Q & A LIGHT ROCK FISHING

Q When transitioning to spring, does your mind change to any different style or species to catch? BAILEY PAYNE - ESSEX

BB says: Definitely: with the slower fishing I find myself gravitating to the mighty ballan wrasse on HRF tackle. These brutes stick around the coast but the bigger fish can usually be found by fishing deep water marks at low tide, this is because the wrasse spawn in spring and won’t nest in areas that dry out at low water. But I also try and mix it up, whether that is trying LRF tactics in freshwater, or casting on the open coast for plaice, turbot and other early arrivals. If all else fails, the colourful corkwing wrasse are a reliable biter throughout the year.

Q Will spring see an increase in any particular species in a similar way we see scad come in autumn? What’s a good spring fish to target on LRF method? DAVID SMITH - CORNWALL

BB says: Spring can be a lean time for any saltwater angler and LRF is no different. Luckily there are certain species we can look forward to targeting. Plaice are famous for returning to the beaches in spring after spawning, and flounder follow soon after. Both species can be targeted with LRF or slightly heavier tackle. Around the South Coast we also get a garfish run towards the end of March running into April. And of course, the many mini species are still around; although the bites are often slower as the water is still cool despite the rapidly warming air temperatures.

Q How is global warming changing the species in our waters up and down the UK, and how are these species changing the ecosystems of our shores? CALEB DUNN - CORNWALL

BB says: An interesting topic that is hard to work out on an unscientific level but, anecdotally, I can confirm I have seen a change in the species we are catching. When I caught my first ringneck blenny, a warm water specialist, back in 2019, this was completely unheard of from the shore. Now we are seeing them caught across the South Coast and even into winter. We are seeing reported catches of combers and unusual species of sea bream. There was even a confirmed catch of a flying fish in Norway, with plenty seen across Cornwall too. It won’t be surprising to see these catches continue in the coming years; but it isn’t all positive. It unfortunately means we will likely lose some winter favourite species, and it’s inevitable we will see a rise in warm water parasitic isopods. How this will affect our angling we can only wait and see.