help a newbie please

[Rob 5059]

I know little or nothing about sea fishing although still learning, do carp fishing.

 

My question is as I have a static caravan down in Llandulas and intend to do some pier and fishing off the rocks in that area. Rather than be totally in the hand of the dealers would anybody be good enough to come with a list of tackle I need ( well for a starter for 10 so to speak I realise it would be near impossible to give a totally comprehensive list) of gear to get me up and running.

 

I have a sea fishing spinning reel, although need to know what size line would be recommended to load it with. I also have a Shakespeare pier rod.

 

I'd be really grateful to know what to load the tackle box with though.

 

Also anyone that knows the area around Rhos on Sea area of the coast what bait would be a good starter for 10 to get me going?.

 

Thanks in anticipation of any help you guys could give please.

 

Thanks

 

Rob

[Guest beach_bum]

Hi

 

Nice to know I'm not the only "newbie" on here.

 

I have to say I have found most angling shops pretty good and their local advice is great. All the ones near me know how various venues fish at what time of the tide is best and even the best bait depending on time of year. Ask a few different ones and see if they all say the same thing.

 

I am getting used to sea fishing by fishing beaches, it seemed easier than piers and rocks.

one essential for piers would be a drop net. I made mine from an old landing net and some nylon cord. As for breaking strains line minimum is 15lb. and apparently for piers you up that by 30% so 20lb

 

I asked about baits, and was given a bit of good advice, if the local guys sells it it is probably proven, if in doubt get frozen squid and lug worm. The advice has proved right. The frozen squid is a doddle to cut and hook and easy to store prior to use. You can always keep some in the freezer so if the fancy takes you, you can just decide to go and then go. The lug is a firm favourite with everyone I have spoken to, and lug tipped with squid is another often recomended bait. for baiting up a knife is essential, go without it and cutting squid is near impossible, but you don't have to get a filleting knife, something from the kitchen is fine so long as its SHARP!. I use a baiting needle for lug as it makes life a whole lot easier, its either that or thread the worm on which is not easy for us newbies.

 

I suggest getting a couple of pre-made rigs. I have a few and I tend to use one with either 2 or 3 hooks on it. I figure the more baited hooks I use the more chance. If you are fishing close in from rocks or dropping a line from a pier you don't need clipped down rigs as you won't be casting them anyway.

 

Try not to get tempted by all the colourful or shiny artificial baits Apparently they only work from boats. (I get tempted everytime I go near a fishing shop, they sell things that are shiny, and I like shiny!)

 

A few weights of various sizes are good, as like all fishing you use the size of weight to suit the current. I also have a few old spark plugs which are great if the area is snaggy as losing a "plug" is better than pulling for a break on a £1.50 weight.

 

If you are fishing a pier then take a piece of foam with you, or even a piece of old carpet or cardboard box you can secure this to the railing or wall and rest your rod on it without damaging it. If you are fishing a beach a tripod is great, but a quick throwaway version is 3 old garden canes but they need to be thick enough.

 

I hope some of that is useful and look forward to hearing how you get on

 

Howard

[Rob 5059]

Howard, thank you very much for going to the trouble of giving such a comprehensive reply, all your tips have been well noted, I'm intrigued and can't actually get my mind around how using a baiting needle gets the lug on the hook, I realise I am probably being very thick here if you time time to explain this I would be really grateful as it seems to be a great idea.

 

Thanks again for going to the trouble you have already gone to though.

 

Regards

Rob

[Guest beach_bum]

Howard, thank you very much for going to the trouble of giving such a comprehensive reply, all your tips have been well noted, I'm intrigued and can't actually get my mind around how using a baiting needle gets the lug on the hook, I realise I am probably being very thick here if you time time to explain this I would be really grateful as it seems to be a great idea.

 

Thanks again for going to the trouble you have already gone to though.

 

Regards

Rob

Hi Rob

 

Baiting needles are dead easy.

 

One end has a dent or a hole in it this is the end you do NOT put the worm on. simply slide the worm onto the needle in one long straight line no ins and outs, simply in through the mouth and then keep feeding the worm on (its actually a lot easier than it sounds) when you get to the ass end of the worm keep going and your needle will pop out. you now have loaded bait needle.

 

I tend to keep the rod in the rest or tripod for the next bit as I only have 2 hands. keep the line reasonably taught and place the tip of the hook in the hole in the end of the baiting needle. you can then push the needle gently to keep the tension on the line and the worm will simply slide down the needle and round the hook bend you can then feed the worm on and up. and if you are loading with a tip of squid or something you can put that on aswell.

 

Hope that makes sense

 

Where abouts in the country are you from the place you asked about I guess Wales

 

Howard

[Vagabond]

If you are fishing a pier then take a piece of foam with you, or even a piece of old carpet or cardboard box you can secure this to the railing or wall and rest your rod on it without damaging it.

 

Alternatively, about eight inches of garden hose split along its length will fit onto the rod between two of the intermediate rings. It is springy enough to grip the rod and not fall off. Essential if you are fishing a stone pier with walls otherwise the stone will grind your varnish away. Leave it on the rod and you won't forget to take it with you, nor leave it behind when you pack up.

[n4lly]

Alternatively, about eight inches of garden hose split along its length will fit onto the rod between two of the intermediate rings. It is springy enough to grip the rod and not fall off. Essential if you are fishing a stone pier with walls otherwise the stone will grind your varnish away. Leave it on the rod and you won't forget to take it with you, nor leave it behind when you pack up.

 

WOW !! what a great tip.

I fish the Dover pier's and samphire Hoe regular, Great idea, cheers