Novice in need of advice

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 7:37 am

Please help.
I'm a part time Sea Angler and have been for most of my life. I generally fish fresh water. However a few times a year when i get chance I like to have a dabble at sea fishing.

The rod and reel that I have currently are pretty crap and I can't cast over 100yrds with them. The rod seems to stiff and I can cast further with my carp rod.

I'm planning on fishing Chesil at the the end of May and would like to be able to get a descent line out to try and reach the wrecks. To do this I believe that I need a new rod/reel combo.

Being a novice is it worth my while getting a Multiplier as I've heard that these are hard to use if you're not used to them (i'm more than willing to take the rod/reel out onto a field and practice casting) or should I stick with a fixed spool? Also what type of rod should I look out for?

Thanks
Dave

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 8:06 am

I am not exactly a novice my friend, more of a silly old sod who likes a bass on his dinner plate occasionally. I have a multiplier but only use it on the boat. For beach fishing I use a slightly ancient but 'LONG SPOOL CONED' FS reel loaded with 18lb line on a 12' carbon rod. Using OTG or 'pendulum' techniques, I regularly get 150 yds out there. This puts me into plaice territory which is my mrs favourite fish. I once tried using a multiplier to cast but after one or two tremendous birds' nests gave up and I advise you to do the same. Also don't forget that most bass are taken within around 50 yds from the waters edge - and that has certainly been my experience. Often at night they are very close in indeed - virtually at your feet. By the way, Chesil , is not that special, my fishing buddy took 8 bass in two hours the other day in broad daylight from Hayling beach.

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 10:34 am

Thanks for your advice Eccles, i think I'll stick to a fixed spool. I've never been to Hayling beach so wouldn't know what it's like.
I usually go to Chesil once a year because I like the scenary around there to be quite honest.
We're planning on going for a couple of days and I'm taking a couple of friends that have never been fishing before.
Another reason for choosing Chesil is that you can fish all day long rather than waiting for tides. Is this possible at Hayling?

Posted: Wed May 03, 2006 8:13 pm

Yes my friend you can fish all day at Hayling and many people do. Although it is basically a 'flat' island, you can take a pair of binoculars and watch the shipping going in and out of Portsmouth/Southampton all day. Also there are three pubs along the seafront and a great chippy but it is not heavily commercialised or built up.