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Sussex report 2008
- Thread starterjwells1989
- Start date
Thread Status: Hello
, There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
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sounds like some nice fish eriq aqua, where abouts did you get them? is the may weed not as bad out offshore a couple of miles as it is inshore does anybody know?
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Jwells
We could see the light and dark shades of the bottom Sunday evening in
30 ft of water, we were looking quite a long way out at some ground off Littlehampton. Viz on the bottom was a hazy 20ft but getting dark as the sun was setting, we had a good catch on Sat with two of our bass over 5 ks so where not to bothered about shooting the 3lbs fish that shoaled around us. I had seen a really big bass in this area 2 seasons ago, on three different occasions, twice it was in a good hole tail on, a long shot and I did not want to risk losing such a big fish, despite not having made a sound it slid away knowing I was there. The third time, in dirty water I slid my gun into the hole only to have the fish cruise by my face mask no more the three foot away by the time I had pulled the gun out he was a grey ghost disappearing in to the gloom. Last night my mate was laying tight against a rock in 40ft watching a shoal of big bream milling in a hollow of rock in front of him, moving his head slowly to his right he noticed a huge head coming towards him to turn no more than 10ft away. As he bought his gun around the bass took off with a noise like thunder, realising the fish was in the area he pulled out some long bottom times but only saw it once more as a huge shape in the distance. We think it is the same fish each time and has grown this big through being wary, we will not try to estimate the size but my diving buddy reckons it was as long as his 82cm Buchat gun. Last year I though it was as long as my 75cm Picasso it must be eating well. Watch this space we are on a mission.
We could see the light and dark shades of the bottom Sunday evening in
30 ft of water, we were looking quite a long way out at some ground off Littlehampton. Viz on the bottom was a hazy 20ft but getting dark as the sun was setting, we had a good catch on Sat with two of our bass over 5 ks so where not to bothered about shooting the 3lbs fish that shoaled around us. I had seen a really big bass in this area 2 seasons ago, on three different occasions, twice it was in a good hole tail on, a long shot and I did not want to risk losing such a big fish, despite not having made a sound it slid away knowing I was there. The third time, in dirty water I slid my gun into the hole only to have the fish cruise by my face mask no more the three foot away by the time I had pulled the gun out he was a grey ghost disappearing in to the gloom. Last night my mate was laying tight against a rock in 40ft watching a shoal of big bream milling in a hollow of rock in front of him, moving his head slowly to his right he noticed a huge head coming towards him to turn no more than 10ft away. As he bought his gun around the bass took off with a noise like thunder, realising the fish was in the area he pulled out some long bottom times but only saw it once more as a huge shape in the distance. We think it is the same fish each time and has grown this big through being wary, we will not try to estimate the size but my diving buddy reckons it was as long as his 82cm Buchat gun. Last year I though it was as long as my 75cm Picasso it must be eating well. Watch this space we are on a mission.
Hey KVM, the minimum size limit for sea bass on the sussex fisheries website is listed at 36cm, am i missing the point - is there a different sized limit for spear fished bass?
Yes thats right. No way you would have known about it as it was an agreement set up about 5 years ago between the sea fisheries committe and local spearfishermen. At the time the relationship between the SFC and local speroes was very strained with the SFC telling us that spearing was illegal in Sussex waters. So after meeting with them, guidelines for sussex waters were agreed. Since that time I think it fair to say that the relationship has much improved. That said you need to be aware that if you fish locally you will on occassion be pulled out of the water, ( very politely) and checked by the said SFC officers in their very big fast rib.
If you look back on this thread you will see more information.
Not trying to moan at you, just give you and others the information that keeps everyone happy.
regards kev.
If you look back on this thread you will see more information.
Not trying to moan at you, just give you and others the information that keeps everyone happy.
regards kev.
Kevin, I have on occasion fished Sussex waters and wish to be absolutely clear....
-Sussex sea fisheries have a limit on their website for minimum landing that states 36cm.
-You are saying that Sussex differs from the rest of the UK(any others?), in that it has a legal basis to currently prevent spearfishing in it's authority area?
-However, under a 'guideline'(legally enforcable?) agreement between SSF and a representative local Sussex spearfishing group, spearos can/would be prosecuted for being in possession of a speared fish of less than 45cm? And that would presumably include all the fines/confiscation of equipment/boats, vehicles etc.?
Would appreciate your clarification.
Thanks
-Sussex sea fisheries have a limit on their website for minimum landing that states 36cm.
-You are saying that Sussex differs from the rest of the UK(any others?), in that it has a legal basis to currently prevent spearfishing in it's authority area?
-However, under a 'guideline'(legally enforcable?) agreement between SSF and a representative local Sussex spearfishing group, spearos can/would be prosecuted for being in possession of a speared fish of less than 45cm? And that would presumably include all the fines/confiscation of equipment/boats, vehicles etc.?
Would appreciate your clarification.
Thanks
Yes that's right. SSFC has in the past told us that spearfishing in Sussex sea fisheries area is illegal. The situation is this, SSFC and local bye laws give a list of prescribed means of taking fish, types of nets, methods etc, spearfishing is not on that list. The situation existed that spearfishing was technically illegal in the SSF area. I could debate if that was a morally correct stance or not but simply put spearing for fish was illegal. This all took place about 5 years ago, after a load of stress, a meeting took place place between the sussex spearfishing club and local sea fisheries officers, and a (voluntary) code of conduct was agreed between local spearfisherman and fisheries officers which was accepted by the local sea fisheries committe. So whilst technically the minimum limit for bass in the SSFA is 36cm, for spearing it is 45 cm. Whilst this cannot be enforced legally the ban on spearing can. So no you will not have your gear, boat or car taken away but what is at risk if the voluntary code is ignored is a total ban on spearing.
For those who might think that this is a joke I have just spent a lot of time in my capacity as secretary of the BSA fighting a proposed ban in south wales ( when the voluntary code of conduct was sited as an example of good practice) and have now got to spending many boreing hours writing a submission for the 2008 marine bill. Time and time again in contact with local sea fisheries area I am told that spearfishing is illegal, I can tell them of the sussex code of voluntary conduct and say it is not.
So to answer your questions simply
1) Yes the sussex sea fisheries area is different. Unless you are on the prescribed list ( which we hope to be after the next consultation) the activity in which you take part and take fish is illegal. After the voluntary agreement it was accepted that we could continue to fish until such a time.
2) No you will not have your gear taken as the legally enforcable limit is 36cm.
As a point of interest do people know of the bye law prohibiting more than two lobsters per diver in Sussex waters?
Do people know the extent of the Sussex sea fisheries area?
Hope this clears things up.
Kev.
For those who might think that this is a joke I have just spent a lot of time in my capacity as secretary of the BSA fighting a proposed ban in south wales ( when the voluntary code of conduct was sited as an example of good practice) and have now got to spending many boreing hours writing a submission for the 2008 marine bill. Time and time again in contact with local sea fisheries area I am told that spearfishing is illegal, I can tell them of the sussex code of voluntary conduct and say it is not.
So to answer your questions simply
1) Yes the sussex sea fisheries area is different. Unless you are on the prescribed list ( which we hope to be after the next consultation) the activity in which you take part and take fish is illegal. After the voluntary agreement it was accepted that we could continue to fish until such a time.
2) No you will not have your gear taken as the legally enforcable limit is 36cm.
As a point of interest do people know of the bye law prohibiting more than two lobsters per diver in Sussex waters?
Do people know the extent of the Sussex sea fisheries area?
Hope this clears things up.
Kev.
Hi Kev, many thanks for a very clear post. Hectic! The main thing you did was put in context for all to read the 'bigger picture' and how easy it is for power play in governing circles. Most I know have the 2 lobster rule in the mind across areas I fish. Actual extent of the Sussex fisheries area I for one do not know but I am sure an electronic link would be useful for many.
Appreciate the unsong work.
Cheers
Appreciate the unsong work.
Cheers
nice one eriq aqua, you will get him one day, just think he is growing all the time.
how long do you think the may bloom is going to last? 1 -2 weeks?
how long do you think the may bloom is going to last? 1 -2 weeks?
Thanks Kev, you'd have thought they'd have it listed on their site somewhere! Anyhow am in the picture - thanks for the update. Any other species we have different limits for?
Sea fisheries officers used to give out a leaflet to divers that they stopped
(where was that kept I wonder). if you want to abide my the main bit of the voluntary agreement, two lobsters each, don't shoot congers, wrasse or silver eels (technically a fresh water fish)
Sussex sea fisheries area, Dungerness (east) to Hayling island (west)
regards Kev.
(where was that kept I wonder). if you want to abide my the main bit of the voluntary agreement, two lobsters each, don't shoot congers, wrasse or silver eels (technically a fresh water fish)
Sussex sea fisheries area, Dungerness (east) to Hayling island (west)
regards Kev.
Like SurfnSpear says , thank you KWM for the info' and what sounds like lots of hard work and hassle behind the scenes . I for one knew nothing about this agreement even after talking to a SSFC officer about min' fish sizes , I said I was a spearfisherman and we had a good long chat about conservation, fish stocks and min' take sizes , he never mentioned any agreement concerning spearos and I can't find it on their web site . So now I'm confused , I thought I had done the right thing checking min' sizes , by-laws etc with the SSFC , now it seems the info' I have does not apply to spearos . Sorry to pester with more questions but in view of the knife-edge of legality mentioned this does seem rather important . What other agreements have been made concerning min' take sizes of different fish ? Are there any bag limits , apart from the Lobster one ? Where can we find this information if not affiliated to a club ? Finally could the SSFC be persuaded to put this agreement on their web site ? The more people are aware the less chance of someone being picked up with small fish , which puts us in a better light , 450mm is my personal min' size for Bass anyway but we need to know all the relevant details of the ageement to keep the SSFC sweet !
Kev is right about the min size Bass for Sussex, 45cm. I was BSA secretary when this was agreed, between the BSA chairman and the sea fisheries. The BSA committee agreed this amendment to the BSA rules. It was also agreed that Silver eels would not be taken at all. I think something was mentioned about Wrasse for Sussex as well but can't remember what.....if anything....Kev, do you know?
Should have said there is a 10 fish bag limit. Yes Clive, no Wrasse, no congers, no silver eels and Bass at 45 cm. Dont worry about it too much as long as people are sensible things have have good for a number of years and SSFC were very pleased with the agreement.
People could join the sussex club (£10 a year.) if they are keen you dont have to be into comps but membership of the BSA for £25 a year does get you third party dive insurance which is the cheapest insurance you will get anywhere and does cover you if you shoot your mate.
regards Kev.
People could join the sussex club (£10 a year.) if they are keen you dont have to be into comps but membership of the BSA for £25 a year does get you third party dive insurance which is the cheapest insurance you will get anywhere and does cover you if you shoot your mate.
regards Kev.
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Thanks josh , winds looking nasty today westerly blow will u still be diving today? i dont think it will be worth it looking at Eastbourne water.
Im just going to check the tides but wouldnt mind doing an early morning dive Sunday on the piers if the weathers ok , u up for it?
Im just going to check the tides but wouldnt mind doing an early morning dive Sunday on the piers if the weathers ok , u up for it?
yeah definatly stewart i am up for that, the weather is looking good from here on for a while so diving should be on for sunday.
no i did not dive today, it was so choppy down there.
probably messed up tommorow aswell!!!!!
no i did not dive today, it was so choppy down there.
probably messed up tommorow aswell!!!!!
Tried Shoreham Beach yesterday , vis about 1.5m at best and that a long way offshore ( for a swimmer ) . Saw 1 Bass , too far , too quick or me too slow , tried to find Church Rocks , Dave Barnard Rocks ? etc couldn't find any of them :head . Still the vis is slowly improving and the temp* is now 15 * , I heard bad vis may be due to the heavy rainfall last year , all that run-off still swirling about , could be I suppose, any thoughts ?