YOUR LETTERS

CAPTURING THE TRUE SPIRIT

Being a Sea Angler reader for 30-plus years and a subscriber, I understand times have been difficult with this horrible coronavirus, but I feel the shore fishing side of issue 582 has declined, but the boat angling and kayak stuff is very good.

I like the editor’s writing, that of John Holden, and Paul Fenech when he speaks about his native North East fishing because you can tell he’s enthused.

I’m not interested in any individual who thinks he is a fishing god or does not capture any sort of passion for the sport or fails to act as a role model for younger anglers. I certainly don’t care what expensive gear anyone uses. In contrast, the article by James Madsen about the angler who captured the monster 22lb 2oz bass really did capture the spirit of fishing.

I remember an article a long time ago about a simple day’s dab fishing. Not amazing fishing, but the writer (former editor Mel Russ) captured the spirit of fishing with a good friend, much like the writing of former contributor Alan Yates, and current writers Chris Clark and Henry Gilbey.

The article on Kent’s fishing (‘There’s life after cod’ in issue 582) got me thinking about how the fishing has changed, even in last few years. Up to 2016, I had cod to 14lb but mainly 3-4lb locally. However, during the last two winters I saw only one codling. Now there are so many rays and smoothhounds, along with conger eels. The year-round fishing can be very good, but people still whinge about it.

I look forward to shore fishing capturing the magic and excitement, although I understand that during the lockdown it was difficult for everyone. I wish you the best of luck in a tricky environment. Matthew Anslow, Deal, Kent

VERY USEFUL RIG GUIDE

Just to say how much I enjoyed issue 582 of Britain’s biggest and best saltwater magazine.

The ‘Life after cod’ article reminded me of excursions in the early 1970s, which always seemed to produce a decent haul. The pocket shore rig guide, which came with the magazine, is very informative because I’ve never really got much further than a single hook running leger. Now I might start catching some fish again. Tony Astill, Hampshire

FOLLOW THE DIGGING CODE

Although we are now in the age of the bait pump, the old-fashioned spade and fork are still used by anglers. The beach is something to share, but concern for others must also be our concern when digging and gathering bait.

Bait collection can be a fascinating task because you never know what will be unearthed next. Even the back-aching work associated with digging in wet mud or sand has an air of excitement. Sadly though, we often see anglers forgetting the rules of basic digging and leaving the beach looking like a battlefield.

Fishing is a sport that seems to increase its hold on a man or woman as the years advance, and the approach of old age brings no damping of enthusiasm. Seize the opportunity to fish because the effect of the ocean air is just the tonic to lift the angling spirits. William Johnson, Sychdyn, FLintshire

HINGE TIP WORKED FOR ME

Thank you to Mike Thrussell for his article on hinged hooklengths (issue 583); an inspiration in more ways than one. It’s not often that we see anything really new, and usually it’s just a change of name.

This was totally new to me and it worked a real treat. I thought I would try the modified method with a section of braid included. I tested it during a short session at anchor off Felixstowe and, within a couple of minutes of dropping down a small squid bait, I was into a thornback ray, and so the session went on.

In two hours I caught and released six thornbacks. The only change I made to the rig was the addition of a rattling bead near the hook.

While listening on the boat’s radio to other anglers out in the deeper water bemoaning the slow progress, I was very pleased with my results.

Peter Jackson, Suffolk

REMEMBER PRIDE IN WINNING

I’ve been a sea angler for many years and used to enjoy the match scene, but got a bit dismayed because, to most, it became about the money. To me, it was about the fishing, and winning anything was a bonus.

I’m told that organisers find it tough to get prize donations these days and that anglers will not turn out for a cup or shield, particularly if there are no cash prizes.

Match entries seem to be down too. Where has the sportsmanship in sea angling gone and the pride of just winning?

Mark Whitemore, Poole, Dorset

INCREASE RAISES CONCERNS

It seems the combination of working from home and furloughing during the coronavirus pandemic has produced a surge in the number of people taking part in fishing. This is wonderful news for the sport, but also a two-fold concern.

Firstly, new anglers are posting their catches on social media and it is apparent that there is some evidence of the mishandling of the fish.

The welfare of fish is an issue for all of us to be aware of, and includes how we land the fish, remove the hooks, handle the fish and its return to the water.

Secondly, I have heard about a rise in the calls for the RNLI to rescue people from incoming tides. Everyone must be aware of the potential risks from the sea.

William Johnson, Sychdyn, Flintshire

DIVERSE COVERAGE

What a great job you and your team do with the Sea Angler magazine, which I always enjoy most months, particularly how it covers such a diverse amount of subject matter.

I love to read about the experience of fishing in Norway and can see why many anglers want to go there.

I had lots of interesting conversations with former editor, the late Peter Collins over the years, and my three days of fishing with him off Newquay will always remain special.

Now I spend a lot of time reading my fishing books. When I read the works of the American author John Gierach or Chris Yates, plus the best bass book ever ‘The

Song of the Solitary Bass Fisher’ by your contributor James Batty, I know there are still people around who can put you with them on a fishing session.

Sea Angler magazine is something you can be proud of and continues the fine tradition of angling journalism in exactly the same spirit that Peter Collins did when he was alive.

Nick Jones, Salisbury, Wilts

WHERE VENTING IS MANDATORY

In increasing parts of the US, it is mandatory to carry and use an authorised venting kit to help fish with barotrauma get back under the water. It seems an excellent idea for boat crews here in the UK too.

The longer-term survival rate is, as yet, unknown, but research is being undertaken. In the US, it is recommended that fish with barotrauma are not lifted from the water. One or two people hold the fish, another uses the venting tool, and then the fish is worked through the water before finally releasing. However, this isn’t practical for most UK charter boats.

Malcolm Hayward, by email

WAS ACTION NECESSARY?

I have been an angler, both fresh and saltwater, for more than 50 years and was annoyed when I read about two bait diggers being fined for breaching lockdown rules. I cannot see what harm they were doing, even though they were travelling during the lockdown. Do the Police have nothing better to do?

James, Cumbria

LOCKDOWN ENJOYMENT

What great magazines you put together during the lockdown. I didn’t expect too much due to restrictions on you, but they were a great read and made the time stuck indoors more enjoyable.

Phil Godwin, by email

GOOD AND GREAT

What an absolute delight to see Guntars Zukovski’s mega bass returned (Sea Angler issue 582). This is what turns a good angler into a great angler.

Roger Wilkinson, Bridgwater, Somerset

SUPPORT FOR BASS

It struck me the other day that it has been 10 years since our regular column began appearing, so on behalf of BASS, I would like to extend our thanks and best wishes for your continuing support with the BASS column in Sea Angler magazine.

Steve Pitts, vice-chairman, BASS