Sole fishing.

Regular Joined: Jan 13, 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Norfolk

Has anyone got any tips for catching these. Have fished quite a lot for them but never had great numbers. Think I need to change tactics. Any tips appreciated... happy

Member Joined: Sep 29, 2005 Posts: 84

Hello ive always used a simple 2 hook paternoster, size 2 hooks with a single black lug. I find the best time to catch them is on a low tide after dark. Laters jim

Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2006 12:56 pm

Check out this months sea angler for the ultimate sole rig i have used this rig in the past and it sure does make a big difference to the catch rate. And is sometimes very effective for other spieces of flatfish to...

Regular Joined: Jan 13, 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Norfolk

Thanks for the advice boys. Very helpful. happy

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 7:17 am

1. They feed at night, never in the day.
2. They often come quite close in - 30/40 yds so you don't need to cast miles out there - 50/100 yds is fine.
3. Because of the way they feed your bait must be on the bottom and as still as possible - don't keep moving your bait every few minutes or they won't find it. If you catch more than 2 or 3 in say a 6 hour session, you are doing well but they are well worth it - who wants more than that for dinner.
4. Don't strike hard if you get a knock, wait a few minutes until you fairly sure you have one on then just reel in steadily.
5. I know there is a risk of bait loss to crabs by these tactics but that's life mate, when you get that 2lb sole the crabs don't matter so much.
6. I always fish a rising tide in calm conditions which I suppose in the Thames estuary should be quite a lot of the time. Down here on Hayling we have to put up with a rough sea sometimes and that's not ggod for sole hunting.

Regular Joined: Jan 13, 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Norfolk

Thanks eccles for the advice. Ain't it great to post yer questions then get people giving you help. big grin

Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 9:56 am

Yes mate, I don't know everything by a long chalk, I have been 'at it' for about 10 years and still learning. What I forgot to say was 'How do you know if sole are at your venue?' So here goes: 1. They like sand and mud -cos that's where they are likely to catch there grub - mainly lug and the odd small rag. 2. They don't like strong currents/rough water because they are crap at swimming. 3. They are quite common but folk don't catch them often because they don't make sure that the bait is right on the bottom and not moving.
One of the best venues in our area is about 500 yds outside Portsmouth Harbour entrance and away from the main channel because the out flowing current has slowed down to almost nothing and fresh sand/mud settles there regularly.

Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:18 am

This might be of intrest to you since your in esssex that walton pier is a good spot for sole off the left hand side about 20 yards out. apparently there is a small gulley along there near to the end.

Regular Joined: Jan 13, 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Norfolk

Thanks again boys. The advice will be well handy. I agree Magictoys; I have been told the same info. about Walton pier. As with all venues though, the locals congregate at that spot. The same thing happens/is happening at the moment for the cod. They all go around the end of the pier for them. Anyway thanks again and I will use the information given here to plan my assault. Cheers ............. big grin

Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 10:37 am

Lol i know what you mean... You could try sizewell for the sole not sure if its a hotspot but i have caught a few from there with out trying.

Regular Joined: Jan 13, 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Norfolk

Another place that we actually target for soles is Shingle Street in Suffolk. Normally get one or two in the Summer when we fish at night . Also pick up the odd dogfish, bass, eels . Sizewell is quite a well known venue for them. We fished the annual sole match there couple of years back. It fishes generally ok for them along with places like Dunwich, Southwold, Covehithe etc.....................

Regular Joined: Jan 13, 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Norfolk

Hi Magic, I could not get a copy of that Sea Angler magazine. Is there any chance of describing the rig to me. Would be very greatful. With thanks in advance. big grin

Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 12:21 am

where in essex are you? if you supply me with an e-mail address i will send you a scan of the rig and whole article

Regular Joined: Jan 13, 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Norfolk

Hi Magic, that is very kind of you. I am near Chelmsford. Don't know if my email comes up on here but I will attempt a pm to you. Thanks very much, Ashley.......................... big grin

Regular Joined: Jan 13, 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Norfolk

Have sent a pm to you Magic with email address. Cheers, big grin