GET INTO SHORE FISHING
Follow our simple guide through your first steps in shore fishing. We’ll help you to overcome any obstacles you might encounter along the way. This month we switch the focus on casting…
Why accuracy is an essential.
I’VE SEEN it so many times, shore anglers attempting to blast their baited rigs as far as they possibly can. To be fair, it’s an instinct in us. When standing in front of a vast amount of water, we want to cast a long way. For some, bravado takes a firm hold and showing off impressive skills and styles is all that really matters.
The importance of casting is accuracy and, yes, at times, long-distance casting can have its benefits. Knowing where the fish are likely to be feeding, though, is certainly the key to catching.
■ TOP TIP: If you can accurately cast your baited rig to fish-holding areas, you will have more success.
GET SUITABLE GEAR
Matching a rod and reel to your style of casting is incredibly important, especially if you are new to shore fishing. Buying the latest powerful, tournament-style blank is only going to leave you out of pocket and stuck with a rod you’ll never be able to use properly. A more manageable rod is one that you are able to bend and feel working.
Also, fixed-spool reels offer less hassle and can be mastered extremely quickly. Spending cash on a rod and reel that will benefit you means you can upgrade later as you progress and improve on your casting abilities.
Speaking with your local tackle dealer is always a good start. Tackle shops almost certainly stock a wide variety of shore rods that benefit beginners. They are also great places for gathering heaps of info on venues where certain casting styles will come in useful.
learning the basics of casting, usually off-the-ground as a first step, will be of long-term benefit, particularly when you decide to progress to more powerful styles, such as the pendulum.
More importantly, the basics will help you to realise that accuracy can often be more successful than hitting long distances.
it’s a known fact among many experienced shore anglers that fish can be lurking almost under the rod tip. search out the fish-holding areas, gullies and features and accurately cast to them. sea and weather conditions play a huge part too.
Venues can differ tremendously, and there will be occasions when being able to cast huge distances will be crucial. if you can cast a long way, you can always cast closer. For instance, being able to chuck a baited rig over a long sandbank is a successful tactic.
SEEK SOME TUITION
Once you’ve learned the fundamentals of casting, it will become second nature to you – even in darkness.
use your experience of the type of ground you’ll be fishing over, weather, sea conditions and watercraft skills, to determine where you’ll end up casting.
Don’t be afraid to seek advice from individuals who are experienced casters. if you want to improve, use an instructor and, ultimately, be prepared to put in some practice. it’s a fact, practice makes perfect.
sea angler magazine has a list of instructors who are located in many areas of the uK. The service is free to use, and if you would like more information, contact our editorial assistant, stephanie etchells, tel: 01733 395134.
NEXT MONTH: The focus turns to the wide range of terminal tackle.