Novice needs help

[Rugby_Stan]

I understand now mate.
It sounds similar to the pike rigs I use in the winter, except I use trebble hooks not singles.

Regards

STAN

[geejayy]

pennels, advantages, mainly used for big baits, stops bait slideing downaround the bend of a single hook. aids presentation.


leaves a hook at each end of a bait increaseing chance of hookups.
sometimes usefull with long strings of worm bait

gj.

[Rugby_Stan]

Cheers GJ,

Regards

STAN

[Rugby_Stan]

This may be a daft question but......
Will I need to order my bait in advance or can I just walk into a tackle shop and choose from a selection of bait in stock.
I have found the following tackle shops in Weymouth:
Weymouth Angling Centre, Denning Tackle, Anglers Tackle Store and Reels and Deals which advertise fresh and frozen bait.

It would be good if some one can suggest one of these shops (or another close to Dorchester). Feel free to PM me if this would be classed as advertising.

[geejayy]

those tacke shops , will stock most frozen baits.
i don't know fer sure but fresh pealer may need pre ordering .(don't forget bait elastic for lashing on the crab its soft, and expensive, will tear off hooks when cast without 'laccy)
u should b able to catch fresh macky from the chesil.
use heavy ( 30ish lb) snoods if u start looseing hooks to spider crabs, helps ,but they'll
snip these too.
geejayy.

[Brian of Nazareth]

If you already have freshwater gear you could try a large pike float with 1oz of lead and either a string of mackerel feathers (dead cheap) or better a paternoster baited with live tail hooked prawns (you can catch your own in a baited drop net in most harbours) or lively ragworm on size 1/0 or 2/0 hooks. If you fish harbours, breakwaters or off the rocks you wont have to cast far and your rods should handle the weight easily. I've seen some huge pollack come to this type of rig, and you'll also get Mackerel, Wrasse, Garfish. At low tide you can collect harbour rag "maddies" from muddy bottoms, they're small enough to go on freshwater hooks and the fish love 'em because they wriggle so much, can be fished hard on the bottom for flatfish. If you're having trouble finding a bait shop theres always Sainsburys for a fresh Mackerel - cut into stips half inch by 2 inches works.

Have fun

[Rugby_Stan]

Cheers GJ I have read about the Laccy and peelers but I bet I will still loose a few. I don't suppose that Spider crabs are any use for anything... Appart from practicing your hook tying.

Thank you Brian
I was planning on taking my pike floats as I love to see the float bury itself but would have just used a single hook so thanks for the rig advice. Are drop nets cheap or could I get away with "customising" an old landing net? What bait would I use for the prawns? I am guessing fish.

[Devon Born & Dorset Bred]

If you are staying in Dorchester, pop in and see Ray Aplin in Specialist Angling Supplies, 1 Athelstan Road. (Near BMW Garage). Very Knowledgeable On all aspects of fishing! Also has the gear!!!!
You could pop up to Portland Pirates Shop on Portland (Ultimate Outdoor World). Portland Bill and Ferrybridge are both fishing well currently. Plugging for Bass on light gear is working well!
There is also great chalkstream Fly fishing in Dorchester, and some loverly quiet little local lakes!!!

[Rugby_Stan]

Thanks DB&DB,
At this rate I will be bringing my coarse and fly kit and leaving my missus at home.

I guess if I ask Ray Aplin he will advise me on where I can and cannot fish (fresh water) or sell me the relivant permits.

I have only ben to Portland Bill once before and it was far to rough to think fishing was possible from there. I will try to investigate it again this year though thanks.

Regards

STAN

[Portland Pirate]

Hi Stan.

I would forget your 22lb line unless you intend to fish Porland for some Wrasee on the bottom. Then you are going to need a more beefed up rod as well, due to the likelyhood of you getting snagged. Float fishing around Portland Bill with a carp rod could bring you loads of fun. This time of year will see you catching Pollock, Mackerel, Garfish, Bass and Scad on Mackerel strip add Wrasse to the list if you put on Ragworm.
Ferrybridge is fishsing well at the moment with Bass, Pollock, Wrasse, Garfish and Gilthead Bream too name but a few. If you come up and see either myself or Devon Born up at the shop we can give you the latest up to date info and hot spots. Call us on 01305 862228 for directions.