hi all just had a run out in the boat went about 1 mile off shore with the rod and line vis sh--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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South Devon Report 2010
- Thread starter scottwilson
- Start date
Thread Status: Hello
, There was no answer in this thread for more than 90 days.
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Hell yeah!!!!! I wish I was a rep or on comission Id be rich
DaveO you not wrong buddy, I did some scouting today and there is zero viz anywhere, the sea is BROWN
it the place to be
Hey Dan,
Long time no see????? Thought the work monster had swallowed you whole then spat you out only to be swallowed by the beer monster??
Got wet lately?
Tribs
out
has been a while mate weather has been awful jus bck from malta aswell and return to rain rain rain aint been in the water for a long time did have a snorkel about in malta though saw alot of fish around next time i go there defo take all the gear
wats your mob number mate lost my phone
need to arrange a day out on the boat as soon as this weather clears if it does.............that doesnt even bare thinkin about lol
wats your mob number mate lost my phone
need to arrange a day out on the boat as soon as this weather clears if it does.............that doesnt even bare thinkin about lol
Hi all,
In this afternoon and found some much needed viz. I haven't been wet since snorkelling in Florida so the lungs felt rusted after over a month off proper freediving.
Pootled out through the stringweed seeing everything in miniature; bass, sea trout, flounder, crabs, spider crab, pollack, wrasse - all under 2lb.
Got to my usual spot and further and the fishing picked up. 4 1/2lb mullet went on the ring after making a fatal turn in front of me, then the best bass of the season came into view. He was 6lb+ and came nicely right to left across me. I fired and the arrow flew true but the spear pulled taught like an elephant on a wire 20cm short of its face. I was using the venom 60 and the single wrap distance didn't make it. Gutted, as the Gabbianno 90 bobbled about on the surface above. Still the vis hadn't justified the long gun so I can take it. Saw a shoal of 200+ bass buzz me and as they were all schoolies, I left them be to grow into bigger boys and girls.
Get in again before the holidays end and chase that big boy!
Tribs
out
In this afternoon and found some much needed viz. I haven't been wet since snorkelling in Florida so the lungs felt rusted after over a month off proper freediving.
Pootled out through the stringweed seeing everything in miniature; bass, sea trout, flounder, crabs, spider crab, pollack, wrasse - all under 2lb.
Got to my usual spot and further and the fishing picked up. 4 1/2lb mullet went on the ring after making a fatal turn in front of me, then the best bass of the season came into view. He was 6lb+ and came nicely right to left across me. I fired and the arrow flew true but the spear pulled taught like an elephant on a wire 20cm short of its face. I was using the venom 60 and the single wrap distance didn't make it. Gutted, as the Gabbianno 90 bobbled about on the surface above. Still the vis hadn't justified the long gun so I can take it. Saw a shoal of 200+ bass buzz me and as they were all schoolies, I left them be to grow into bigger boys and girls.
Get in again before the holidays end and chase that big boy!
Tribs
out
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Just got back from S. Devon. Had a GREAT TIME although less fish than I expected/hoped due to the unseasonably heavy rain, esp. the heavy fall earlier this week (and pos. the big Spring tides) that stirred things up spoiling visibility.
The first day was amazing. A modest bass on first shot in first half hour, followed by a good size mullet within an hour of entering the water. Unfortunately, we only had a rather full, small fridge and ice box which meant I had to stop fishing. Although a chance encounter with an even bigger grey mullet on the way back (probably 4lb-ish) meant that we had fish for dinner, the icebox and the fridge! As it turned out, that was the best day, although I had several more fish and a nice brown crab.
One of my favourite spots, where previously I was usually the only fisherman of any sort and there was rarely more than one other, is now frequented by many anglers, kayak anglers and even a couple of young spearos one day.
Worryingly, unlike previous years, I never saw any bass of size -- although I did several shoals and individual bass that were small or very small (which I left alone). Perhaps it was due to the vis. However, an angler told me he saw a trawler fishing right along the shore around Slapton last week (again!) - apparently much closer than the quarter mile limit.
I know what Trib's means - I used only my 75cm speargun for the last 2 weeks. One day early on, I missed several good fish and thought it might be a range issue but the last shot of the day suggested it was not: the spear skated (i.e. touching but not piercing) the back of a large mullet, just behind the dorsal fin; so probably a combination of firing a tad too high (gun held too low) and the v. strong rip current between the gun & target.
(Will blog details later.)
The first day was amazing. A modest bass on first shot in first half hour, followed by a good size mullet within an hour of entering the water. Unfortunately, we only had a rather full, small fridge and ice box which meant I had to stop fishing. Although a chance encounter with an even bigger grey mullet on the way back (probably 4lb-ish) meant that we had fish for dinner, the icebox and the fridge! As it turned out, that was the best day, although I had several more fish and a nice brown crab.
One of my favourite spots, where previously I was usually the only fisherman of any sort and there was rarely more than one other, is now frequented by many anglers, kayak anglers and even a couple of young spearos one day.
Worryingly, unlike previous years, I never saw any bass of size -- although I did several shoals and individual bass that were small or very small (which I left alone). Perhaps it was due to the vis. However, an angler told me he saw a trawler fishing right along the shore around Slapton last week (again!) - apparently much closer than the quarter mile limit.
I know what Trib's means - I used only my 75cm speargun for the last 2 weeks. One day early on, I missed several good fish and thought it might be a range issue but the last shot of the day suggested it was not: the spear skated (i.e. touching but not piercing) the back of a large mullet, just behind the dorsal fin; so probably a combination of firing a tad too high (gun held too low) and the v. strong rip current between the gun & target.
(Will blog details later.)
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Hi all, weird one today. got in at bigbury to be greeted by crap vis, less than 1m on surface but better up to 2/3m at around 6m. didnt see a lot due to vis and a strong swell heading in. did have one lucky dive where i went to the bottom and saw a small shoal of bass ping out of the murk, so i panicked and aimed to fast and fired to fast and missed, while i was lamenting my missed opportunity the spear came back to me on to bottom but it was facing me. somehow the spear had made a full 180 degree turn in the water and headed back to settle just in front of my mask. has anyone else ever experienced this before? also does anyone else suffer from their mono taking a turn round the rubbers and stopping a shot short, im sure i have loaded the gun right but this happens once every session or so. any ideas?
Greg.
Greg.
I went for an early morning dive today at Spot C. The wind was blowing cross-shore, so I tucked into the lee side of the reef where it was dead calm. Not much seen, just a few small schoolies and bait fish. Came home with a 3lb bass. Viz was OK, about 4m or so. It was clearer amongst the stringweed than out over the sand. I'm going to try an old haunt tomorrow across the border, so I hope the wind dies down a bit.
I fired my gun out of the water once, and nearly had my eye out when the spear came wanging back towards me - so I stopped doing that immediately.
Post a picture of your rigged gun and then maybe someone can spot if something is wrong. You might get line wrap every now and again, but it shouldn't be happening as often as you say it does.
.
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I have a room booked and paid for at the Torquay Travelodge for tonight!
Can anyone else use it??
Its a framily room for 2 adults and 1 child.
All paid for and I want nothing for it!
(Sorry only on offer to people who post reguarly so I know the room won't be abused!).
PM me your number. I will check my pms at 4pm so include a mobile so I can text you the booking reference etc.
Pav.
Can anyone else use it??
Its a framily room for 2 adults and 1 child.
All paid for and I want nothing for it!
(Sorry only on offer to people who post reguarly so I know the room won't be abused!).
PM me your number. I will check my pms at 4pm so include a mobile so I can text you the booking reference etc.
Pav.
Hi all whent for a dive on monday flat sea ,sun shine the only thing missing was the viz bump in the legend Peter crawford who like me could not believed how bad the viz was any way they was fish around you could just about to see the shadows i did movea lot in hunt to better viz but with no luck so i resign mi self to hunt in the soup the pressure was on as i have a big bbq later on after a slow start things did improved as the tide was rushing like mad at the end did manage 4 mullet the biggest one over 4lb 5 bass the biggest one just shy off 3lb 1 lobster 3lb and 1 basball cap i was very happy with that result considering the viz
happy hunting all:friday
happy hunting all:friday
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A complete set! Did Peter Crawford offer any advice, or did some of his magic just rub off on you?! 
I was staying next to the river Dart (or a tributary of it) last week and it rained quite a lot. One day (Tuesday?) the rain really pelted down hard most of the day and the river rose a foot -- so I was not surprised that visibility was awful thereafter, disappointed but not surprised. It was pretty windy and drizzly after that too. The colour of water hitting one beach from a small estuary turned a very murky dark brown colour.
All on foil -- did you cook at eat them all in one meal?
I was staying next to the river Dart (or a tributary of it) last week and it rained quite a lot. One day (Tuesday?) the rain really pelted down hard most of the day and the river rose a foot -- so I was not surprised that visibility was awful thereafter, disappointed but not surprised. It was pretty windy and drizzly after that too. The colour of water hitting one beach from a small estuary turned a very murky dark brown colour.All on foil -- did you cook at eat them all in one meal?
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Back from the family holiday in the Vendee region of France. Grand total of no fish speared :head
In case anyone is interested in going there I'll report my findings...
We stayed near St Gilles Croix de Vie. The first spot I tried was at Sion sur le Ocean. The sea was a little bit choppy and the vis non existent on the shore. I swam out about 1/4 of a mile over a fairly flat reef and the vis increased to about 1m and the depth to about 2m with a bit of kelp. No fish seen at all. Looked like it might be OK after about a week of calm.
Next day the waves picked up a bit so it was surfing at the Grand Plage at St Gilles
Waves were only knee to waist high so decided to try a north facing area on the Ile de Noirmoutier an hour's drive north of St Gilles. As expected the sea was calm and looked OK from the shore vis wise but I still struggled to find any depth and it was very cloudy. Vis did briefly increase to a little over 2m around a small offshore reef in about 3m depth. Saw a few wrasse and a couple of silver flashes in the gloom but nothing to shoot.
After this the surf increased to chest high so I gave up up hope of diving and concentrated on regaining the board skills of my youth.
During the second week we explored the area around Bretignolles sur Mer. Some great spots for rockpooling with the kids but the waves were even bigger now. This area has a large flat area of rock which finishes abruptly with a drop off of about 2-3m depth at low tide. Looked like a great spot to try after a few calm days but the water was brown while we were there.
A bit of research in the market revealed that the fishiest place in the Vendee is probably the Ile d'Yeu which is an hour's boat trip from St Gilles. Some good sized bass and turbot were on sale that had been caught from there. Apparantly part of it is a marine reserve.
Conclusion on Vendee - very exposed to swell from the west. Mostly shallow near to shore so a boat might be useful to get the most out of it. Certainly worth a go in the rockier areas if the sea is calm. Great holiday though and my bottom turn is a lot better than it was two weeks ago even if I totally failed to hang ten.
Thumbnails: Sion, Ile de Noirmoutier, Grand Plage, La Paree (Bretignolles)
In case anyone is interested in going there I'll report my findings...
We stayed near St Gilles Croix de Vie. The first spot I tried was at Sion sur le Ocean. The sea was a little bit choppy and the vis non existent on the shore. I swam out about 1/4 of a mile over a fairly flat reef and the vis increased to about 1m and the depth to about 2m with a bit of kelp. No fish seen at all. Looked like it might be OK after about a week of calm.
Next day the waves picked up a bit so it was surfing at the Grand Plage at St Gilles
Waves were only knee to waist high so decided to try a north facing area on the Ile de Noirmoutier an hour's drive north of St Gilles. As expected the sea was calm and looked OK from the shore vis wise but I still struggled to find any depth and it was very cloudy. Vis did briefly increase to a little over 2m around a small offshore reef in about 3m depth. Saw a few wrasse and a couple of silver flashes in the gloom but nothing to shoot.
After this the surf increased to chest high so I gave up up hope of diving and concentrated on regaining the board skills of my youth.
During the second week we explored the area around Bretignolles sur Mer. Some great spots for rockpooling with the kids but the waves were even bigger now. This area has a large flat area of rock which finishes abruptly with a drop off of about 2-3m depth at low tide. Looked like a great spot to try after a few calm days but the water was brown while we were there.
A bit of research in the market revealed that the fishiest place in the Vendee is probably the Ile d'Yeu which is an hour's boat trip from St Gilles. Some good sized bass and turbot were on sale that had been caught from there. Apparantly part of it is a marine reserve.
Conclusion on Vendee - very exposed to swell from the west. Mostly shallow near to shore so a boat might be useful to get the most out of it. Certainly worth a go in the rockier areas if the sea is calm. Great holiday though and my bottom turn is a lot better than it was two weeks ago even if I totally failed to hang ten.
Thumbnails: Sion, Ile de Noirmoutier, Grand Plage, La Paree (Bretignolles)
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Hi anyone thinking of going to the praa sands nat comp on fri due to east winds they have moved it to bigbury with the hope of more clear water.All other details the same
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August FOM POLL is up!!!!!!!
Please follow the link below to cast your vote
http://forums.deeperblue.com/uk-ireland/87525-august-fom.html
Please follow the link below to cast your vote
http://forums.deeperblue.com/uk-ireland/87525-august-fom.html
Plymouth National Aquarium - Stone Bass?
Any body out there familiar with the Plymouth Aquarium? I was most impressed by the huge tank of British sea fish & its auditorium-style viewing area - a spearfisherman's dream (although non-spearo will likely prefer the tropical tanks with shark, barracuda and trigger fish).
The biggest fish (I think) in the UK tank was unfamiliar to me, it was almost like a huge carp. From the rather sparse key at the back of the room, it looked to me like it was probably the "Stone Bass" - but perhaps I'm mistaken. The Stone Bass pictures I see on Google are not the same fish. I was wondering if anyone can provide more information on the fish at the aquarium? Is it native to the UK waters or was it washed in from warmer climes? I found a listing for the aquarium that included a stone bass caught some years ago, but at 65cm that sounds too small to be it (unless it has grown considerably over the years?).
Part of my interest comes from seeing the rear end of a very large fish down in Devon, which disappeared into a deep hole behind a rock spike as I approached. It was so big and odd looking that I did not attempt to spear it, I figured it was probably a wrasse judging by the size, location and rather slow movements. I did however, dive down into the hole to look around and got another brief glimpse before it disappeared. To me, it seemed too big to be a wrasse (and I've speared very large ballan wrasse in Cornwall) and I think the tail was different, with rounded tips. Perhaps just wishful thinking.
Any body out there familiar with the Plymouth Aquarium? I was most impressed by the huge tank of British sea fish & its auditorium-style viewing area - a spearfisherman's dream (although non-spearo will likely prefer the tropical tanks with shark, barracuda and trigger fish).
The biggest fish (I think) in the UK tank was unfamiliar to me, it was almost like a huge carp. From the rather sparse key at the back of the room, it looked to me like it was probably the "Stone Bass" - but perhaps I'm mistaken. The Stone Bass pictures I see on Google are not the same fish. I was wondering if anyone can provide more information on the fish at the aquarium? Is it native to the UK waters or was it washed in from warmer climes? I found a listing for the aquarium that included a stone bass caught some years ago, but at 65cm that sounds too small to be it (unless it has grown considerably over the years?).
Part of my interest comes from seeing the rear end of a very large fish down in Devon, which disappeared into a deep hole behind a rock spike as I approached. It was so big and odd looking that I did not attempt to spear it, I figured it was probably a wrasse judging by the size, location and rather slow movements. I did however, dive down into the hole to look around and got another brief glimpse before it disappeared. To me, it seemed too big to be a wrasse (and I've speared very large ballan wrasse in Cornwall) and I think the tail was different, with rounded tips. Perhaps just wishful thinking.
Stone bass are a native species to the uk although they are generally found in deeper waters trawlermen catch them, they pop up in fish markets on occasion like newlyn and plymouth, first time i saw made me look twice cause of its sheer bulk, i know what you mean about the itchy finger some of those bass in there must be pushing 20lb. Maybe a juvenile you spotted all different species seem to be popping up at the mo where you wouldnt expect them.