Re: Where do I start?

[fantom]

"Pscylo" > wrote in message
...
> Greetz,
>
> I've always fancied a go at sea fishing (from beach or pier - though
> beach prefereable), and as I'm little to spending qite a few weekends
> away this summer in Lincs/Norfolk/Suffolk (East Anglian coast
> generally), camping with the kids and wife, I wouldn't mind havcing a
> go.
>
> Trouble is, where so I start. I did once have a go at freshwater fishing
> but it alway seemed a little pointless because I like eating fish, so I
> have some rods, albeit old. I'm going to have to take alook and sea what
> they are.
>
> I guess I'm asking what what be a good starting point for a complete
> novice, in terms of kit, can I use what I've got or are specialist rods
> required. I don't really want to spend a fortune, as It may not be for
> me, but I just thought it may give me something to do whe there isn't
> enough surf for bodyboarding.
>
> Any advice, website links etc most welcome. Bear in mind i proabably
> won't understand fishing jargon, so keep it simple (for a simpleton!!)
>
> --
> Pscylo

Hi, try this website out....

http://www.worldseafishing.com/

[Eric The Viking]

Might be worth getting some Mackerel feathers and giving them a try
from the beach this summer. You will need a beachcaster rod with a
fixed spool reel and some feathers but that's about all. Alternatively
you could try float fishing for Mackerel and Garfish - a tackle shop
should be able to get you setup with the necessary floats and weights
for a few quid.

The great thing with sea fishing is you can spend as little or as much
as you want - don't let anyone tell you you need the latest and
greatest gear to catch fish - just start with the basics and expand as
you need to.

[Pscylo]

On 22 May 2005 13:35:05 -0700, Eric The Viking > let rip with:
> Might be worth getting some Mackerel feathers and giving them a try
> from the beach this summer. You will need a beachcaster rod with a
> fixed spool reel and some feathers but that's about all. Alternatively
> you could try float fishing for Mackerel and Garfish - a tackle shop
> should be able to get you setup with the necessary floats and weights
> for a few quid.
>
> The great thing with sea fishing is you can spend as little or as much
> as you want - don't let anyone tell you you need the latest and
> greatest gear to catch fish - just start with the basics and expand as
> you need to.
>

Thanks.

That's pretty much what I want to do, keep it cheap and simple for a
start. Apparently I have beachcaster (well my father does), and I guess
it will have a fixed spool. I'm going to have a look later this week.

If I get the bug, I might look at freshwater fishing, but it always seemed
such a waste as generally freshwater fish don't make good eating. Around
here most would have hint of brickpit about them ;) Basically I want to
eat what I catch, and mackerel is a good start. Garfish doesn't look to
appealing, but is supposed to make good eating. Nothing ventured, nothng
gained I guess.

Am I right in saying that there is no license required for sea fishing?
--
Pscylo

[Eric The Viking]

Hi Pscylo,

Garfish are more of a sport fish ( on light float tackle ) - like you
said, they are supposed to be edible but a lot of people get put off by
their green bones!

Mackerel can be easy to catch on basic gear and are good to eat too -
especially if you take a disposable BBQ and cook them on the beach.
There's plenty of other good stuff to eat in the sea but most of it is
hard to catch and often requires good local knowledge of where to go,
and sometimes requires more expensive gear to catch. When I say more
expensive gear I mean that mackerel can be caught as close in as a few
yards from the shore whereas bottom feeding fish are often further out
requiring better gear to get the distances required.

You don't need a license for sea fishing.

Cheers - ETV

[Pscylo]

On 23 May 2005 03:32:11 -0700, Eric The Viking > let rip with:
> Hi Pscylo,
>
> Garfish are more of a sport fish ( on light float tackle ) - like you
> said, they are supposed to be edible but a lot of people get put off by
> their green bones!
>

Yeah, I had relised that. To be honest I took one look at it, and though
"that ain't for eating". Monkfish look that way to me to, but they taste
damn fine, so I'll try anything once, even with green bones.


> Mackerel can be easy to catch on basic gear and are good to eat too -
> especially if you take a disposable BBQ and cook them on the beach.

I'll start there I think. I've barbequed them with a tamarind and spice
filling i the cavity before and it's quite pleasant. I might have a go
at making a small smoker as well.

That said, I've got to catch some first, but as far as I can tell
mackerel seem a good choice for a complete beginner like me.

> There's plenty of other good stuff to eat in the sea but most of it is
> hard to catch and often requires good local knowledge of where to go,
> and sometimes requires more expensive gear to catch. When I say more
> expensive gear I mean that mackerel can be caught as close in as a few
> yards from the shore whereas bottom feeding fish are often further out
> requiring better gear to get the distances required.
>

There's a couple of websites that list Bass, Skate, Mackerel, Whiting
and Cod as regularly available (depending on season). One assumes that
Dogfish would be there too.

When I see how far I can cast with the rod I'll be borrowing (possibly
permananently, as my father doesn't bother anymore), I'll think about
the other fish. Mackerel is good for me though, but sea bass, mmmmmm!
I think I could spare the time to learn to ctach those.

> You don't need a license for sea fishing.
>

Excellent. I didn't want to shell out as it's not likely to be a regular
thing.
--
Pscylo

[Ian Hooksem]

if you dont know what you are doing, then my advice - wait until you get
there and go to local tackle shop. Tell them you are a beginner, and going
to be a regular customer for the summer.
£30-£40 would give you a starter beachcaster rod and reel, probably with
line and hooks thrown in.
Lead weights will be extra - 50p to £1.50 each, mackeral feathers cost teh
same; and any bait of course.
Plus you will get all the free local advice you need - how to, where to,
when to, etc. Tackle shops LOVE helping a newby who is visiting their neck
of the woods - you represent good custome over many months.

BTW - gars are good eating - cook like mackeral
Mackeral - if you have a b b q on the beach, then forget the sauce - just
wack em on the head, gut em, and throw em on the bbq; do not overcook - no
more than1 minute each side
if you are really into culinary stuff - let a few cooked mackeral go cold,
fillet them, and make a pate! great with gooseberry sauce and ritz crackers.
Ian

"Pscylo" > wrote in message
...
> Greetz,
>
> I've always fancied a go at sea fishing (from beach or pier - though
> beach prefereable), and as I'm little to spending qite a few weekends
> away this summer in Lincs/Norfolk/Suffolk (East Anglian coast
> generally), camping with the kids and wife, I wouldn't mind havcing a
> go.
>
> Trouble is, where so I start. I did once have a go at freshwater fishing
> but it alway seemed a little pointless because I like eating fish, so I
> have some rods, albeit old. I'm going to have to take alook and sea what
> they are.
>
> I guess I'm asking what what be a good starting point for a complete
> novice, in terms of kit, can I use what I've got or are specialist rods
> required. I don't really want to spend a fortune, as It may not be for
> me, but I just thought it may give me something to do whe there isn't
> enough surf for bodyboarding.
>
> Any advice, website links etc most welcome. Bear in mind i proabably
> won't understand fishing jargon, so keep it simple (for a simpleton!!)
>
> --
> Pscylo

[Christine Sheffield]

Excuse me butting in to your conversation...

Do the legal minimum sizes also apply to beach fishing?

I fish from my boat, and I always measure my fish. I bought a plastic gauge
from a tackle shop, and it came with a long list of the legal sizes. My
husband says his friend put paint marks on his rod, showing the legal
minimums for the usual fish he catches, so he doesn't have to bother with a
gauge.

I would have thought there _ought_ to be somewhere on the net, to download
updates on the legal sizes, but I haven't found it yet. Does anyone have a
link, please?

Christine

"Ian Hooksem" > wrote in message
...
> if you dont know what you are doing, then my advice - wait until you get
> there and go to local tackle shop. Tell them you are a beginner, and going
> to be a regular customer for the summer.
> £30-£40 would give you a starter beachcaster rod and reel, probably with
> line and hooks thrown in.
> Lead weights will be extra - 50p to £1.50 each, mackeral feathers cost teh
> same; and any bait of course.
> Plus you will get all the free local advice you need - how to, where to,
> when to, etc. Tackle shops LOVE helping a newby who is visiting their neck
> of the woods - you represent good custome over many months.
>
> BTW - gars are good eating - cook like mackeral
> Mackeral - if you have a b b q on the beach, then forget the sauce - just
> wack em on the head, gut em, and throw em on the bbq; do not overcook - no
> more than1 minute each side
> if you are really into culinary stuff - let a few cooked mackeral go cold,
> fillet them, and make a pate! great with gooseberry sauce and ritz
crackers.
> Ian
>
> "Pscylo" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Greetz,
> >
> > I've always fancied a go at sea fishing (from beach or pier - though
> > beach prefereable), and as I'm little to spending qite a few weekends
> > away this summer in Lincs/Norfolk/Suffolk (East Anglian coast
> > generally), camping with the kids and wife, I wouldn't mind havcing a
> > go.
> >
> > Trouble is, where so I start. I did once have a go at freshwater fishing
> > but it alway seemed a little pointless because I like eating fish, so I
> > have some rods, albeit old. I'm going to have to take alook and sea what
> > they are.
> >
> > I guess I'm asking what what be a good starting point for a complete
> > novice, in terms of kit, can I use what I've got or are specialist rods
> > required. I don't really want to spend a fortune, as It may not be for
> > me, but I just thought it may give me something to do whe there isn't
> > enough surf for bodyboarding.
> >
> > Any advice, website links etc most welcome. Bear in mind i proabably
> > won't understand fishing jargon, so keep it simple (for a simpleton!!)
> >
> > --
> > Pscylo
>
>

[Ian Hooksem]

beach / boat - same rules usually apply.
across the UK most people are now returning all conger, and some rays, regardless of size, to voluntarily protect the species.

this link goes to min sizes, and teh others are interesting articles.
Ian
http://www.seaangler.com/Seaangler_Min_Sizes.html

"Christine Sheffield" > wrote in message .. .
> Excuse me butting in to your conversation...
>
> Do the legal minimum sizes also apply to beach fishing?
>
> I fish from my boat, and I always measure my fish. I bought a plastic gauge
> from a tackle shop, and it came with a long list of the legal sizes. My
> husband says his friend put paint marks on his rod, showing the legal
> minimums for the usual fish he catches, so he doesn't have to bother with a
> gauge.
>
> I would have thought there _ought_ to be somewhere on the net, to download
> updates on the legal sizes, but I haven't found it yet. Does anyone have a
> link, please?
>
> Christine
>
> "Ian Hooksem" > wrote in message
> ...
>> if you dont know what you are doing, then my advice - wait until you get
>> there and go to local tackle shop. Tell them you are a beginner, and going
>> to be a regular customer for the summer.
>> £30-£40 would give you a starter beachcaster rod and reel, probably with
>> line and hooks thrown in.
>> Lead weights will be extra - 50p to £1.50 each, mackeral feathers cost teh
>> same; and any bait of course.
>> Plus you will get all the free local advice you need - how to, where to,
>> when to, etc. Tackle shops LOVE helping a newby who is visiting their neck
>> of the woods - you represent good custome over many months.
>>
>> BTW - gars are good eating - cook like mackeral
>> Mackeral - if you have a b b q on the beach, then forget the sauce - just
>> wack em on the head, gut em, and throw em on the bbq; do not overcook - no
>> more than1 minute each side
>> if you are really into culinary stuff - let a few cooked mackeral go cold,
>> fillet them, and make a pate! great with gooseberry sauce and ritz
> crackers.
>> Ian
>>
>> "Pscylo" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > Greetz,
>> >
>> > I've always fancied a go at sea fishing (from beach or pier - though
>> > beach prefereable), and as I'm little to spending qite a few weekends
>> > away this summer in Lincs/Norfolk/Suffolk (East Anglian coast
>> > generally), camping with the kids and wife, I wouldn't mind havcing a
>> > go.
>> >
>> > Trouble is, where so I start. I did once have a go at freshwater fishing
>> > but it alway seemed a little pointless because I like eating fish, so I
>> > have some rods, albeit old. I'm going to have to take alook and sea what
>> > they are.
>> >
>> > I guess I'm asking what what be a good starting point for a complete
>> > novice, in terms of kit, can I use what I've got or are specialist rods
>> > required. I don't really want to spend a fortune, as It may not be for
>> > me, but I just thought it may give me something to do whe there isn't
>> > enough surf for bodyboarding.
>> >
>> > Any advice, website links etc most welcome. Bear in mind i proabably
>> > won't understand fishing jargon, so keep it simple (for a simpleton!!)
>> >
>> > --
>> > Pscylo
>>
>>
>
>

[Richard Bird]

On Tue, 24 May 2005 14:46:27 GMT, "Ian Hooksem"
> wrote:
I have the same type of question but froma boat. I have a small
sailing boat at Milford Haven and I would love to catch some fresh
fish . So what does one need for catching fish from asmall sailing
boat.Many thanks
Rich
>beach / boat - same rules usually apply.
>across the UK most people are now returning all conger, and some rays, regardless of size, to voluntarily protect the species.
>
>this link goes to min sizes, and teh others are interesting articles.
>Ian
>http://www.seaangler.com/Seaangler_Min_Sizes.html
>
>"Christine Sheffield" > wrote in message .. .
>> Excuse me butting in to your conversation...
>>
>> Do the legal minimum sizes also apply to beach fishing?
>>
>> I fish from my boat, and I always measure my fish. I bought a plastic gauge
>> from a tackle shop, and it came with a long list of the legal sizes. My
>> husband says his friend put paint marks on his rod, showing the legal
>> minimums for the usual fish he catches, so he doesn't have to bother with a
>> gauge.
>>
>> I would have thought there _ought_ to be somewhere on the net, to download
>> updates on the legal sizes, but I haven't found it yet. Does anyone have a
>> link, please?
>>
>> Christine
>>
>> "Ian Hooksem" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> if you dont know what you are doing, then my advice - wait until you get
>>> there and go to local tackle shop. Tell them you are a beginner, and going
>>> to be a regular customer for the summer.
>>> £30-£40 would give you a starter beachcaster rod and reel, probably with
>>> line and hooks thrown in.
>>> Lead weights will be extra - 50p to £1.50 each, mackeral feathers cost teh
>>> same; and any bait of course.
>>> Plus you will get all the free local advice you need - how to, where to,
>>> when to, etc. Tackle shops LOVE helping a newby who is visiting their neck
>>> of the woods - you represent good custome over many months.
>>>
>>> BTW - gars are good eating - cook like mackeral
>>> Mackeral - if you have a b b q on the beach, then forget the sauce - just
>>> wack em on the head, gut em, and throw em on the bbq; do not overcook - no
>>> more than1 minute each side
>>> if you are really into culinary stuff - let a few cooked mackeral go cold,
>>> fillet them, and make a pate! great with gooseberry sauce and ritz
>> crackers.
>>> Ian
>>>
>>> "Pscylo" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>> > Greetz,
>>> >
>>> > I've always fancied a go at sea fishing (from beach or pier - though
>>> > beach prefereable), and as I'm little to spending qite a few weekends
>>> > away this summer in Lincs/Norfolk/Suffolk (East Anglian coast
>>> > generally), camping with the kids and wife, I wouldn't mind havcing a
>>> > go.
>>> >
>>> > Trouble is, where so I start. I did once have a go at freshwater fishing
>>> > but it alway seemed a little pointless because I like eating fish, so I
>>> > have some rods, albeit old. I'm going to have to take alook and sea what
>>> > they are.
>>> >
>>> > I guess I'm asking what what be a good starting point for a complete
>>> > novice, in terms of kit, can I use what I've got or are specialist rods
>>> > required. I don't really want to spend a fortune, as It may not be for
>>> > me, but I just thought it may give me something to do whe there isn't
>>> > enough surf for bodyboarding.
>>> >
>>> > Any advice, website links etc most welcome. Bear in mind i proabably
>>> > won't understand fishing jargon, so keep it simple (for a simpleton!!)
>>> >
>>> > --
>>> > Pscylo
>>>
>>>
>>
>>

[Christine Sheffield]

Thank you, Ian. I have added it to my "Favourites" for future reference.

Christine
"Ian Hooksem" > wrote in message ...
beach / boat - same rules usually apply.
across the UK most people are now returning all conger, and some rays, regardless of size, to voluntarily protect the species.

this link goes to min sizes, and teh others are interesting articles.
Ian
http://www.seaangler.com/Seaangler_Min_Sizes.html

"Christine Sheffield" > wrote in message .. .
> Excuse me butting in to your conversation...
>
> Do the legal minimum sizes also apply to beach fishing?
>
> I fish from my boat, and I always measure my fish. I bought a plastic gauge
> from a tackle shop, and it came with a long list of the legal sizes. My
> husband says his friend put paint marks on his rod, showing the legal
> minimums for the usual fish he catches, so he doesn't have to bother with a
> gauge.
>
> I would have thought there _ought_ to be somewhere on the net, to download
> updates on the legal sizes, but I haven't found it yet. Does anyone have a
> link, please?
>
> Christine
>
> "Ian Hooksem" > wrote in message
> ...
>> if you dont know what you are doing, then my advice - wait until you get
>> there and go to local tackle shop. Tell them you are a beginner, and going
>> to be a regular customer for the summer.
>> £30-£40 would give you a starter beachcaster rod and reel, probably with
>> line and hooks thrown in.
>> Lead weights will be extra - 50p to £1.50 each, mackeral feathers cost teh
>> same; and any bait of course.
>> Plus you will get all the free local advice you need - how to, where to,
>> when to, etc. Tackle shops LOVE helping a newby who is visiting their neck
>> of the woods - you represent good custome over many months.
>>
>> BTW - gars are good eating - cook like mackeral
>> Mackeral - if you have a b b q on the beach, then forget the sauce - just
>> wack em on the head, gut em, and throw em on the bbq; do not overcook - no
>> more than1 minute each side
>> if you are really into culinary stuff - let a few cooked mackeral go cold,
>> fillet them, and make a pate! great with gooseberry sauce and ritz
> crackers.
>> Ian
>>
>> "Pscylo" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > Greetz,
>> >
>> > I've always fancied a go at sea fishing (from beach or pier - though
>> > beach prefereable), and as I'm little to spending qite a few weekends
>> > away this summer in Lincs/Norfolk/Suffolk (East Anglian coast
>> > generally), camping with the kids and wife, I wouldn't mind havcing a
>> > go.
>> >
>> > Trouble is, where so I start. I did once have a go at freshwater fishing
>> > but it alway seemed a little pointless because I like eating fish, so I
>> > have some rods, albeit old. I'm going to have to take alook and sea what
>> > they are.
>> >
>> > I guess I'm asking what what be a good starting point for a complete
>> > novice, in terms of kit, can I use what I've got or are specialist rods
>> > required. I don't really want to spend a fortune, as It may not be for
>> > me, but I just thought it may give me something to do whe there isn't
>> > enough surf for bodyboarding.
>> >
>> > Any advice, website links etc most welcome. Bear in mind i proabably
>> > won't understand fishing jargon, so keep it simple (for a simpleton!!)
>> >
>> > --
>> > Pscylo
>>
>>
>
>

[Eric The Viking]

I used to live in Milford and cut my angling teeth as a kid catching
Gobies from the end of the pier at Hakin Point - small world ;-)

Again, since its the summer *allegedly* I'd say go for Mackerel. The
minimum you need from a boat is a handline with a set of feathers and a
weight. Drop the feathers over the side, let them sink a bit and then
jig them up and down. If you have a boat rod and reel it will be
easier on the hands than the handline option.

If you get bored of Mackerel fishing try using a baited hook fished on
the bottom - Ragworm or Mackerel strip are good for this.

As someone posted earlier it's worth popping into your local tackle
shop as they will not only be able to help you with bait and tackle -
but may also give you some tips on where to fish.

The great thing with sea fishing ( boat and shore ) is that there is no
right or wrong way to do it. For me a lot of the enjoyment is just
trying things out to see if they work.

Cheers - ETV

[Pscylo]

On 23 May 2005 18:16:45 GMT, Pscylo > let rip with:
> On 23 May 2005 03:32:11 -0700, Eric The Viking > let rip with:
>> Hi Pscylo,
>>
>> Garfish are more of a sport fish ( on light float tackle ) - like you
>> said, they are supposed to be edible but a lot of people get put off by
>> their green bones!
>>
>
> Yeah, I had relised that. To be honest I took one look at it, and though
> "that ain't for eating". Monkfish look that way to me to, but they taste
> damn fine, so I'll try anything once, even with green bones.
>

>> You don't need a license for sea fishing.
>>
>
> Excellent. I didn't want to shell out as it's not likely to be a regular
> thing.

Well, it turns out I have at my disposal a 10ft beachcaster, and
multiplier and fixed spool reels. There's a few manky old hooks and that
in there as well, but I guess they're cheap enough to replace.

I'm guessing you can buy a rig for float fishing ready made (not sure I
want to get into tying them at the minute). I don't mind spending few
quid, so it's off to find the tackle shop in Cromer.

BTW, anyone ever fish in the Wash?

--
Pscylo

[Eric The Viking]

The beachcaster with the fixed spool will be ideal. Multipliers can't
really be used for float fishing or feathering.

Tackle shops usually sell sea float kits that have the required float /
weight combination - the tricky bit is the stop knot to prevent the
float travelling all the way up your line as the weight sinks. "Power
gum" is a really good rubbery kind of line that can be tied as stop
knots. The stop knot can be hard to get right but a web search or chat
with the tackle shop should sort that out.

[Neil]

> I'm guessing you can buy a rig for float fishing ready made (not sure I
> want to get into tying them at the minute). I don't mind spending few
> quid, so it's off to find the tackle shop in Cromer.

There's a good tackle shop in Sheringham, think its in Gunn Street.

[Dave]

I use part of a match as a stop for floats

Simple to put in a line and pull out again when finished.

Dave



"Eric The Viking" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> The beachcaster with the fixed spool will be ideal. Multipliers can't
> really be used for float fishing or feathering.
>
> Tackle shops usually sell sea float kits that have the required float /
> weight combination - the tricky bit is the stop knot to prevent the
> float travelling all the way up your line as the weight sinks. "Power
> gum" is a really good rubbery kind of line that can be tied as stop
> knots. The stop knot can be hard to get right but a web search or chat
> with the tackle shop should sort that out.
>