II to Bait and Tackle (Ryde) for their rod building / repair services, to give her a good going over.  She needed the works; the spigot was shot, eyes were damaged, finish on the blank was simply gone...What I got back was fantastic, a return to glory; spigot rebuilt, blank finished beautifully, new eyes whipped on in classy red & silver and stiffened back up a little, I am really happy!  She was also re-christened last night with my small 'Smut' and the Lobster, she will be a permanent feature in my rod bag from hereon.

 

 A return to glory for the Vampire

Angling Trust

I have had an email from the Angling Trust Chief Executive to say he will be collating the responses to my queries as the Head of Finance and Business escalated it to him.  I will share with Wight Lines followers any responses I get.  It appears I have stirred things up a bit with my comments about the lack of faith or effectiveness perceived by sea anglers around the AT.

Competition!

The Wight Lines / What Fish? Competition is in its final leg so if you haven’t entered I suggest you do so, there is a prize of £40 plus worth of EcoGear lures etc to be won.  You need to procure the WhatFish? App for your smartphone, to find the answer to the question.  Good luck!

 Get the WhatFish? App on your phone and stand a chance of winning £40 of gear!

Holy Mackerel!

Well it has arguably been a shocking year for feathering from the shore for Mackerel.  Its likely a multitude of issues are leading to the lack of presence this year, but one thing is certain, there will be a lot of people buying Mackerel this winter as bait freezers remain empty.  Sea Raider Fishing Charters (Jason Lovell Owner/Operator) have been having some stonking Mackerel trips in the boat, which indicates that they are there, just out of reach for the shore angler. 

Sea Raider Fishing Charters Skipper Jason Lovell has been putting people on the Mackerel day time, 

night time providing some stonking Bass, Ray and Conger fishing (Call 07507 535 971 to book). 

Struggling with my J-Pop Mission...

I have to confess, this round of the challenge with John Popplewell (Total Sea Fishing, 'All at Sea')  has proven harder than I gave credit to.  A 3lb or heavier Bass is all that is needed.  Doesn't sound too taxing, but the lack of bars being caught and how both of us haven't drawn the round to a close goes to show its not as easy as first perceived.  At the minute anyway...

Soon be Autumn

Perhaps unlike some others, we are quickly approaching my favourite time of year for fishing.  I love the Autumn, especially for Bass fishing and it is usually the time of year certain marks pick up pace, for me anyway.  September through to late November has generally been quite good to me, so I need to stock the freezer up with Ammo baits, plan my diary and get some serious hours set aside.

Autumn is a good time of year to me, being generous with the silver bars last year.

Tight Lines

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The power of FUGU

Independent Tackle Review

Wight Lines

Sea Fishing UK ©

The premise of Fugu line is simple: to be a quality line developed by anglers, for anglers. The products strap-line of “Designed to be deadly” says it all really. When presented with the opportunity to try this out for an independent review, I was keen to see whether it could live up to such a bold tag line.

About

The line was developed by a family run business within the EU, with the assistance of Mushiki Tackle’s owner Chris Wainwright. The company is a member of the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) and was founded in 1996, so hails 17 years of experience in the business. The line is made from Japanese raw materials, using German technologies and is tested for strength, characteristics and more by a European university, so it’s fair to say Fugu line is an international affair!

Packaging & Details

The line comes in a smartly presented Fugu box and gives the immediate impression of a quality product. This review was performed on the 18lb ‘Orange Fluro’, with the spool bearing 950m of line. The 18lb is 0.35mm in diameter which for a number of other brands would only equate to 15lb breaking strain. The low diameter means that it’s ideal for casting whilst giving reassurances of a stronger than average breaking strain.

Initial Feel

When removed from the packaging, you can tell from the first feel that this is a quality line. It has a supple, smooth finish and the initial memory test off the spool indicated that it would be relatively memory free.

 

Casting

In order to see how the line felt on different reels, I loaded up my Penn 525 Mag Xtra (Mk1), Abu 6500 Rocket and Akios 656 CTM. When loading the spools the line was bedding down nicely, which you immediately associate with its suppleness.

The first test came in gale force winds and would tell me a lot about the line during rougher conditions. Belting out 7oz grippers in 30mph winds would always reduce casting distance, whilst also creating great bows in the line during flight. However, I have to say that it felt like a

knife cutting through warm butter, the line flew out of the reels and despite adverse conditions the lead was still travelling around 80% of a normal cast, not something I am used to in such conditions. The line was smooth casting from all three reels and most forgiving during casts after the conditions created slack line during retrieves etc.

The next test was in almost completely contrasting conditions; no wind whatsoever. The line absolutely soared out of the reels and I feel quite confident that the combination of slimmer-than-average diameter and quality of line led to my casting further. Unfortunately all I a managed to catch was 9 dogfish and missing as many, but I found myself winding in more frequently than normal just because I was enjoying the feel of the cast!

Abrasion / Stress test

The line showed resilience to various abrasive grounds; however, anglers should bear in mind that it is 0.35mm and irrespective of breaking strain, the diameter could place it at risk of shearing in particularly rough / snaggy grounds. During the field test, a clump of weed of around 14-15lb was landed which gave indication of its ability to hold its own when under stress.

Knot Strength

In fairness, although fish-wise the heaviest landed during this test was a 2lb 2oz Dogfish, a mass of weed around 14-15lb was landed and did not seem to trouble the 18lb line or weaken any knots. A physical test performed indoors showed it was nigh-on impossible to break by hand.

 

Memory

I would suggest that the line has a negligible amount of memory, which means that it re-beds onto the reel nicely and won’t cause you any problems casting wise. In the field tests it was used in some adverse conditions, subjected to masses of may-rot and other weeds, which applied intense stress upon the line, which didn’t lead to any ‘birdies’ or weak spots.

Value for Money

The line retails at £7.99 a spool with the minimum postage charge being £3.25, totalling £11.24 a spool. However, if buying up to 10 spools the postage remains £3.25 (as its based on a charge for up to 1kg postage weight); therefore the more you buy the less postage is incurred against each spool. Working on the basis of most people loading up around 200m of line on each reel, you can at minima load 4 reels from each spool, costing an average of £2.81 per reel, with 150m of line left for rig snoods, smaller reels or fixed spools etc. When buying quality line, comparatively this is very good value for money.

Availability

Fugu is available from Mushiki Tackle in Kent, or ask your local Tackle Shop / Dealer to become a stockist by making wholesale arrangements via Mushiki.

Conclusion

Although not tested in this review on a Fixed Spool, I am confident that all anglers will be happy with this product should they try it. Its good value for money, a quality product and in such a competitive market will give some better known brands a real run for their money. I for one will be getting some more of this line in!

Further Information

Contact Mushiki Tackle on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mushiki.tackle or call 01304 249 462.

Wight Lines Independent Review – if you want an independent review of your goods or services contact WightLines@Hotmail.com

Hounds around, but alas no bass...

Well in my view it continues to be tough fishing...

So the idea was to go off in search of Wrasse to hopefully base a feature on.  In order to achieve this I decided to pair up with Aaron Morley and hit the Bembridge area early one morning.  I took a variety of baits; crab, fresh Ragworm, limpets and new to me Isome worms.  Other than a few dots of rain the conditions were fine and we both were hopeful of catching a few.  After surveying an area unfamiliar to us both, we decided we would hit Whitecliff Bay as we were entering the last of the ebb and we could fish there for around 4 hours or so.  It’s a fair trek to blank at, so we both hoped it would pay off.  In short, it didn’t!  Aaron had a baby Ballan of around 6oz and I didn’t even see my rod tip move.  However, it wasn’t a total bust.  What we did both learn was the depth of the water off the ledges into the bay, to our amazement it turned out it was only about a foot deep, much shallower than we ever thought it was.  Although the bay itself is deeper, it gave us greater insight considering we had both only fished it under darkness.  

 

 Arron seeking Wrasse at Whitecliff Bay

 Fishing off the ledge can be prime for Rays and Bass

 Fishing in daylight afforded us a chance to survey our surroundings

So we decided to move to Wheeler’s Bay, Ventnor, fishing off the rocks.  This was a place where Aaron cut his teeth as a young angler, bagging up on Wrasse, Eels and Plaice.  Sadly all it produced were two small Ballans again, both around 6oz.  It was bemusing the pair of us, where were the fish?  Walking back up to the Car Park we were asked the usual by a passer by “catch much?”, of course, we were overjoyed [sarcasm] to say “nope”, her response “well did you at least see the pair of seals in the bay? They were really close to the shore”.  Mystery solved!  I need to get out again and hit the Wrasse scene, but after a serious rethink…Although I didn’t catch on this occasion using the Isome, I will definitely persevere with them, perhaps at a Sole mark instead.

 Beautiful but not our target weight, being about 3lb (at least shy)!

"well did you at least see the pair of seals in the bay? They were really close to the shore”

 So with the remaining worm I decided I would go for a few chucks at Totland (I bought a 1lb of worm, only using about 4 during the Wrasse sessions).  I Set my Abu Enticer rod up with small hooks and lobbed it about 50 yards out in search of Sole.  Basically fishing out of the car, I went to the boot and upon returning to my rod I found it nodding quite excitedly.  I picked it up and felt the fish was on; could it be a Sole already?  No, it was a 1lb School Bass who had nailed my bait.  It was the only fish caught in about an hour trip and means I need to return there soon to give it better chance.

 Isome Worms, I can see the potential but I need more experience with them

 Ammo Crabs: Prime bait which can make the difference

So comes the fourth day of trying to use up my 1lb of worm.  After commenting on Facebook that I was off out, regular cohort Mark Barton said he was up for wetting a line.  We agreed on going to Hamstead to use up the worms and try some fish baits for any passing Rays or Bass.  I had a few Ammo Peeler Crabs in tow also.  Arriving in the car park (clearing) I spotted Arron Morley’s motor and decided to drop him a text.  He had already gotten into a couple of Smuts and Schoolies with his regular fishing buddy Ricky Parr, so Mark and I were ready to get fishing!  After setting up I got a text from Arron to say he was well into fish, landing more Bass around 2lb and another Smut.  Whilst on the phone I had a fair knock and hooked into a fish.  To my disappointment it was a snotty (Silver Eel).  It was unhooked and returned swiftly, although I think the fact that each time I use worm I seem to catch one is an indicator the species is in recovery.

 A Silver Eel takes a bunch of Ragworm

 Peeler Crab, ready for a Smooth-hound or Bass

About an hour into the flood I decided I would put Crab bait on.  In under 60 seconds of being in the water I had a Smut like bite, bang-bang-slack, which when I struck into it I knew it was a smaller fish, but was better than a blank!  I landed a 2lb 11oz Smooth-hound, a quick pic later and she darted off into the night.  After about six more texts of catches from Arron, I decided it was nap time and had a kip.  Waking up freezing cold Mark and I decided that if we had no fish within an hour we would pack up (around 2.30am).  Re-baiting up with more Crab, I cast out and again in under 60 seconds a bite on the go, this time it slack lined me and then went veering off to the left, knitting my other line and one of Mark’s rods up.  After a short fight I landed a nice 6lb 4oz Smut, very welcome and woke me right back up!  Repeating the baiting up of Crab, I cast out and in under a couple of minutes I had another bite, it was another Smut of 4lb 2oz.  Happy Days!  I had beaten the blank and enjoyed the nights fishing, although sadly Mark didn’t get a single fish.  He did leave with ½lb worm though which was still as fresh and feisty as the day I bought it 4 days ago.  We were both impressed with the quality of Bait & Tackle [Ryde] longevity! 

 

 First of the hounds, a young one weighing 2lb 11oz

 

 A welcome sight, another Starry of 6lb 4oz

Last of the night, yet another Starry at 4lb 2oz

The weirdest catch of the night though went to the leadless rig I got tangled in, which I lost to a snag about 6 – 8  weeks ago!  What are the odds on me coming back and retrieving it from the brine…All night long we were blessed with an incredible view of the meteor shower which had both of us in awe.  All in all, a good nights fishing, although there was one fish I really wanted, but despite all my trying I just couldn’t dig one out…

Hounds around, but alas no (3lb) Bass…

Tight Lines

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