First time sea fishing

Joined: Aug 17, 2009 Posts: 3 Location: christchurch

Did my first ever sea fishing today. Bought a couple of rod/reel combos from Aldi as a bit of an impulse purchase. Didn't know anything about sea fishing (or any fishing) so read up a bit on this forum - found some really good information. Went into Davis tackle shop in Christchurch and they gave me some really good avice and bought some hooks, weights etc and some ragworm bait.
Went off Hengistbury Head tonight and was really pleased to catch 2 fish! A Ballan Wrasse first, followed by a nice Dover Sole (282g).

My wife, daughter and one of my sons came as well - had a great time.

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 5:27 am

Hi Smiffo, welcome to the site, and congrats on catching 1st time out. you started much the same way i did, but i bought my first combo in a holiday park shop, then just went to the beach, i blanked, but still got the bug. Cheers..Mick
PS, looking forward to more reports, good or bad. big grin

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:37 am

A warm welcome to the site, great that you caught first time as is makes it a great introduction to sea fishing. The thing about sea fishing is that there are no hard and fast rules and therefore you will develope your own style but advise is always available on here.

Good luck for your next session.
Cheers keith big grin

Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:37 pm

Welcome Smiffo,

Congrats on catching on your first time out. If I recall I blanked on 3 occasions before I caught a tiny school bass, so you're doing better than me!

WormDrowner

Member Joined: Jul 29, 2008 Posts: 54 Location: greenhithe

Welcome to a world of anticipation , frustration ,exileration.....and the odd fish..

Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 10:23 pm

Nice one mate, always good to catch and especially well done to do it on your first trip.

welcome to the site too.

Joined: Aug 17, 2009 Posts: 3 Location: christchurch

Thanks for all the welcome posts winking

Well after having such a good first time, I went again on Tuesday - but this time blanked sad

So I tried again last night at Stanpit looking for bass - but again blanked sad

I was using a 3 hook rig (size no 2) with ragworm or sand eels. Was I using the correct gear?

What technique am I supposed to use? Just cast it and leave it for a while, should I reel it in smoothly, or reel it in witha few jerks on the way?

Still enjoyed myself though - I think I'm getting hooked (excuse the well worn pun!)

Malc

Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 7:38 am

Cast out, then tighten your line so that when a fish takes the rod tip will knock. Change your bait every 15 to 20 min and remember that whilst your hooks are out of the water you aint gonna catch fish.

Its a common problem with youngsters as they cant wait to check whats on the end of the hook and get impatient.
Cheers keith big grin

Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 7:17 am

Good advice exactly what I do and seems to work big grin

Checking bait every 15-20 minutes is great especially when you find out its been sat there and bait has been eaten by crabs crying

Even if the bait is still there I usually push it up the hook and add a bit more for extra scent big grin

Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 7:29 am

I have a youngster who although he catches fish, winds in so often that the casual onlooker would think he was spinning for mackerl.lol devil

Cheers keith big grin

Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 7:31 am

lol yes I know some mates that do that lol They then wonder why nothing is being caught!! I say give the fish some chance to smell the bait before you make it run away at 100MPH big grin