G'day

[Mick Preston UK]

Hello all... brand new member, and pretty much brand new to fishing...

Went years ago with my mates for a few hours, but didn't really have time so it just stopped...

Not really thought about it much since, but went for a Holiday to the Mull of Kintyre last week and did a spot of mackerel fishing (followed by a good BBQ) and must admit I quite enjoyed it. We tried to catch other things but to be honest we didn't know what we were doing and it was pretty unsuccessful!

I am here to pick your brains if possible - I have done searches on Google but found lots of contradicting information, and lots of information on past years and seasons and as I don't know any better I don't know what to believe.

Basically I only want to fish for things I can eat - but don't know what types of fish I can eat, or where it is safe to eat from (read up about pollution causing issues with what you can and can't eat)...

I would absolutely love to catch a Salmon, as it is one of my favourite foods anyway, but I know there are certain restrictions so would like some clear guidance if possible.

I am from just outside Preston, Lancashire, and would really appreciate any advice you can give.

Whilst on Holiday I bought a rod and reel (the rod was pretty huge a beachcaster I think it's called - it was an ex-rental and the shop did it for £25 including the reel, line and a bit of kit - it seemed a bit of a bargain)

The only 'kit' I have were mainly for the mackerel, so feathers, weights, and a few spinners (12g & 18g). All seem to have barbed hooks (which again I'd like some advice on)

I know in England you need a rod licence to fish - and I wanted to know if it's worth getting the £72 quid one (obviously if I am going to catch Salmon I need to - but is it realistic at this time of year around Preston?)

Sorry - there are a lot of questions, but I like to know whats what rather than just setting off blind and doing something wrong (or potentially dangerous)

In short:

What can I and can't I eat
Where can I and can't I eat from (i.e. any waters to avoid)
What are restictions on local waters to Preston
What restrictions are there for kit (i.e. barbed hooks?)
What kit would you recommend getting for what I want to do.

As above, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Mick

[Mick Preston UK]

Sorry - another thing...

I don't really have an idea when to use spinners, rigs (feathers), or when I would want to use a float set up...

I am really new - so sorry that my questions are bound to be dumb! lol

Cheers

[billytattoo]

hi mick ,welcome to the forum m8, and well done with the mackies.....bill

[Mick Preston UK]

Cheers for the reply Bill.... I'm a bit disappointed I haven't had more replies, I'm at a loss where to find this info...

D'ya recon its worth copying my post into a different part of the forum?

[vaximen]

Hi Mick, 1, all sea fish you have heard of around the N/W can be eaten.no polution.
2.The beachcaster you have sounds suitable for shore fishing in N/W but it is mainly bottom ledger fishing using worm or mackeral for bait.there are no restrictions on barbed hooks in sea or fresh waters.
3. Regarding salmon fishing, I would recommend joining a fishing club that has salmon in its rivers otherwise day tickets are very expensive, £15 to £50 a day. The Prince Albert A S is suitable but may have a waiting list (on line).
4, A further option is to take up fly fishing for Rainbow trout ( good eating). There are many still water fisheries that cater for this but still need a course/trout licence but you dont need to join a club. Good Luck Vaximen.

[NICK R]

Joining PA is a 2 yr wait minimum
Certain coarse fishery insist on barbless hooks . (know idea why )

I would have go in to your local tackle shops and ask their advice and ask them for advice and tips


Or join a local club

http://www.prestonac.com.au/


For sea fishing there are lots of clubs on the North wales coast

[Mick Preston UK]

Excellent replies - thank you very much, I'll look into what you have suggested

Thanks again

[NICK R]

Try these

cbvsac.co.uk

[Mick Preston UK]

Thanks Nick - looks like a good site

Vaximen - do you know anyone who fishes around the Preston / Fleetwood area who wouldn't mind a complete novice tagging along for a session or 3? Just to see what kind of kit they are using, and find out in what situations different kit is used?

Been to a few local shops today and to be honest I got lost in what they were telling me, I don't have any basis to start and sometimes experience beats a chat

[barbelblanker]

Salmon fishing is the "top end" of the angling world in some ways as it tends to be the most expensive and "elite". Salmon are quite difficult to catch so if it's fishing to eat them then you will get a great deal of satisfaction once you get one but but it might be a long wait.

Fishing inland then you would be best trying out a trout fishery as the fish are usually stocked with the intent that they will be taken for the table. You'll find that you either have a day limit (you pay then can take up to say four fish) or you pay by the pound when you catch them.

Most commercial lakes for trout will used trout either reared on site or from farms.

Wild brown trout are a delightful fish and catching one on a fly has got to be one of the angling great things to do. As long as they are above the legal limit and the fishery allows it then these are the best tasting trout of the lot I reckon.

Taking coarse fish (roach rudd tench) will land you in a whole world of pain, though you can (see Environmental Agency site) it's fair to say it does not go down well with the anglers around you so I'd strongly advise you not to.

Sea fish, just about everything IS edible but some more edible than others. Again there are minimum take sizes and these can vary between areas so it's worth checking. Best eaters are probably very fresh mackerel, herring , cod ,pollack are ok, bass (watch the limit though and be sparing in what you take), sea bream are like bass. You can also eat dogfish, rays and conger but these are better in fish pies.

As for tips as to how to catch them it's probably better if you decided what you are wanting and where you want to get them then we'll narrow it down.

Oh and don't forget you need both a license and a permit to fish inland waters. A permit does not autmatically entitle you to take fish either so watch out. If you are sea fishing you do not currently need a license (unless some politicians get their way and try to inflict this unenforceable nonsense on us, but that's a different subject).

Let us know what you want and I'm sure there's a few here more than willing to help out.