As the waters start to warm a few species associated with summer are starting show. Smoothound are already being caught on the open coast along with a few bass.
Combe Martin SAC member David Jenkins tempted this specimen gilt head bream weighing 3lb 9oz from the lower estuary using peeler crab bait.
High Street Tackle New Blog Post Published…
Read High Street Tackles latest blog post here – https://www.highstreettackle.co.uk/blogs/Match-The-Hatch–Spring for some spring time inspiration/ideas.
Our blog facility is quite new and will be updated as regularly as new products and general information determine. So far we have published some useful articles covering the following subjects
and a couple more specific new product reviews.
As always feel to contact us should you have any queries…..
BERKLEY – Trilene = Big Game Mono – Review
Arguably the most important piece of angling equipment the line is vital in maintaining the link to the fish that we seek. The choice of main line will to some extent be determined by many factors but whichever line is chosen it should be strong and reliable in relation to its diameter.
I have used many lines over the years and once I have found a good line I am reluctant to change. We can invest a great deal of time and money into catching big fish and it is vital that when the chance comes the angler has that strong reliable connection with the fish.
Throughout the year I fish for a large variety of species that involves the use of many different lines. When fishing from the open coast targeting fish using beach casting tactics I have been using Berkley Trilene, Big Game Mono for many years and have total confidence in it.
The greatest test for a line often comes when fishing snag ridden ground when it is imperative to put a lot of strain on the tackle when trying to extract a fish. It is also a good indication of the lines strength when it comes to pulling for a break when the end tackle is snagged.
When the end tackle is snagged and cannot be shaken free the procedure is to point the rod at the snag and walk slowly back. When fishing North Devon’s rocky shore line I often use 25lb B.S Berkley Big Game Mono. It is when carrying out this task that I realise just how strong this line is. The line has a degree of stretch that absorbs the initial strain, its high abrasion resistance provides a consistent strength. I have tried several other lines over the years and the ease at which they part when pulling for a break is alarming.
Basically, as a general use mono line Berkley Trilene Big Game ticks all the boxes as a line to be used with total confidence.
Combe Martin SAC Club member Kyle Bishop made the the long trek to Scotland in search of skate. He was rewarded with shore caught specimens of 207lb, 199lb and 177lb.
The Angling Trust are always at the forefront of events to promote angling ensuring its future for generations to come. Anglers Paradise was founded by Zyg Gregorek over forty years ago and has undoubtedly sowed the seeds for many anglers who have visited the venue with their families. On Easter Sunday 2022 I attended a family fun fishing day at the day ticket Eldorado complex that was supported by Anglers Paradise, The Angling Trust, Shakespeare, Angling Direct, The Environment Agency, Dynamite Baits and Nash Tackle.
Zenia Drury Gregorek was undoubtedly the driving force behind the event that attracted over seventy eager participants. Coaches from the Angling Trust were joined by keen local anglers to introduce families to the joys of angling. All tackle and bait was provided at this free event with a wealth of expert advice on tap for both total beginners and the more experienced angler. All juniors who took part earned a Get Fishing Certificate Award and badge from the Angling Trust presented by Dean Asplin who is Angling Development Manager for the South of England and South West Angling Development Officer.
I arrived at the venue shortly before the start and enjoyed chatting with the coaches who had travelled from far and wide to assist and support on the day. Amongst the coaches were Roly, Tony King, John Thompson, Andy Payne, Joe Drury, Hassan Khan, Steve Manley, Dan Murrell, Joe Dietrich, Callum Regan and Mark Thorneycroft.
Andy Payne
It was to prove a busy day for the coaches with families descending on the venue from far and wide. The event was blessed with warm sunshine during the morning session with the sounds of children’s laughter and adults banter filling the spring air. A few swallows swooped over the water as the coaches explained the finer details of fishing. The majority of families gathered around a lake stocked with a wide variety of smaller fish with whips used in conjunction with float tactics. The young anglers were fascinated by the brightly coloured wriggly maggots and soon focussed upon the brightly coloured floats that bobbed optimistically upon the water to disappear delightfully from time to time as a bejewelled fish from another dimension was lifted from the cloudy waters.
Many caught their first fish and it was great to see the joy and fascination upon so many faces. The coaches gave guidance on how to unhook the fish carefully and return them to the water with minimal harm.
On the lower Lake Hassan Khan of Nash Tackle was joined by Steve Manley and Dan Murrell of Catch to explain the complexities and technicalities of carp fishing. During the morning session the carp showed on the surface in abundance allowing Hassan and his friends to demonstrate the frustration of carp fishing as the carp ignored the carefully presented hook baits. They made up for this in the afternoon session helping a young angler to bank two fine double figure carp.
The event proved a huge success with many families being introduced to angling for the first time. For some this could prove the gateway to a lifetime spent in the great outdoors gaining an in depth appreciation of nature. Angling is recognised as providing a great deal of well-being with significant benefits for mental health.
During the day I attempted to capture a few images of the fishing that will hopefully do more justice than words alone.
A good pair of sunglasses are essential for many aspects of angling. They offer essential eye protection when casting flies, reduce eye strain during bright conditions and enable a clearer view into the water opening up opportunities to locate fish and place the bait or fly accordingly. The Snowbee range are excellent at very reasonable prices.
(Below) James Evans and his son Max from Bristol banked 20 fish from the beach swim on Beatties Lake all fish were caught on Mainline cell and essential cell boilies.
