Conwy Estuary 05/03/2011

Every time I have visited Conwy, I've always thought about fishing the estuary and mud flats.
I had heard rumours that there was some Coddling and some School Bass in the area, so now was as good a time as any.

I deliberately didn't want to fish the area within the harbour due to the amount of people, noise and disturbance going on, as part of the reason I go fishing is to get away from all that.

I chose and area by the marina, near the beacons, where the estuary runs into a deep channel. On a full tide, this section becomes deep and fast flowing, on a low tide, it's quite narrow but still deep and fast flowing below the surface.
The plan was to fish either side of the channel and hopefully catch the fish as the swim up and down.





I set up on a small sandy section, about 50 yards from the car park. It seemed pretty quiet so I was quite chuffed.
I got the first rod set up, baited the rig and cast to the far side of the channel. I was using 6oz grip leads to hold bottom, so hitting the other side wasn't a problem.
The second rod was set up, with the same rig, weight and bait, but cast around 30 yards.
For bait, I was using a mixture of Black Lug, Ragworm and some frozen Peeler Crab, which I used to tip off the worm. Rigs where small hook 2 and 3 hook flappers with long hook lengths to allow the bait to move in the water.

The action was slow to say the least with crab activity constant all day. Matters didn't improve when a few people came down and started throwing rocks into the water around 30 yards from where I set up. A few choice words where spoken!

As the sun set and the tide started to come in I had my fingers crossed that the crabs would disappear and the fish would soon show.

On bringing in one line, I could feel a little resistance. On landing the rig and lead, I had hooked a small Rocking, a fish!
With the current being so strong and having such a large weight on, the bite hadn't even registered on the tip.

To be honest, I was pretty proud of my little Rockling, he'd done well to grab the bait before the crabs, plus I wasn't going to draw a blank!

With the tide flowing in, the channel became wider and deeper. Snags started to happen more often, a mixture of mud, leaf litter, sticks and weed. At one point, I walked 60 yards to the left of where I was fishing, made the cast, and by the tome I had walked back to the rod rest, the tide had washed the lead past me plus another 30 yards.
From this point things where getting more difficult. I couldn't hold bottom even with a 6oz grip lead, leafs, grass and weed where tangling around the line, I was snagging every cast, even at close range and I had no bite indication with the current pulling so hard against the line.

I've fished the Menai Straights on a flooding tide, but this was something completely different. The surface was flowing one direction with the undercurrent the opposite.

Now with snags being on every cast, and my hands being so cold I struggled tying on a new leader, I called it a day.
Next time I may fish the harbour for the Flounder and Plaice, although the crabs will probably be a pain there too.

Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey 19/02/2011

My first major outing for 2011 saw a complete change in tactics from my previous Autumn sessions.
Multi-hook rigs, 2 and 3 hook flappers, replaced the normal pennel pulley rigs, a reduction in hook size from 3/0 - 4/0, to sizes 6, 4 and 2 with smaller baits to suit. Long hook lengths using a fine 15lb flurocarbon, with luminous beads and plain leads, to allow extra movement in the bait.

Arriving at Cemlyn Bay around 1:00PM saw the full tide just starting to drop. The weather was fine, with a very light breeze and a very calm, flat sea.



I set up the shelter, tripod and rods and proceeded to put the first cast out, around 50 yards, just to the side of the rocks. The second cast, on the second rod, was put out to the same distance but around 50 yards to the left of the first cast.
Fishing was slow during daylight, just two gentle taps on the rods in 4 hours, resulting in two small Rockling of around 8 - 10oz each. Both Rockling where caught using fresh mussel tipped with black lug on a size 8 hook.

The most action on the rod tip during the day, was when an Oyster Catcher got the tip of it's wing tangled in my line. From the shore I couldn't see where the line was tangled, and as the bird was panicking, I had no option but to wade out, catch the bird and release it. I also got a nip on the finger for my troubles! A young family didn't help matters, throwing stones and rocks into the sea about 20 or so meters up the beach. Some people just have no sense!

With the daylight hours being slow, it allowed me to crack open the fresh mussels I had bought from a supermarket on my way down to Anglesey. Thankfully, I wasn't eating them as they were tiny! Skewering them onto the baiting needle, I created a sausage-like length of mussels bound together with bait cotton. This would save me some time later on, as all I would need to do is cut off a small piece and bind it onto the hook.

With the light fading and tide turning I started to charge up the luminous beads on the hook lengths.



Now baiting the 3 hook flappers with a mixture of Black Lug, Blow Lug and fresh Mussel, I started putting my casts out at an even distance, around 30 feet apart, to maximise the scent trail.
Within 5 minutes of the second rod being settled in the rest, the slightest twitch on the tip was visible. Leaving it to develop, I could clearly see there was a fish on. Nothing sizeable, but a fish, and a welcome fish at that!
Not much of a battle proceeded and the first small Whiting was landed, around 9 inches in length. This one had taken a small Blow Lug. Gently unhooked and returned, the rig was baited again with a mixture of lug and mussel and cast back to a similar location.



Returning the rod to the tripod, the second tip went, a little more obvious and frantic this time.
Lifting the rod, I could feel some real movement down the line. With the shockleader now coiling around the spool, silver flashes could be seen through the waves. More Whiting, this time 3 of them, one on each hook. I was definitely into a small passing shoal.
With all the fish safely returned, the rig was re-baited and cast out again.

As the tide continued to flood in, the Whiting where continually nibbling and taking the small lug and mussel baits. At one point I was pulling landing them with one on each hook, two or three at a time.

The last cast of the night saw the rod tip shoulder, a typical Dogfish bite! Sure enough a Dogfish was landed at around the 4lb mark.
As the tide started hitting the car park wall it was time to scarper.
Not a bad session for February, the total count was 11 Whiting, 2 Rockling and a Dogfish, an Oyster Catcher too but I'll not count that!
Changing my rigs, hook and bait sizes seems to be the key at this time of year. The fish may be small, but I'd rather be catching than sat still not doing anything.

A few more weeks and hopefully the first of the Thornback Rays will start to come into range.

Roll on Spring!!!!

Anglesey 8/1/2011

OK, so I wasn't supposed to be fishing, just a nice day out to visit some of the amazing sites around the UK coastline. But as soon as a "day out" is mentioned, I get excited and manage to find a way to sneak a travel rod into the car.

I ended up at the lighthouse at Penmon, Anglesey, which is quickly becoming my second home! Beautiful blue skies above but a freezing Easterly wind reminded you that we are only one week into the new year.

After looking at the views, something I never seem to do when angling, a walk up the coast was ordered. Have fished here plenty of times, I knew that this area is rough ground, not ideal for a small travel rod, but always the optimist, I ran to the car, retrieved the rod and a mixed pack of budget spinning lures, 4 for £4.
OK, I know, January, not many Bass or game fish, not much natural bait, cold weather, cold winds, can add up to very unproductive and uncomfortable sessions, so why take a pack of lures?
Well firstly, apparently, there are still the odd Bass to be taken around various locations on Anglesey, especially where the shoreline drops away rapidly into deep water, hollows and underwater trenches, the Bass will still be here in the warmer water, as long as bait fish are still present. And secondly, I wasn't going to stand around waiting for a bite without thermals and a floatation suit!

Walking along the rocky shoreline, I was casting diagonally in front of me, jerking the lures back in a fashion so I didn't have to stop walking, unless I snagged on weed, which is why I was using budget lures ;) as I know how end-tackle-heavy this pace can be.

I must have walked, well staggered, 10 meters along the rocky out-crop, and probably only cast a hand full of times, (when I say I was walking, I mean I was concentrating more on my lure) when the rod tip almost doubled over and the reels ratchet screamed. Tightening the clutch on the cheap fixed spool reel, I realised I had hooked into something quite decent. On the travel rod I have, a Minnow would feel like a Tiger Shark!.
Battling the beast, I had an idea of the conditions under the surface, so keeping the fish to the right was a must. I walked another few meters up the shoreline to where I could safely step down to sea level, and managed to steer the fish into a small gap in the rocks where I could safely land it.



Hauling it from the water, I had hooked into a 4lb(ish) Coddling. A 4lb(ish) Codding on a Green/Gold/Red Toby Lure? I was stunned! A Cod, from the shore, on a spinning lure! I've seen them plucked from the sea in Norway on shads and lures, but here? in the UK? in January!

I certainly couldn't believe it, nor could the small family walking past.

It just goes to show, the weather may be cold and not very nice at times, but if your willing to put in the hours, study species and marine behaviour, temperatures and of the course the weather, fishing in the winter can pay off!

Happy Fishing in 2011!

On Test - Amnesia Low Memory Snood Lengths

We decided to build a few of our rigs using Amnesia Low Memory line, choosing clear line in 40lb and 15lb braking strains.

The 40lb length was used for the main rig body, due to it's larger diameter and very little stretch when casting. The knot strength is good, although plenty of saliva and a good grip to pull the knot tight is needed, as the line is quite stiff.
A lighter line of 15lb was used for the hook lengths. The 15lb line has a small diameter and has a low visibility in the water, useful for when fishing for weary species. The lighter line also has a good knot strength.

We created numerous Pennel Pulley Rigs and set about our days fishing, low tide on the Meani Straights, North Wales.

The first cast felt good and I could feel exactly where the weight was during the cast, allowing me to punch the rig and bait through the air, to exactly where I wanted it. Within a matter of seconds of the rod going in the rest the tip went. I dismissed it at first due to the amount of weed floating through the channel, but a few seconds later the tip started to twitch again, this time more rapidly and violently.
I started to reel the line in with the fish fighting frantically, a good codling I thought to myself, wrong! A little Dogfish putting up one hell of a scrap! I was pleasantly surprised by the action of the Doggie, if that was on a lighter rod it would have been a memorable battle.


Re-baited and the fish returned, I landed the second cast exactly where I put the first. Within a matter of minutes the tip started to twitch again followed by a decent shudder. This time a larger Doggie had take the fresh lug bait.

We landed a handle of Doggies within the next hour until the tide started to turn, on doing so, weed started to become an issue and we had to move from the flats before we got cut off.

All in all, the Amnesia line handled the flowing current and casting well. It's minimal stretch allows the bait to be cast further and more accurately. The lighter line has a super knot strength and never tangled around the rig body due to it's low memory.

We recommend this product to anyone who wants a cheaper rig body and snood length line but does not want to compromise on quality.

Available in:
Clear, Black, Red and Green.

Breaking Strain:
15lb, 20lb, 25lb, 30lb and 40lb.

Prices from £2.30 - In Stock Soon!

On Test - Fladen Maxximus Big Water Fixed Spool Reel

This is reel a MONSTER!

This high quality, 5+1 ball bearing, fitted with instant anti-reverse reel was developed with the help and expertise of Team England. The 5+1 bearing configuration gives it a strength and smoothness you would normally associate with much more expensive reels. With a line capacity of 275yds of 20lb mono and a retrieve of 4:1.1 this reel is capable of landing monster fish.

I loaded the reel with 15lb Ultima F1 line, with a 60lb Penn International Shockleader.

The reel feels smooth when retrieving line, weights and fish and lays line nicely on the large aluminium spool. Retrieval is comfortable due the large handle and is capable of pulling end tackle from snags in weed.

Casting is a breeze, especially with my overhead thump style.

The reel looks great and feels like a quality piece of kit. So far there has been no problems, bird nests or over runs of line. The only problem coming from the shockleader spooling of the reel when not kept tight!

Meani Straights - Isle of Anglesey

A good test of character for the reel would be on the rough ground and heavy tidal straights between North Wales and The Isle of Anglesey.

Using a heavy weight than previously and large baits would the gearing to the test.
First cast saw the rig, weight and large bait being punched to it's destination on the side of a sandbank, the line cascading off the spool nicely. With the front drag set to firm, due to the strong flowing currents, the rod tip started to twitch. When reeling in the line, fish and end tackle, the large handle and smooth bearings made it easy and effortless.

A lead-lift was added to the rigs due to the conditions but the reel easily coped with the demands we threw at it due to it's 4:1.1 retrieve, and at times pulling half the seaweed from the straights in with it.

Unfortunately, this reel only comes with one spool and no spare, so a snapped shockleader meant we had to use a back-up reel for the rest of this session and cut the test short.

On Test - Sonik SK3 13' 4 to 6oz F/S Beach Rod

The first time we saw the Sonik SK3 we feel in love with it.
The carbon, graphics and finish are superb.

Our first session with the rod was at Cable Bay on Anglesey.
Not a very productive trip I will admit due to the strong Easterly winds blowing in off the Irish sea.

We coupled the rod up with a Fladen Maxximus Big Water fixed spool reel, loaded with Ultima F1 line and a Penn International Shockleader.
I had a couple of practice casts in the field at the top of the mark to get a feel for the rods action, before putting bait out to sea.

I was instantly surprised with the rods performance. It easy cast the 4oz lead and bait to the horizon. I previously struggled casting 4oz weights on my other beach rod due to it being so soft.
The Sonik made me feel like a champion caster!
Cast after cast it pushed the weight and big baits threw the oncoming gusts, easily clearing the tackle heavy rock snags and weed.

On the rod rest, the rod sat true, offering great bite indication even through the howling winds. There was no shuddering or shaking from the wind and all bites where clear.

My first impressions of the rod, amazing!
My casting has dramatically improved and I feel more confident fishing rough bottom locations. Although no fish were landed, it was great to give the rod it's first of many outings!

Cemlyn Bay - Anglesey

The second outting with the rod was to Cemlyn Bay on Anglesey. The conditions this time where a lot better with a slight breeze blowing out to sea.
I was targeting Coddling, Whiting and Thornback Rays from the shingle beach, so big baits and distance would be needed.
I set the rod up with a Fladen Maxximus Big Water fixed spool reel, a pennel pulley rig and a 4oz grip lead.
The first cast saw the rod catapult the the bait and weight into the distance. As the sun set, headlights where adorned and the white glazed rod tip came into it's own.
Within a matter of minutes the tip started to twitch. I left it to develop due to the amount of seaweed floating in the surf.
Bang! the tip dipped and slowly rose, again the tip dipped, this time I was ready for it, lifting the tip to sink to set the hook.
On lifting the rod, I could feel every move the fish made. Twisting and turning, running for the heaven of weed beds and rocks, I was able to steer it away from all manner of hang-ups and snags.
The Sonik was in it's element. Battling an unruly fish from the depths of Cemlyn. The rod showed no sign of weakness, it's tip stayed subtle, allowing for the twists and turns of the fish, whilst the butt stayed firm reminding me that if I needed it, the power was there to drag the fish from the surf.

After a couple of minutes, a 4lb coddling appeared just in front of the surf. Using the slender tip, landing the fish wasn't a problem and allowed me to guide the fish exactly where I wanted it.

I was amazed how much a rod could improve my casting capabilities and fish retrieving technique.

The action seemed to quieten down after a good start, although numerous bites where indicated through the tip, nothing seemed to come of them.

Meani Straights - Anglesey

A real test for the Sonik would be fishing the rough ground, swirling tides and the very weedy Meani Straights, between North Wales and the Isle of Anglesey.
We arrived at the chosen mark just before low tide after stopping off to collect some fresh Rag and Lugworm. We had heard that the Straights had been producing some good size Codling, Bass and Wrasse, so we didn't want to miss out!

We walked across the shingle and very weedy shore to fish off the sand banks which get exposed at low tide. When set up, I decided to fish one rod close to the shore, on the down slope of the bank, and one around 150 yards into the channel, where another sand bank could be seen just under the water.

Now using a stiffer rig body on a pennel pulley rig, the weight and large lug bait was cast effortlessly onto the edge of the bank, mid-way into the channel. With the line tight the rod was placed on the tripod.

Within a matter of seconds, the tip went. I dismissed it at first due to the amount of weed floating through the channel, but a few seconds later the tip started to twitch again, this time more rapidly and violently.
I started to reel the line in with the fish fighting frantically, a good codling I thought to myself, wrong! A little Dogfish putting up one hell of a scrap!

I could feel the Doggie thrashing around in the current, knowing exactly where it was and where it was running. Thanks to a lead lift, there was no snags and the fish was beached.



After releasing the Doggie, I re-baited and re-cast to exactly the same spot, (which felt effortless!) only for the tip to go again! Yes, another Doggie, this time a lot larger. This continued for a while and we landed a handful of Doggies, until the tide started to turn and the onslaught of floating weed patches returned.

I was surprised with the Sonik. The second beach rod I was also using had a number of tip twitches due to weed being pushed against the line where as the Sonik stood strong. Both the tips where high in the air to lessen the chances of tangles with weed, whilst both rods had the same mainline, shockleader, rig bait and weight.



The rod coped effortlessly with the strong current, rough ground and snaggy conditions. The sensitive tip beautifully indicating when a fish struck, but stiff enough to withstand the pulling from the passing weed, whilst the powerful butt section powers the casts to exactly where I wanted them and easily dealt with retrieving fish and terminal tackle.

This rod is fast becoming my favourite!

Mission Sea Fishing Website

Our holding website is now live!!!

Although no products are currently available, you can read an introduction to Mission Sea Fishing and find out our aims and our company focus.

Hopefully, our online shop will not be to far behind, so keep checking the site for updates.

Visit the Mission Sea Fishing site at http://www.missionseafishing.com/