pescador

Hi Everyone. Firstly thank you for all the positive response regarding 7 Lakes Country Park. Rule 2 has been amended. This was from the old rules that have been re written to bring the facility up to date. I maybe ought to explain that my position at the park as Senior Ranger has come about after I spent six years down in Southern Spain as a fisherman and journalist. The intention to return to Northern Europe was to take on a tour of fishing but after visiting 7 Lakes Country Park and being offered the chance to take charge of these magnificent waters and promote new activities such as kayak fishing for clients was too much to resist. I introduced kayak fishing to my fellow Spanish anglers over in Spain and many of you will have seen references to that in the kayak forum over the last year. However the authorities down there were not keen and refusals to operate on the freshwater venues was to say the least frustrating. 7 Lakes was, to me, a blank sheet of paper and has enabled me to make a few small changes to begin with that are for the good of the facility. I do not profess to be an expert in the vast field of angling but my intention is to work with clients to make their time here enjoyable. It is refreshing to fish for 'wild fish' and the waters have never being pressured - it is certainly not a fish a chuck scenario. Some magnificent fish are present here and it is obviously my job to preserve the natural balance the waters enjoy. The fact that the waters are only available to owners who have invested in a holiday home ensures that the waters remain special. Over the coming season we have planned lots of new ideas for the anglers, both experienced and novice, to enjoy. It is a pleasure to be involved with Elton and Anglers Net, a medium that gives us the exposure we require to attract the clients who will appreciate the park.

Hi All A big thanks to Captain Cojones & Yakity- Yak for the posts on the Easy Jet feature. You may have read on the previous posts that I am embarking on a UK tour of not just kayak fishing, although this is now my passion as many of you will know. My plan is mainly to visit caravan sites with incorporated fishing lakes......any in your area I should know about? I am also covering fly, coarse and shore so any info that you may have would be welcome. For those of you who do not know me I am a professional fisherman and journalist based down in Puerto De Mazarron Murcia Spain. I have been here for six years and have competed in many Spanish fishing competitions with considerable success. As a journalist I write for the main English speaking paper in Spain and one of the best selling Spanish glossy monthly angling mags. I am looking for information on some top kayak freshwater venues in the UK but do understand if you want to keep them a secret.........no problem. I am certainly not wishing to annoy anyone so please do not think I am. Any help with any fishing information in the UK would be good as I have been away a long time and I realise things have changed. You can e-mail me at gary@garysmithfishing.com with any info or just reply to this message.

That's great news Mark. Thank you. I will contact you as soon as I get back to the UK and make some arrangements. Whether I will be all organised for the October meet is not known yet but I will do my best.

Thanks Dave am working very hard to make this tour work and as I am sure you are aware it should make good reading at least for those of you lucky .... left out here in the sun. As I have said though it is obvious that it is time for something new and I am looking forward to the challenge. I just hope there is a little bit of help along the way!

Thank you Dave and Bill for your kind words. The article in the Easy Jet magazine was actually written by a chap called Marcus Waring. He is a sports journalist based in Madrid. He contacted me as he is constantly searching for new sports to cover and enjoyed himself so much he stayed three extra days and his girlfriend drove down to sample it all also. My article in the glossy Spanish fishing magazine Trofeo Pesca also went down very well here and the interest is growing fast in kayak fishing. However I have exhausted most aspects of fishing down here, fly, coarse, shore, kayak, spinning etc and the red tape has been daunting regarding permissions, licensing and what have you. I have been successful winning two Spanish surfcasting competitions outright and finishing second in the kayak fishing tournament, does not sound a lot over five years but to me it is a success knowing the skill levels of those I have competed against! I am just in the final stages of planning a long fishing tour of the UK. So speaking from my journalist side we have come up with the idea of travelling throughout the UK in a new Nissan Navara and twin axle caravan visiting caravan sites with fishing lakes, writing, filming and photographing a diary type experience of my fishing, alone and with others for the Spanish and English press I write for here. I am in the process of contacting as many caravan sites with fishing lakes as I can find to see if they would welcome me to visit and am also trying to find a caravan that has a strong enough roof to carry a Malibu X Factor as the 4x4 roof will be full with roof box and rod tubes! We are due to come over in a couple of weeks, I will be bringing all four Malibu X Factors and a RTM Tango Pesca on the trailer which will be put in store so I can take just one with me on tour. I hopefully will be able to sample at least some freshwater fishing from the yak, pike interest me a lot, and would gratefully receive any knowledge of waters you know about. Thank you once again.

Sorry I seemed to have "designed" my own version of the system. I have not visited the anglers afloat web since e-mailing them last December regarding my Kayak Fishing Spain venture and not receiving a reply.

Obviously of no interest to anyone just the same as any other posts I have put on this forum. Maybe time to bow out gracefully! Good luck with it all from Spain.

Hi Newt The system I use is a cleat at the side of my seat. Drop anchor and tie off on the cleat then pass the rope through the caribiner on my sliding pulley system. Move the pulley rope to the rear usually and this turns and anchors the yak without the danger of being swamped by a wave and pulled under as it is near the stern. Alternativley it can be slid along to near the bow. It works very well, the elastics at each end act as a shock absorber also again allowing the yak to move a little. Just though it may be of interest.

Hi Volusian I average 4.7km per hour according to GPS. Normal paddling in normal Mediterranean conditions, force 2-3 at the most. Obviously if riding the swell a slight bow slap is felt but the advantages of stability and space for fishing equipment far outweighs any of this. If you want a kayak to travel a long way to fish then maybe a narrower vessel would be better but as far as an out and out fishing kayak goes the X Factor, in my opinion, is hard to beat.

Hi Using 4 X Factors out here in Spain. No problems even with big guys using them. I am not using the rudder because we are in the Mediterranean but maybe a good idea in your neck of the woods.

Hi Hook 1 have really given me excellent service and I can recommend them. I am in the depths of Spain where the postal service usually relies on a four legged animal so I have been pleasantly suprised. Visit the website at http://www.kayakfishinggear.com Maybe not fast enough for the adsl yuppies but good enough for me.

Hi Bill Sorry for my late reply also. I am reading on the forum and elswhere on the net that the weather is not good in the UK at the moment. It is obviously a lot better here, late 70's in the shade today and after your comments about some forum members maybe coming out I would like to offer Anglers Net Kayak Forum members a special kayak holiday deal. All inclusive - airport transfers - full board, all ensuite rooms - kayak fishing, bait equipment, transport, licences, 4 Malibu X Factors & 1 RTM Tango Pesca, I know the X Factor is a sore point on here but in my opinion it is ideal for fishing in the Mediterranean. All you have to do is get the flights to MJV San Javier (Murcia) 300 GBP for 5 days. Minimum 2 people. The best I can do to get you some sunshine!!! If this is of interest to any of the frustrated kayak anglers on the forum then let me know asap and they can be enjoying the sun soon.

Hi Bill Sorry for my late reply also. I am reading on the forum and elswhere on the net that the weather is not good in the UK at the moment. It is obviously a lot better here, late 70's in the shade today and after your comments about some forum members maybe coming out I would like to offer Anglers Net Kayak Forum members a special kayak holiday deal. All inclusive - airport transfers - full board, all ensuite rooms - kayak fishing, bait equipment, transport, licences, 4 Malibu X Factors & 1 RTM Tango Pesca, I know the X Factor is a sore point on here but in my opinion it is ideal for fishing in the Mediterranean. All you have to do is get the flights to MJV San Javier (Murcia) 300 GBP for 5 days. Minimum 2 people. The best I can do to get you some sunshine!!! If this is of interest to any of the frustrated kayak anglers on the forum then let me know asap and they can be enjoying the sun soon.

The front hatch cover is also replaceable with the gator hatch, have a look at http://malibukayaks.com/kayak_xFactor.asp and http://www.diverkayaks.com/ where you will find all the accessories. The UK dealer will be able to supply all I am sure. The centre hatch is also massive and perfect for keeping bait boxes and equipment required to hand. At a steady pace trolling I average 4 kmh according to GPS. It has to be said that I bought these for their fishing attributes not for speed or white water capabilities because to be honest if the Mediterranean is more than force four I do not go out. Safety has to come before anything in my mind. Gary

Hi Marc I know the sea conditions are different around the shores of the UK to the Mediterranean where my kayak fishing is based but the Malibu X Factor does, in my opinion, exceed all expectations. I have four at the moment and with large framed blokes, loads of equipment aboard, they are still very stable and dry. I have Crack of Dawn Tsunami paddles and they are suited well to the X Factor. Just my opinion for what it's worth. cheers Gary

Hi Bill 15 miles is the furthest I am travelling from base at the moment. The nearest is 4 miles and the best scenery. Pic attached of the bay which is sheltered. Always able to park on the beach so off the trailer, kit up, and into the Med. Two vehicles in attendance at most venues if practical, one with changing and cooking facilities the other with the trailer and tackle. Work as a team always for safety which is, to me, of paramount importance. The conditions in the Med can change in minutes so an observer from shore is vital with a radio to lead kayak. With clients, I do not fish unless they are experienced, just present as a guide with fish finder GPS, tow rope, emergency paddle, radio etc etc The bass go for Coreano worm, lure or live bait depending mainly on depth. They do come in very close to shore as there is little tidal influence. Will keep updating regularly with interesting news and if anyone has similar that they would allow me to use in my weekly press page here then please let me know, news, pics etc. gary@garysmithfishing.com or garysmith@roundtownnews.com Regards Gary

Hi Bill Just finished filming today for a Spanish TV programme, the first to feature kayak fishing. The interest here is phenomenal and the first tournament on May 1st is going to attract a lot of media interest. I am out fishing as much as possible and have now found some decent marks. It is the season for bass right now and next week I will endeavour to produce! The weather has been averaging 28 c in the shade until today when a front has passed over but should be back to normal on Thursday. Typical when a camera is brought into play! The Malibu X Factors are just perfect for the Mediterranean, I know they are not appreciated much in the UK but I have had some clients of generous build and they have exceeded my expectations in every department. The problem I have had is time. I have had to compete in various surfcasting and fly competitions when really I would have liked to have been out in the yaks. Anyhow I have suggested to the Spanish TV company a Yak Cam for future features whic would be a good idea I am sure. Bookings are mainly from ex pats out here as they have read my new weekly features on the subject in the local paper on the costas entitled Yak Talk. The two parties from the UK that have been out are coming back so that cannot be bad. Will keep updateding if it is of interest. Latest pictures are on www.kayakfishingspain.com which will be updated with all the latest info. Gary

How about a honeymoon in Southern Spain, hot, sunny, the 3 S's and kayak fishing.................Utopia? Well worth a thought!!! Joking apart congratulations and have a very happy future together. Gary

Bill It would be a pleasure to have you stay with us and be able to show you both the fishing and the local area. Please have a look at my other webs www.garysmithfishing.com and www.discoveringcartagena.com It will give you more of an insight into the fishing sport and history here. Gary

Hi Snatcher All the different regions of Spain have a seperate licence. I currently hold 7 for all the areas I fish. They are not expensive around 5 euros but it is the hassle obtaining one that is usually the problem, finding goverment issuing offices etc. The Canaries will have a licence of its own and the best way is to enquire at a local tackle shop who may well obtain one for him. Malaga is a seperate licence and again if time is short ask at a local tackle shop, but he may in that Region need proof that he is an angler in the UK so take a copy of that licence with him. I only deal with Murcian licences as we go and get them for vistors before they arrive from the government offices. If he is visiting friends or relatives then he can obtain a licence before arrival from www.geslicencias.com but it is a lot more expensive. Hope this is of some help. Gary Smith

Hi Barry I just set out to provide a little information for holidaying anglers and ex pats about the licencing requirments for pleasure angling down here. The commercial sector is something that I personally cannot comment on as I have no involment in the field. I think we all know that the Spanish fishing fleet have a certain notoriety and it is a political hot potato. I posted the article as another post was asking about fishing in Murcia. Gary Smith

--> QUOTE(Norm B @ Jan 21 2007, 03:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I think we could do with something like that here. Yes Norm B it is meant to be contolling the small amount who take everything for the pot. Hard to enforce but they are doing their best and when they are on an enduro bike and have a gun it does get the message home a little quicker!!! Gary

This an article I wrote for one of our local papers last year. It explains in a little more detail about the licence requirments if your fishing in the Murcian Region of Southern Spain. More info is available on www.garysmithfishing.com Captain Cojones and myself feel this may be of some use as the requirments are similar in the Alicante / Valencian Region also. The Seprona & Licences In the Carp R Us report there is a mention of the Seprona checking fishing licences at Embalse de Argos near Valentin in north east Murcia. You may well be wondering who are the Seprona and what have fishing licences got to do with them? The Seprona are the The Nature Protection Service of the Guardia Civil. It is amongst their duties to check fishing licences and basically everything else to do with fishing both pleasure and commercial. It is the law in Spain that you have a licence that must be carried with you, together with another valid form of identification, to fish the many lakes, rivers, certain sea shores or from a boat at sea. I have covered the importance of having a correct and up-to-date fishing licence many times over the past eighteen months but still I get many e-mails and phone calls on the subject. It is now no excuse to not have a licence through lack of knowledge, information is available regarding obtaining licences through many channels such as the Ministry of The Interior, the fishing clubs such as Carp R Us, Rod & Reel, Alcalali or Club de Pesca Puerto de Mazarron will all make sure you have the correct licence to fish as a member of their clubs. My own company Gary Smith Fishing S.L. will obtain licences for you if you wish, details are on the website www.garysmithfishing.com Be under no illusion, if you are asked to produce a licence and validate who you are when fishing, by a patrol, and you cannot, you will be reported and fined. The statistics show that in the Valencian and Murcian Regions alone just under fourteen thousand reports a year are recorded by the force. The Carp R Us club members licences were all checked together with their identities to match and the officers went away happy that all were in order. Peter Waylett, spokesman for the club, said he was happy to see them out and about doing their job. It is no good us all moaning that there are no fish because reservoirs or rivers are being netted or fish are being taken for the pot if we are not prepared to pay a small fee towards the Seprona who are trying to control these very breaches of the law on our behalf. The Seprona are also regular visitors to the shore fishing fraternity and not only check licences but will check your bucket to make sure any fish kept for the pot are over the minimum sizes for the species laid down in the law. I will cover minimum sizes again over the next couple of weeks. The Seprona also uphold law on matters such as water pollution, illegal hunting, illegal baits, transportation of animals, illegal camping, fires, sanitary laws and anything else to do with the preservation of nature. Gary Smith

Hi Dave The new motorway Vera to Cartagena opens this week so Mojacar will be only 30 minutes away from me. Plenty of variety available in Murcia, get in touch beforehand so licences can be arranged. Gary

Thanks for that Newt. The waters are very clear and the weed beds are easily seen, these would be ideal, I will check them out on the link. The larger fish are often in the weed and these would be ideal to pass a lure over their noses. We do have similar trolling plates here but they are more boat orientated. Gary