On Sun, 18 Jul 2004 10:39:35 +0100, Derek.Moody uttered the immortal
words:

In article , dogonabeach
wrote:
I am an absoloute beginner, I've looked at a couple of books, but I either
can't find the right book, or I'm looking in the wrong places.

Your local public library should have something suitable.

I would like to go out and fish around the Skerries, or Holyhead harbour, I
am as I said before, an absoloute beginner, so I am needing some info.
Would anyone please answer the following, or point me to a website for the
following information:

Fishing from a boat or the shore?

If you are fishing from a boat speak to the skipper a few days in advance
and arrange to borrow/hire suitable gear.

If from the shore you should try to go with someone the first couple of
times. Having knots shown you and a few hands-on demonstrations will save
hours of frustration when trying to follow a book. There may be a local
guide who will get you started or a nearby club may have a beginners'
scheme. Perhaps the tackle shop will put you on to another customer willing
to help out.

Totally agree with you on that, my friend and myself have done this on
many occasions, even given out little bits of kit: floats, weights, rigs
etc. Don't be afraid to ask people who are fishing there, you will be
surprised at the response!


What type of rig do I need for fishing these areas, where can I find the
"plans" (term used losely) for making these rigs, i.e, lengths of line
etc...?

In general, for a beginner, simple is best.

To true there!


(It's usually the best for the experienced too.)

Like many I carry very few ready-tied rigs (OK there are a few that are best
made up at home but if you find yourself carrying more than half a dozen you
are hampering yourself). Instead I make up end-tackle on the spot as
needed.

What type(s) of bait should I use, and how should it be presented?

It depends what fish are about and what they are feeding on. There, that
doesn't help much does it?

The question as you have asked it is too wide and best answered by reading a
few books.

The proposer of this ng has a 'faq' on:

http://www.gorp.com/gorp/activity/saltfaq.htm

Which is not really a faq btw, more a web-book. I don't agree with all of
it but it's a reasonable starting point.

General rule for all angling:
If others are catching large fish and plenty of 'em - copy their method.
If not - try something different.

And in general sea fishing - boat or shore - floatfishing is much underrated
and is almost always worth trying even at night and in rough weather too if
the wind permits. Learn to use smaller floats than the ones usually sold
for the sea and you can have a lot of fun with light gear.

That is what I generally do, so far this year I have cuaght 6 Bass to 5
1/2lb all on the float and most of them at a depth of no more than 7ft


Hth, Cheerio,

Above all, dont be afraid to try something new!