Nine pages of expert answers.
Q: Occasionally, I can’t get a supply of fresh bait. Could you advise me which is the better alternative to use – frozen baits or long-life baits packed in oil?
RUSSELL COTTIS, BY EMAIL PF says: From my personal experience, I’ve found that freshly frozen baits are far superior options. I have little faith in baits packed in oil and have always had poor results when trying them.
Also, try to avoid re-freezing items such as squid, sandeels and mackerel. A good tip is to transport them in a wide vacuum flask and only take out what you intend to use during the session.
Baits you don’t use should remain frozen and can be returned to the freezer.
Q: I have developed a left arm disability that prevents me using my thumb to evenly lay the mainline when reeling in. As a result of this I am looking to buy a highquality beach multiplier suited to 18-20lb mono, and equipped with a level-wind mechanism. What would you recommend?
PF says: One of the most popular multipliers with a level-wind is the Abu Garcia CS Pro Rocket 7000. The black edition, with stainless bearings and a powerful drag, casts well, and can be used for boat fishing too.
Q: Is there such a thing as having hooks that are too heavy for shore fishing?
DAVE RICHARDSON, SUNDERLAND, TYNE AND WEAR
PF says: Most modern hooks are now manufactured from carbon and are extremely lightweight and strong. Stainless-steel hooks used to be popular many years ago but are a lot heavier. I can see no reason why anyone would use these from the shore nowadays, especially in the UK.
Q: I am going to attempt off-the-ground casting this year but need some advice. Where do I position the lead weight and how much line do I lay on the beach?
ALAN MOWER, LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK PF says: I spoke to Sea Angler’s casting expert John Holden and this is his advice: “A good starting layout is to have the sinker directly under your rod tip and towards you, with a leader drop between a third to half a rodlength. “If you experience too much early pressure, progressively move the sinker in an arc away from the rod to the right as you look at it. “Have a play around to try and find a layout that feels nice and works well. “Start slowly, with plenty of left-hand pull and not so much right-hand push, and always aim high.”