Hope Cove area

[Gazzer]

Going down to Hope Cove for a week on 4th August and as a complete novice to this sea fishing thing I am seeking advice, help and anything else anyone cares to give. I have spent 40 years on the rivers and lakes of southern england and now looking for a change.

Can anyone suggest rods, terminal tackle, method and bait for trying to catch something in the Hope Cove area. I would also like advice on marks and tidal influence on the fishing as I havent much of a clue!!!!

Sorry but I have to learn somewhere!!

Also I am looking for a day out on the sea with a local boat, does anyone know any good charter boats who may have room and hire kit out for the day.
I am willing to make up the numbers on anyones trip if you have someone drop out.

Much thanks for your help and hope to hear from you all soon.

Gazzer

[Pross]

I'm just around the corner from you myself from the weekend for 2 weeks. You can try the River Avon for mullet, bass and possible flounder using freshwater tackle with float fished bread for the mullet, legered ragworm for the flatties and possibly bass and frozen sand eel for the bass (it is a bass nursery which doesn't really affect shore fishing but it is good practice to return fish). Challaborough beach can be fished for ray and bass, use a beachcaster with prawn for the rays or sand eel for the bass, again ragworm may get you a plaice. This is best fished 2 hours either side of high tide, I normally use 4 or 5oz grip leads and pulley rigs. The Salcombe estuary is also supposed to fish well again for ray and, I believe, some gilthead bream. Others may be able to offer more advice as I haven't fished there. A bit further afield you can try Mountbatten pier in Plymouth or Brixham Breakwater / Berry Head all of which offer makerel fishing using a sliding float set up on your freshwater kit or alternatively spinning for them. See Simon Torbay Fishing's site for more info on Torbay marks. I've never tried the breakwater in Hope but it looks another possible for light fishing for mackie. On the boat front Dave Harrison on Gemini 2 out of Dartmouth is a forum favourite. Unfortunately, I can't comment myself as my planned trip out with him was cancelled due to weather and I suspect he'll be fully booked. I'm planning trying for a place on a shark boat out of Looe. Hope this is of some help.

[Gazzer]

Many thanks for your reply. I hope to manage some mullet fishing as well as I believe pund for pound they are far better than the chub and carp I am used to cathing on the Hampshire Avon.

If you would like my mobile I would be reallly happy to meet up and take some advice sometime during the holiday. I am in Hope Cove from the 4th to 10th August and althogh with the famioly I have pretty loose plans and am very flexible. On the shark front if there is a space on any of the days 5th to 9th August it would be a fantastic experience. If there is a possibility let me know costs etc and I am happy to pay up front if need be.

Obviously I would need to hire tackle but I expect most skippers have kit and bait anyway.

Many thanks for your advice and lets hope the sun shines.

All the best

Gary

[Pross]

I've sent you a pm with some further info on shark fishing and general advice on fishing in the area from the (very) little I know.

[Basshunter]

Gazzer,
Know how you feel as i am also seeking advice on this area if you do get any info i would be greatful for an email, cheers
Basshunter