Far Bank Swims with a difference...
It might feel claustrophobic, but the most cramped of rocky locations can provide the brave lure angler with bites galore. Dom Garnett joins Andy Mytton for a taste of sea fishing with a difference...
MOST keen anglers will know the value of fishing close to cover for certain species, but where do you draw the line? Within a couple of feet? Perhaps even ‘touch tight’?
If you’re light rock fishing fanatic Andy Mytton, it’s not so much a case of casting close as getting right in the mixer. In fact, it takes something of a leap of faith to think he’s serious, let alone follow his lead. To say some of the spaces available are limited would be putting it mildly. Even the more generous gaps are barely a football width – others just the merest crack of lapping water.
It should be stated that we’re not fishing for giants here, but a rogue’s gallery of rock-hugging mini beasts. To blennies, sea scorpions and other oddities, these rocks are both a giant larder and a safe haven, even where there’s only a foot or two of water.
Even a spindly little six-foot rod feels a bit on the lengthy side to
work a lure here, so one tip is to literally take apart your rod and fish with just the top three feet or so, garden gnome-style.
Lures are tiny soft plastics, either mounted on jig heads of just a gram or two, or presented on small coarse fishing hooks with a couple of split shot.
To the residents of Plymouth walking past, it probably looks a bit bonkers to be jigging away several yards from the water’s edge. But in no time all we’re getting rattles of interest. Nor do little fish always give little bites – some of them really pack a punch.
The first fish we tangle with are little gobies, quickly followed by a solid tompot blenny. Even at six inches or so, these fish thump delightfully and are full of character.
You have to be on your toes and react quickly, too, because even a small fish can dash you into the rocks if you’re caught napping.
“So many anglers cast out at these marks, when you’ll catch more by just dropping in by your feet,” grins Andy, the ultra-light rod bouncing over once again.
“Very much a case of explore everything, even if it seems too tight or unlikely.”
This attitude has seen him catch a huge variety of species on lures, including some real oddballs, such the topknot, a weird, rock-loving flatfish. With tiny, colourful wrasse joining the party today, it’s epic fun too. More than that, though, it is an approach that might change the whole way you look at the coast.