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Spearing north wales
- Thread starterDoc
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Thread Status: Hello
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Im going to head back on Sunday buddy - the wind looks like its getting rather mean after tomorrow.
Just got back from a fire on the beach - had a quick shower to get the smoke out and to wash the wetsuit out. The sea is flat calm with hardly a breath of wind. I think tomorrow will be great!
After getting foiled by the wind on Thursday, literally, the kayak got half swamped by waves, I will be attempting to dive the fabled 'Gift of Dario' tomorrow morning...!
I've taken a load of pictures that I'll put up when I get home. I couldn't believe quite how golden the gold spot was on the Mullet, amazing!
Just got back from a fire on the beach - had a quick shower to get the smoke out and to wash the wetsuit out. The sea is flat calm with hardly a breath of wind. I think tomorrow will be great!
After getting foiled by the wind on Thursday, literally, the kayak got half swamped by waves, I will be attempting to dive the fabled 'Gift of Dario' tomorrow morning...!
I've taken a load of pictures that I'll put up when I get home. I couldn't believe quite how golden the gold spot was on the Mullet, amazing!
Did about 7 hours in the water yesterday - amazing conditions, flat calm, no wind, with between 5 to 8 meters of viz. Unbelievable.
Dived the exact same spots as the day before but as usual, the curse of the video camera meant I shot no fish in three hours. This is getting silly! Every time I turn it on I blank rofl
That's not to say the dive was bad, quite the opposite! I saw numerous large Mullet, big shoals of mid-size Mullet and a few small Mullet who were happy to pose for the camera. Found an awesome pipe fish which I picked up and showed to my girlfriend on the kayak. The sea was alive with life but unfortunately, everything of size was very skittish.
Decided to try another new spot, hopped in about 300m offshore over a shallow reef - instantly I found a massive lobster with a burrow made out an old lorry tire. I spent about 20 minutes wiggling my spear tip in front of him before he came out, only a very short way. I made the grab but it was poor and he got free. The next thing I knew he'd vanished! Sneaky beast! I tried in vain but no more lobster. I'd presumed his lair was a big pipe half buried, it was only on exploration I found it was a tire, which made me feel a bit stupid as I could possibly have been more aggressive. Never mind.
I carried on and was confronted with literally a wall of stringweed on the edge of a big gravel bar that seemed to extend for ever, I followed this, seeing Bass and Mullet with almost every dive. I swam slowly along it for probably 200 meters in which time I took four Mullet all around 5lbs and a bass. The water was only around 2 meters deep.
The biggest Mullet was at range and hit low so I had no choice but to let it run - thankfully my float was attached to my gun! I followed it for about 5 minutes before it finally settled in the stringweed and I was able to grab it.
It was getting dark by this stage - we'd been out for almost 4 hours so it was time to head back. My girlfriend had amazingly memorised where the lobster burrow was by looking at two points on the shore line and managed to place me within 15 feet of it. The beast was home! I dropped and gave the weed in front of the hole a wiggle. One look at the spear tip and ha retreated into the depths not be seen again! On inspection a smaller lobster had joined him inside the half buried tire. I let them be and swam in. It was properly dark by now so I got the torch out to look for flatties on the swim in, lots of small plaice but nothing worth taking home.
Gutted and scaled the fish by torch light in the shallows before heaving the yak up the hill. Went for a walk around Tesco's after fully suited and stinking of fish - grabbed some beers and ice and back to base. Great day!
Dived the exact same spots as the day before but as usual, the curse of the video camera meant I shot no fish in three hours. This is getting silly! Every time I turn it on I blank rofl
That's not to say the dive was bad, quite the opposite! I saw numerous large Mullet, big shoals of mid-size Mullet and a few small Mullet who were happy to pose for the camera. Found an awesome pipe fish which I picked up and showed to my girlfriend on the kayak. The sea was alive with life but unfortunately, everything of size was very skittish.
Decided to try another new spot, hopped in about 300m offshore over a shallow reef - instantly I found a massive lobster with a burrow made out an old lorry tire. I spent about 20 minutes wiggling my spear tip in front of him before he came out, only a very short way. I made the grab but it was poor and he got free. The next thing I knew he'd vanished! Sneaky beast! I tried in vain but no more lobster. I'd presumed his lair was a big pipe half buried, it was only on exploration I found it was a tire, which made me feel a bit stupid as I could possibly have been more aggressive. Never mind.
I carried on and was confronted with literally a wall of stringweed on the edge of a big gravel bar that seemed to extend for ever, I followed this, seeing Bass and Mullet with almost every dive. I swam slowly along it for probably 200 meters in which time I took four Mullet all around 5lbs and a bass. The water was only around 2 meters deep.
The biggest Mullet was at range and hit low so I had no choice but to let it run - thankfully my float was attached to my gun! I followed it for about 5 minutes before it finally settled in the stringweed and I was able to grab it.
It was getting dark by this stage - we'd been out for almost 4 hours so it was time to head back. My girlfriend had amazingly memorised where the lobster burrow was by looking at two points on the shore line and managed to place me within 15 feet of it. The beast was home! I dropped and gave the weed in front of the hole a wiggle. One look at the spear tip and ha retreated into the depths not be seen again! On inspection a smaller lobster had joined him inside the half buried tire. I let them be and swam in. It was properly dark by now so I got the torch out to look for flatties on the swim in, lots of small plaice but nothing worth taking home.
Gutted and scaled the fish by torch light in the shallows before heaving the yak up the hill. Went for a walk around Tesco's after fully suited and stinking of fish - grabbed some beers and ice and back to base. Great day!
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Sound like you had an awesome time Bro. Great stuff. Funny, imagining you romping through Tesco's in your rig, i bet you got some looks, lmao.
I got in yesterday in the north at a spot I haven't dived before. The vis was unbelievable. Kelp city, worked out to the edge, saw loads of sml pollock a few half decent ones but only a few bass seen. One I had a fair shot at but missed!!! Damn!! The others were on my 4-8 oclock and bolted the second I began to turn (even being conscious to be slow and to smooth) they didn't hesitate for a heartbeat. More fish seemed to come out as the tide turned but the current was strong, I was being dragged at a fast pace ( hard swim back in). If I wanted to hit a spot I had to swim hard against a fair way up stream (as it were) and diving down fast I was luck not to over shoot, started to see better fish. Took a 2 pound pollock for BBQ tea but didnt take anything else. It as becoming quite hard work. Really enjoyed the diving and exploring the new spot in the fab conditions got a real good feel for the area, will defo revisit. I'm thinking of a winder and little anchor for strong currents then I can tether my float and hold my position through main line from float to gun. I'll trial sometime, it's gotta be better than swimming like an MF just to stop being dragged out.
Today wind was up, hearing it i'd written the day off especially with some early morning stomach upset. Nevertheless I checked out a familiar spot on my way home, wind swept yes, but flat calm and I could see the vis was ace. Screw getting home early! In I went within 5 mins I happened on a sleeping bass my guess is about just under 2lb, just laying there on its side on the sand. I wouldn't feel right taking this I gave it a little tickle boom! gone! I've never seen any like this before. Made me chuckle. Used th opportunity of vis to really map the area in my mind for future saw a few bass, one under me but shot off before I could line up. Next was on the edge of vis behind a load of wrasse( and I mean a load, not often seen so many together in my face), couldn't line a clear shot before it disappeared calmly. Further dives presented small pollack and sml-larges wrasse. Then on raised section of kelp edging to sand up comes a mullet then another and another and another couple then I was swarmed. I couldn't belive it I enjoyed the scene for a moment before remembering i was fishing, choosing a larger one, lining up and bingo! Hit abdomen so I let it run not wanting to risk it tearing. (4.25 lb scaled and gutted). shoal lingered for a while while I dispatched and strung but gone by reload . Next shot was at bass, missed (wtf?!? My aim has never been so bad) not only that, but the mono gave out!!!! Luckily making instant reference to the vector, I managed to find spear after a few dives but fishing was over. I was gutted. I'm deffo gonna carry some spares in future. Imaging if you had a failure day one of a trip with no spares! Not on my watch ( lesson learned.) The fishing may not have improved if I'd stayed, I saw a couple of seals roll up as I got out.
Far from a huge take of fish but an amazing weekend
I got in yesterday in the north at a spot I haven't dived before. The vis was unbelievable. Kelp city, worked out to the edge, saw loads of sml pollock a few half decent ones but only a few bass seen. One I had a fair shot at but missed!!! Damn!! The others were on my 4-8 oclock and bolted the second I began to turn (even being conscious to be slow and to smooth) they didn't hesitate for a heartbeat. More fish seemed to come out as the tide turned but the current was strong, I was being dragged at a fast pace ( hard swim back in). If I wanted to hit a spot I had to swim hard against a fair way up stream (as it were) and diving down fast I was luck not to over shoot, started to see better fish. Took a 2 pound pollock for BBQ tea but didnt take anything else. It as becoming quite hard work. Really enjoyed the diving and exploring the new spot in the fab conditions got a real good feel for the area, will defo revisit. I'm thinking of a winder and little anchor for strong currents then I can tether my float and hold my position through main line from float to gun. I'll trial sometime, it's gotta be better than swimming like an MF just to stop being dragged out.
Today wind was up, hearing it i'd written the day off especially with some early morning stomach upset. Nevertheless I checked out a familiar spot on my way home, wind swept yes, but flat calm and I could see the vis was ace. Screw getting home early! In I went within 5 mins I happened on a sleeping bass my guess is about just under 2lb, just laying there on its side on the sand. I wouldn't feel right taking this I gave it a little tickle boom! gone! I've never seen any like this before. Made me chuckle. Used th opportunity of vis to really map the area in my mind for future saw a few bass, one under me but shot off before I could line up. Next was on the edge of vis behind a load of wrasse( and I mean a load, not often seen so many together in my face), couldn't line a clear shot before it disappeared calmly. Further dives presented small pollack and sml-larges wrasse. Then on raised section of kelp edging to sand up comes a mullet then another and another and another couple then I was swarmed. I couldn't belive it I enjoyed the scene for a moment before remembering i was fishing, choosing a larger one, lining up and bingo! Hit abdomen so I let it run not wanting to risk it tearing. (4.25 lb scaled and gutted). shoal lingered for a while while I dispatched and strung but gone by reload . Next shot was at bass, missed (wtf?!? My aim has never been so bad) not only that, but the mono gave out!!!! Luckily making instant reference to the vector, I managed to find spear after a few dives but fishing was over. I was gutted. I'm deffo gonna carry some spares in future. Imaging if you had a failure day one of a trip with no spares! Not on my watch ( lesson learned.) The fishing may not have improved if I'd stayed, I saw a couple of seals roll up as I got out.
Far from a huge take of fish but an amazing weekend
A few pics from the last few days. It's the first time I've been fishing since the end of July so I don't feel too bad about taking so many fish. It might well be the last time I dive this year. Although hopefully not!
Single Mullet on the first day:
Bass, Grey Mullet & Golden Grey Mullet on day three:
Mullet & Bass on the last day:
I have to say that the RA 90 is an absolutely faultless gun. I didn't miss a single shot, even at range. Amazing bit of kit.
Single Mullet on the first day:
Bass, Grey Mullet & Golden Grey Mullet on day three:
Mullet & Bass on the last day:
I have to say that the RA 90 is an absolutely faultless gun. I didn't miss a single shot, even at range. Amazing bit of kit.
Well done bud possesion is 9 10ths don't tell daffi tho !FAB catches the gold spot realy stands out now .No prob with that amount of fish as we live so far from the sea and not getting out in good conditions that often some lads get that number nightly!not like me .feels like yearly at the moment! .LOL.nice pics keep it up.the tier/wheel n lobsters sounds interesting are you going for another visit?Thought security would of had you !,walking in to Tesco,s kitted up!Brave or crazy man!
Ah the fabled gift of Dario! You always said it would bear considerable fruit! Glad you had a good few days mate
The first photo looks a little too neat for you though mate
The first photo looks a little too neat for you though mate
There's a close-up for you mate - it really was super bright! I didn't think you got Golden Greys in Wales, happy to prove myself wrong!
The gun is 3 or 4 years old and the tip has started to go a little - I've been giving it some TLC after every session
Ah the fabled gift of Dario! You always said it would bear considerable fruit! Glad you had a good few days mate
Cheers buddy! We'll be getting together soon I hope, before the season ends!
Nice catch, the gold spot that often appears on mullet is certainly not restricted to golden greys, lack of nodules on the lips & slimy skin are more reliable indications.
Anyway I watched a fishing program a few weeks back & this dude caught three GGs from the shore on rag worm while fishing from a beach in Wales
Anyway I watched a fishing program a few weeks back & this dude caught three GGs from the shore on rag worm while fishing from a beach in Wales
Sound like you had an awesome time Bro. Great stuff. Funny, imagining you romping through Tesco's in your rig, i bet you got some looks, lmao.
I got in yesterday in the north at a spot I haven't dived before. The vis was unbelievable. Kelp city, worked out to the edge, saw loads of sml pollock a few half decent ones but only a few bass seen. One I had a fair shot at but missed!!! Damn!! The others were on my 4-8 oclock and bolted the second I began to turn (even being conscious to be slow and to smooth) they didn't hesitate for a heartbeat. More fish seemed to come out as the tide turned but the current was strong, I was being dragged at a fast pace ( hard swim back in). If I wanted to hit a spot I had to swim hard against a fair way up stream (as it were) and diving down fast I was luck not to over shoot, started to see better fish. Took a 2 pound pollock for BBQ tea but didnt take anything else. It as becoming quite hard work. Really enjoyed the diving and exploring the new spot in the fab conditions got a real good feel for the area, will defo revisit. I'm thinking of a winder and little anchor for strong currents then I can tether my float and hold my position through main line from float to gun. I'll trial sometime, it's gotta be better than swimming like an MF just to stop being dragged out.
Today wind was up, hearing it i'd written the day off especially with some early morning stomach upset. Nevertheless I checked out a familiar spot on my way home, wind swept yes, but flat calm and I could see the vis was ace. Screw getting home early! In I went within 5 mins I happened on a sleeping bass my guess is about just under 2lb, just laying there on its side on the sand. I wouldn't feel right taking this I gave it a little tickle boom! gone! I've never seen any like this before. Made me chuckle. Used th opportunity of vis to really map the area in my mind for future saw a few bass, one under me but shot off before I could line up. Next was on the edge of vis behind a load of wrasse( and I mean a load, not often seen so many together in my face), couldn't line a clear shot before it disappeared calmly. Further dives presented small pollack and sml-larges wrasse. Then on raised section of kelp edging to sand up comes a mullet then another and another and another couple then I was swarmed. I couldn't belive it I enjoyed the scene for a moment before remembering i was fishing, choosing a larger one, lining up and bingo! Hit abdomen so I let it run not wanting to risk it tearing. (4.25 lb scaled and gutted). shoal lingered for a while while I dispatched and strung but gone by reload . Next shot was at bass, missed (wtf?!? My aim has never been so bad) not only that, but the mono gave out!!!! Luckily making instant reference to the vector, I managed to find spear after a few dives but fishing was over. I was gutted. I'm deffo gonna carry some spares in future. Imaging if you had a failure day one of a trip with no spares! Not on my watch ( lesson learned.) The fishing may not have improved if I'd stayed, I saw a couple of seals roll up as I got out.
Far from a huge take of fish but an amazing weekend
Have you got a bungee on the mono ?
No Heds, i did previously, but at this time I have it attached to a reel, I use so I can 'park' my float occasionally, maybe a combination of a poor crimp job and reel too tight (I usually make sure it's free-ish so it doesn't just yank on the end if the winds). Does anyone with reel use bungee between mono and line?? Bottom line is for sake of a few bits in my bag, I should be able to effect minor repairs if something goes thus not ending a days/trips activities.
A reel is a completely pointless thing - just clip the gun to your float line. Much safer and easier to use!
When you crimp your mono, press a hot knife against the end of the line to create a 'bump' on the end, if that makes sense? It should stop the mono slipping if it's badly crimped. Failing that, double crimp
When you crimp your mono, press a hot knife against the end of the line to create a 'bump' on the end, if that makes sense? It should stop the mono slipping if it's badly crimped. Failing that, double crimp
Not massively interesting but caught a video of some mullet feeding on the sand - they were a little bit far away for most of the video but came nice and close at the end.
Best to watch it full screen in 1080 HD!
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8o7L2drsTM]Mullet Feeding on the sand in North Wales - YouTube[/ame]
Best to watch it full screen in 1080 HD!
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8o7L2drsTM]Mullet Feeding on the sand in North Wales - YouTube[/ame]
A reel is a completely pointless thing - just clip the gun to your float line. Much safer and easier to use!
When you crimp your mono, press a hot knife against the end of the line to create a 'bump' on the end, if that makes sense? It should stop the mono slipping if it's badly crimped. Failing that, double crimp
I've read mixed views on reels, I thought I'd trial and make my own mind. My standard rig usually incorporates bungee and float clipped to gun. But sometimes the float line does my head in. I wanted the ability to remove and hitch the float up and fish around it free from it and for most part it's what I'd imagined, but jury's still out, try a few more trips before I make a decision.
I did have a bubble on end of mono but didn't use a proper crimp plier so no the best, (one on its way) I thought i may double crimp also. Thanks for advice.
Like the vid btw.
Reels are more of a handicap in shallow water but as soon as you start fishing at reasonable depths then they can be almost essential.
If one was targeting tuna then the reel would serve a different purpose but for our style of hunting & the expected size of fish, the reel plays a different roll.
The main use come into play if you shoot a large fish at say 10mt & it swims into the weed or dives under a rock, the reel then enables you to surface without releasing the gun & furthermore allows you to retrace the wounded fish.
Personly I have never used a reel....
If one was targeting tuna then the reel would serve a different purpose but for our style of hunting & the expected size of fish, the reel plays a different roll.
The main use come into play if you shoot a large fish at say 10mt & it swims into the weed or dives under a rock, the reel then enables you to surface without releasing the gun & furthermore allows you to retrace the wounded fish.
Personly I have never used a reel....
This is one of the key reasons I attach my gun to my float rofl
I can just drop the gun and swim back up - when I used a reel, the only time I tried to use it the bloody thing jammed and was useless.
I just can't see the functional point of a reel for UK fishing. Having the gun on the float line means you can drop your gun at any point and retrieve it. So where's the need to a reel? I find it utterly illogical.
When I'm swimming around rocks, weed and underwater structures, there is no way I'd want a rope attached to my belt, it just seems a completely unnecessary danger.
I'm mildly evangelical about the float line / reel thing
Thanks mate!
