A guide To Fish Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay Beach, Heysham is considered as one of the best venues in the country for sea fishing. Situated in the irish Sea and surrounded by rocky cliffs, the waters of this beach are rich in fish species varying from smoothhound, thornback rays, Buss Huss, bass, and plaice. In this guide, we’ll cover everything an angler needs to know to catch these species in Half Moon Bay Beach.
Fish Species
The waters of Half Moon Bay Beach are abundant with many fish species. Here are some of the popular ones that an angler can catch:
1. Smoothhound – Smoothhound, also known as the common smoothhound or tope, is a species that’s commonly caught in Half Moon Bay Beach. With their sharp teeth and muscular bodies, they are a great catch for anglers. Smoothhound can be caught all year round, but are much more active between June and October.
2. Thornback Rays – These are commonly known as Thornback rays but they are in fact a type of small real ray. In the waters of Half Moon Bay Beach, they can be found throughout the summer season to early autumn.
3. Buss Huss – A fabulous and new shore species caught in spring and early summer.
4. Bass – Bass is a very popular species amongst anglers fishing in Half Moon Bay Beach. They are most active during the summer season, but are also caught through the winter in shallower water.
5. Plaice – Plaice is a common flatfish species that is found in the waters of Half Moon Bay Beach. They can be caught all year round, but the peak season is from August through to November.
Baits
When it comes to bait, there are a variety of options available in Half Moon Bay Beach. Different baits are more popular for certain fish species and here are some of the most popular ones:
1. Crab – crabs are one of the most successful baits used for catching fish at Half Moon Bay Beach. Catching, preparing, and using the right sized crab is essential for catching bigger species.
2. Mackerel – Mackerel is a popular bait for catching Smoothhound and Bass, or for simply using as a backup bait.
3. Squid – Squid is a popular bait for catching Thronback Rays at Half Moon Bay Beach. It is also an effective bait for other species.
4. Blueys – Blueys are small baitfish that are commonly used for catching Buss Huss from Half Moon Bay Beach. They can be caught as live bait or used frozen.
Rigs
The type of rig you use varies depending on the species you are targeting and the conditions you are fishing in. Here are some of the most popular rigs for fishing in Half Moon Bay Beach:
1. The Pulley Pennel Rig – This is a popular rig for catching bigger fish such as Smoothhound, Rays and Buss Huss. This rig is very versatile allowing for ample bait and a strong hook setup. It allows the fish to take the bait but still provides good hook presentation.
2. The Running Ledger Rig – This is a popular rig for catching all types of fish. The Running Ledger Rig is versatile in any condition and is the most common used rig amongst anglers in Half Moon Bay Beach.
3. The Flapper Rig – This is also commonly used for catching a variety of fish and is made up of two hooks, one fixed and one free-moving. It works well for catching smaller fish as well as larger ones, particularly plaice.
Tips for Fishing at Half Moon Bay Beach
1. Check the tides – Fishing is best at low tide and is where some of the bigger fish species are found. It is important to know the tide times before fishing.
2. Be prepared for big tides – Large tides at Half Moon Bay Beach can cause stronger currents, so it is important to take appropriate measures to secure your fishing gear.
3. Try different baits and rigs – If you are not having any luck catching one species with one type of bait and rig, try using something else.
4. Explore the surrounding waters – Half Moon Bay Beach is rich in marine life, so there are many other species of fish that can be caught. Try fishing further out to catch different species.
In conclusion, Half Moon Bay Beach, Heysham is one of the best venues in the country for sea fishing. With its diverse fish species and varied fishing spots, it is a great place for anglers to catch a range of fish. By using the right baits and rigs, and being knowledgeable about the regulations, tides, and local marine life, an angler can have a successful and enjoyable time fishing at Half Moon Bay Beach.