Estuary Structures

[nad03]

Hi.I enjoy lure fishing from the shore but i would like to try estuary fishing with plugs,spinners and jellies.The nearest estuary spot to me (ogmore,south wales) has Bass,Mullet and Mackeral among others.I am going to visit this spot at low tide to have a good look at the river bed.What kind of structures should i be looking for.What are favourite feeding and sheltering spots for these fish.
The size of catch isn't important as a days lure fishing is reward in itself,but a few bites would be nice.
thanks.

[fishbonkers]

Originally Posted by nad03

Hi.I enjoy lure fishing from the shore but i would like to try estuary fishing with plugs,spinners and jellies.The nearest estuary spot to me (ogmore,south wales) has Bass,Mullet and Mackeral among others.I am going to visit this spot at low tide to have a good look at the river bed.What kind of structures should i be looking for.What are favourite feeding and sheltering spots for these fish. The size of catch isn't important as a days lure fishing is reward in itself,but a few bites would be nice. thanks.

Understanding holding areas and 'structure' in estuaries is a big subject, and I find it a bit sad no-one has offered anything here. I only know about bass, and for that I suggest you get lots of reading matter, such as:

- Mike Thrussell's book 'Fishing for Bass - Strategy and Confidence' has 10 pages on estuary fishing, with diagrams about tidal movement etc.
- Mike Ladle's book 'Hooked on Bass' has 4 pages on it, and some estuary features pop up in some of the other chapters too.
- John Darling's book 'Bass Fishing on Shore and Sea' has a few pages on estuaries too.

As for mullet, there is a great book called 'Mastering Mullet' which has some coverage on fishing creeks and saltmarshes.

I wouldn't fish for mackerel in an estuary - they like to chase brit in deep water close in, like steep shingle beaches, around piers and off headlands. I get the feeling they find their food in the open sea, and not estuaries.

I have these books secondhand for sale if you're interested. Drop me a PM if so. The Thrussell book is scarce and not cheap, but the others are not over the top.