Bass - when are they around?

[fishingbonsai]

I have caught them on mainly rag but also on slipper limpet about 60 mts out on 2 or 3 hook flappers.

[CHUBB]

might try it out this weekend.

[Crusty]

Still a bit early for me to go bass fishing, but it isn't far off to be fair. It's not until April before i start thinking about it seriously.

However, some tactics I've employed:-

1) Early part of year (now) use slipper limpets if fishing after a blow and they've been washed up onto beach. Fish are preoccupied on them and will look at little else.
2) When crabs start moulting in spring, switch to peeler crab as again this is what the fish are looking for.
3) Height of summer I'd use live sandeel, live smelt or a whole side of mackerel or even a mackerel flapper (I always look for big bass > 10lb)
4) Autumn particularly from steep shingle beaches such as Chesil or Hurst Shingle Bank, live pouting (small) close in - 5 to 20 yards.

Finally, bass are not always close in. It often depends on the venue. If food is in a gully further out, just like most fish the bass will be there rather than close in.

Good luck.

Chris

[CHUBB]

thanks for the nice info!!!

[Ben]

thanks for the tips there

[derby4life]

Originally Posted by Old Smoothound

Welcome aboard Scott

Wellfish is right they don't really leave, but move into deeper water, where the food is.

Up here its April to October but this year it was November! (Global Warming) Now that the sea temps have gone down they have moved off shore, but in Cornwall they never leave.

Good luck with the Bass hunting, if its fly fishing for them just ask any questions mate.

i'm interested in fly fishing this year smoothie what exactly do need ?

iv'e got all the usual gear heavy 9-10 wieght rod ....do you you use use sinkers or floaters

cheers

[crumpled]

Hi guys, just to let you know, I managed to get some fishing in at the end of May in a great spot near Daymer Bay in North Cornwall and manages to hook a lovely Bass in 15 minutes. We cooked it up for my daughter and 4 other children and it was beautiful. Thanks for all you tips. More fishing planned for July!

[kiwimarty]

Nice one dude. Sounds like you all got a good feed from it too.

All the best.

Kiwi.

[crumpled]

Any tips for this weekend in Dorset? Taking twop friend who would love some Bass action. Last trip to Kimmeridge wasn't fruitful! High tide around 11am on Saturday, is there anywhere worth fishing after that?

Scott

[crumpled]

Planning new trips to the west country. Has the cold winter had an affect on the number of Bass coming home?