THE DRIFT FISHING METHOD
The method for catching turbot on the drift requires concentration. Most of the time you’re drifting quite quickly over rippled sandbanks, and it’s easy to imagine that every bump you feel is the makings of a bite.
There’s no mistaking a turbot bite though, and you’ll either feel the fish hit your bait with a solid thump, or your rod tip will rattle like mad. In both cases it’s essential to pay out line as soon as you feel the makings of a bite – even if you’re not sure.
It’s for this reason that you always keep your reel out of gear. Once you’ve dropped your bait to the seabed, let out a little line to get a decent angle in your mainline, and then use your thumb as a brake on the spool if your using a multiplier, or forefinger if you’re using a fixed-spool reel. As soon as you feel a bite, lift your thumb and count to five, and then re-engage the spool. If there is a turbot on the end, you’ll know about it, if not, just carry on fishing as you were.
Most big turbot will nail a big bait and swallow it whole in the blink of an eye, but smaller fish often grab half the bait, which is why it’s important to give as little resistance as possible and let the fish take the bait properly for a few seconds.
TACKLE TIPS
The fishing out of Brixham can be quite varied throughout the year. A 12/20lb-class set-up is preferred when drifting the wrecks and reefs for the cod, pollack and ling, but it’s wise to step up to a 30/50lb outfit if you want to seriously target the big conger eels that can be caught on the wrecks and reefs in the area.
A medium/heavy spinning outfit will provide plenty of sport when chucking lures for the bass and pollack, or when drifting for plaice.
When it comes to terminal tackle, again you will need a huge assortment. It’s best to plan your trip well in advance and contact the skipper to discuss exactly what tackle and rigs you will need. A spool of 20lb fluorocarbon hooklength material will cover you for the bass, bream and pollack.