Alan Yates Web Diary 1st September 08
A number of reports from around the coast suggest that sport is picking up as we move into autumn and it’s the deep water rock marks and piers that are producing the fish at the moment. I was talking to Julian Shambrook of Any Fish Anywhere and he tells me that a number of huge black bream are coming from Hope’s Nose in Devon, This deep water rock mark has produced fish to 4lb which in Jules’s word are “Massive”. Also had the word that a fresh run of codling have started to show from Walton pier is Essex, not big fish but codling around the 30 to 45cm mark.
The latest competition fished from Holyhead breakwater on Anglesey included an interesting twist introduced by Organiser Mike Flynn. Fished on the Saturday before the open event from the inside wall of the breakwater the match was catch and release. Not the best venue on the planet it’s sheltered and the home of lots of small species and so to make the match more interesting Mike set the main pool for the smallest fish. This gave the anglers with the poorest draw the opportunity to fish Continental catch, measure and release style and the winning tiddler from the 50 competitors was just 8cm and that was caught by ladies international Heather Lindfield of Greasby. On the Sunday the open match was for the big boys and was fished from the outside of the wall and Dave Morrell of Colwyn Bay won that one beating 70 anglers with a catch of 25 wrasse for 6.9metres. All fish in both events were measured and returned.
If you are a fan of field casting, and its not a bad idea at this time of year when the fishing is slow in some regions to get out on the casting court and brush up your technique in readiness for the Autumn and winter cod season. The Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers has a number of casting days in the coming weeks. The dates are 14th September; 19th October; 16th November and 7th December. All days are casting between 10am to 4pm, all ages and abilities are welcome, the main focus is on people wanting to learn new techniques, improves distances etc. A charge of £5 for adults is made to cover the cost of the field and all children and young people are free. Licensed Level 2 coaches and Sea Angler Casting instructors will be present on all days. All coaches have a recognised coaching qualification and have had CRB checks carried out. The venue is Rhydyfelin, just a mile or so south of Aberystwyth, The venue will be signposted from the main A487 road. Further details from Gareth Davies on 07855528845 or Helen on 01970 626888 day or 01970 820063 evenings.
