Q&A
BOAT ANGLING
Q: A group of us have booked our first charter trip this winter. Do you have any advice on what we can do to help make it a success? BOB BROWNING, NEWMARKET, SUFFOLK
DL says: The golden rule is always to ask the skipper for information and advice on bait and techniques before the trip, and to listen to and heed his advice during the trip.
Q: I find it hard to winch my boat back on to its trailer. Is it possible to fit an electric winch to do this? PAUL DAVIS, SWANSEA
DL says: It is, but before you do I suggest that you check with the boat’s manufacturer that the hull is suitable for power winching. You should check your trailer is fitted with sufficient rollers to ensure the boat slides on to it as smoothly as possible.
Q: I intend fitting an expensive combined fish-finder/ chart plotter/ GPS unit to the centre console of my open boat. Will it be affected by exposure to rain and saltwater spray? LAWRENCE COPELAND, BY EMAIL
DL says: Most marine electronics are built to cope with exactly such conditions, but it is common sense to limit exposure to saltwater and install the unit behind a spray screen, as shown.
The connections are generally the most vulnerable parts of the unit, and I suggest you keep these as clean and dry as possible using something like WD40.
Q: Is it possible to use a fish-finder to locate and then target specific fish? DAI WILLIAMS, OSWESTRY, SHROPSHIRE
DL says: Rarely is this possible, but under certain conditions, and provided you have good-quality electronics, you can use your onboard electronics to locate individual fish targets, then use either lures or baits to target them.
Mostly, this is possible in relatively shallow water when fishing small reefs, wrecks and other such marks.
Q: The cooling water emitting from my outboard occasionally splutters and spurts, especially when the engine is cold. Can you tell me if this is normal? ADRIAN PETERS, SEVENOAKS, KENT
DL says: Depending on the make of engine, the intermittent cooling water spout could just be down to a thermostat within the cooling system.
An intermittent cooling water discharge can also be caused by a blockage within the cooling system, so I suggest that you contact your local marine servicing centre for advice.
Q: I have seen various types of gel on the internet that have been designed to be applied to lures to enhance their effectiveness. Do these work? PHIL KING, ROCHDALE, GTR MANCHESTER
DL says: I can’t say I have any personal experience using artificial scent/flavour enhances on lures, but I have fished with some hugely experienced lure anglers who tell me that under certain conditions that such preparations do work. Give them a go!
Q: Is it essential to use proper crimping pliers when making shark, tope and conger traces using either wire or heavy monofilament line? JOHN THOMPSON, BY EMAIL
DL says: The strongest, most reliable traces can only be made using the correct size and type of crimp for the wire or monofilament being used, and by ensuring they are correctly compressed.
Over-compressing can damage the line, while under-compressing will result in a weak connection.
Q: What size bilge pump should I fit to my boat? GUS RICHARDSON, HULL, EAST YORKS
DL says: As a general rule, the bigger the discharge capacity of your bilge pump the better, especially if your boat is kept on a wet mooring. Remember to frequently check the pump for debris blocking the water intake, and ensure your battery is fully charged.
Q: What type of anodes are best for my boat – zinc, aluminium or magnesium? DAVID MORGAN, BY EMAIL
DL says: You should replace worm anodes with the same type and size that were fitted when the boat was new. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer for specific advice.
Q: One of the sites I use to launch my boat is often subjected to a strong lateral run of tide. How can I make it easier to centrally locate the hull on the trailer? TONY SEXTON, PORTSMOUTH, HANTS
DL says: Consider fitting side-recovery arms or rollers, as shown. These are a big advantage when working in lateral tides such as rivers, or strong cross winds.