STAR QUESTION
Q: When I place the rods high to avoid the surf, the wind makes spotting a bite difficult. If I put the rods low, the surf bounces the tips. Am I doing anything wrong?
PF says: You’re not doing anything wrong, because the problem seems to be all about spotting bites rather than surf or wind wobble on the rod tip.
When the rod is sitting in the tripod, it will soon get into a rhythm with wind and waves. As the tip dips and rises, you will quickly become used to this movement.
Any different movements out of sync with the rhythm, or if the line goes slack, is generally a bite.
Q: I want to try and earn a Sea Angler Shimano Mission cod badge. What would be the best bait and rig to use to catch a decent specimen?
OLIVER VALLIS, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX
PF says: Cod will feed on almost anything, so there’s a wide array of baits you can use.
Popular winter baits to use are lugworms, squid, mussels and peeler crabs.
Cocktails are particularly worth trying as they give off a really pungent scent. The best rig to use is undoubtedly a Pennell (see diagram) because cod have large mouths.
Q: I’ve always used fixed-spool reels and have no idea how to set up a multiplier or even cast one. Are there any casting schools that can help me switch from a fixed-spool to a multiplier? GRAHAM LATIMER, BY EMAIL
PF says: If you’ve never used a multiplier reel, it truly can be a daunting prospect when you eventually try for the first time. My advice would be to gets some help from your local tackle shop, a fishing coach or casting instructor.
We have a list of casting instructors located around the UK, but not all areas are covered. Hopefully, there is one in your region. Contact our office to find out if there is one near, tel: 01733 395134.
Q: Is there a simple way to unhook an eel before it wraps itself around a rig and totally destroys it? IAN SKINNER, SHERBURN IN ELMET, N YORKS
PF says: It’s an age-old problem when landing a silver eel, and I’ve had many rigs destroyed by them.
I think the best action is to be quick, with the emphasis focusing on keeping the eel still.
Some anglers grab the fish with a towel, hold it on the floor, and then remove the hook. Others grip the head between two fingers to unhook.
Q: When I’m fishing from the Holderness Coast, I use 20lb braid with a tapered mono shockleader, but I often crack off when casting. Would you suggest a braid shockleader or use a braided mainline straight through?
JOHN GIBBONS, BY EMAIL
PF says: First of all, braid is not a shockleader and should never be used as one. i wouldn’t suggest using braid straight through if you are power casting.
What i would recommend is that you increase your braided mainline to at least 40lb and then adding a mono shockleader. Check your rod rings for cracks because this could be damaging your mainline and shockleader.
Q: I use 20lb braid as a mainline, together with a 60lb mono shockleader. How often should I be re-tying the FG knot, or changing the shockleader
to avoid frustrating crack-offs?
JONATHAN STERNE, BALLYMONEY, COUNTY ANTRIM
PF says: To be honest, shockleader knots should be checked regularly throughout
a rocks shore can session. significantly sand, damage shingle, weed any knot and while sea fishing. if you’re experiencing regular crackoffs or line breakages, it may be worth checking the rings on your rod for cracks, as mentioned in the answer above.
Q: When fishing from cliffs into a rough sea for cod, what is better, short or long hook snoods?
DAVID RICHARDSON, SUNDERLAND, TYNE & WEAR
PF says: i’ve always employed the same rigs i use from the shore when fishing from a cliff top.
My hook snoods are around 12 inches long, and i still seem to catch. When fishing in a rough sea, make sure you use enough lead weight to hold your rig on the seabed.