A basic guide when starting beach fishing
Beach fishing in the UK is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, soak up some sunshine and possibly even bring home some delicious fish for the dinner table. While it may seem daunting at first, starting beach fishing is actually a lot easier than you may think. With the right gear, some basic knowledge and a little bit of practice, you can be well on your way to catching fish on the beach in no time at all.
In this guide, we will cover the basics of starting beach fishing in the UK. We will discuss the gear you need, the types of fish you can target, rig advice, casting distances and some safety tips to keep in mind. So let’s get started.
The first thing you will need when starting beach fishing is a rod and reel. There are many different types of rods and reels available, so it can be a bit overwhelming when choosing the right one for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a rod and reel:
Rod:
– Length: For beach fishing, a longer rod is generally better as it allows you to cast further out. An 13 to 15 foot rod is a good length for most beach fishing situations.
– Action: The action of a rod refers to how flexible it is. A fast action rod is more rigid and will allow you to cast further, but it may be less sensitive to bites. A slow action rod is more flexible and will be more sensitive to bites, but it may not cast as far. A medium action rod is a good compromise between the two.
– Power: The power of a rod refers to how much force is required to bend it. Light power rods are good for catching smaller fish, while heavy power rods are better for larger fish. For most beach fishing situations, a medium power rod is a good choice.
Reel:
– Size: Reels come in different sizes, and the size you need will depend on the rod you are putting it on and the place you are fishing. The majority of angler use a longcast fixed spool reel of around 7000 to 10000 size depending on the brand. Casting multipliers are also very popular. It’s best to buy one with a magnetic braking system.
– Gear ratio: The gear ratio of a reel refers to how many times the spool spins for each turn of the handle. A higher gear ratio will retrieve line faster, but it may not have as much power. A lower gear ratio will retrieve line slower, but it will have more power. A medium gear ratio of around 4:1 to 6:1 is a good choice for beach fishing.
– Line capacity: The line capacity of a reel refers to how much line it can hold. For beach fishing, you will want a reel that can hold at least 275 yards of 15lb mono (0.35mm)
Types of fish:
Beach fishing in the UK can yield a variety of fish species. Here are some of the most common fish you may encounter:
– Bass: Bass are a popular target for beach anglers in the UK. They can be caught using a variety of methods, including lures and bait.
– Cod: Cod are a winter fish that are commonly caught from the beach using bait such as lugworms or sand eels.
– Flounder: Flounder are a flatfish that can be caught using bait such as lugworms or ragworms.
– Mackerel: Mackerel are a popular target for beach anglers in the summer months. They can be caught using lures or bait.
– Whiting: Whiting are a small, tasty fish that are commonly caught using bait such as lugworms or squid.
-Smoothound. A powerful yet smallish Shark which grow to around 25lb. Ideally caught with Squid and crab baits and very good fun.
There are obviously a lot of other species to target. Please ask us for advice.
Rig advice:
The rig you use for beach fishing will depend on the species of fish you are targeting and the conditions you are fishing in. Here are some common rigs used for beach fishing in the UK:
– Paternoster rig: This rig is good for targeting fish such as bass and cod. It consists of two hooks tied to a line with a weight on the bottom. The hooks are separated by a length of line so that they don’t tangle.
– Pulley rig: This rig is good for fishing in areas with strong tide or surf. It consists of a sliding bait clip on the bottom of the rig that allows the weight to move up the line when the fish is hooked, reducing the risk of the line breaking.
– Flapper Rig: Possibly the easist rig to use when just getting fishing. Its usually fitted with between1 and 3 hooks and very easy to use.
– Feather rig: This rig is good for targeting mackerel. It consists of a number of small hooks with colorful feathers attached to them. A weight is attached to the bottom of the rig to help it sink.
Casting distances:
The distance you cast when beach fishing will depend on a number of factors, including the species of fish you are targeting, the sea conditions and the type of bait or lure you are using. Generally speaking, a cast of around 50 to 100 yards is sufficient for most beach fishing situations.
Some tips for casting further include:
– Using a longer rod
– Building up speed before casting
– Loading the rod on the pendulum cast
– Keeping your casting motion smooth and steady
Safety tips:
Beach fishing can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to keep safety in mind at all times. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when beach fishing:
– Always check the tide times and weather forecast before heading out
– Never turn your back on the sea – be aware of incoming waves
– Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions
– Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
– Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it
– Respect the environment – take all your rubbish with you and don’t damage the habitats of sea life
Conclusion:
Starting beach fishing in the UK is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and potentially bring home some tasty fish. By selecting the right gear, targeting the right species of fish, using the right rig and casting with a bit of practice, you can be well on your way to a successful beach fishing expedition. Just remember to keep safety in mind at all times and respect the environment. Happy beach fishing!