A quick round up…
As we head further into the summer, bass continue to show locally along with hounds, sole and the obligatory rays and conger. Ragworm really reigns supreme at this time of year and has been favoured by many anglers hitting the water of late.
Up top’, the shallow marks have been a bit patchy. Perhaps due to the extreme temperatures we have seen at times. Noticeably in the last Aust match a large proportion of the fish that were caught were at range, perhaps an indicator that the mud in the shallowest of water was just a bit too warm?
Bass continue to show in good numbers both locally and further afield. The creeks and rivers are consistently chucking up silver bars although the clean beaches of Brean and Berrow have also produced too.
Hounds continue to show around the Clevedon/Weston vicinity with the MOD, Black rock and Layde Bay being favoured. Crab, if you can get it has been the favoured bait presented on a dongle rig or similar. Reports of hounds to over 19lb have been coming in so be prepared for a proper scrap if you get hooked into one of these powerful, sporty fish. Make sure you are prepared for frantic sport when they do come along, prepping you landing area, weigh sling and unhooking tools to ensure your quarry is landed, unhooked and returned as effectively as possible.
Rays have shown on most marks although we haven’t heard of many monsters of late, plenty of smaller 4-6lb sized rays about. Congers are as prevalent as usual, especially the smaller straps that sometimes hamper sole fishing efforts.
Sole have been a bit thin on the ground but when you do get one, they seem to be of a good size. Marks just over the bridge have been popular, including Redwick and Goldcliff although Aust, Littleton and further down around Clevedon have also produced at times. Keep your hook baits hard to the bottom and ensure you have razor sharp hooks on for these critters. They are aggressive feeders and prefer calmer periods of the tide to feed. We recommend size 2 or 4 Sakuma Phantoms, Varivas Saltwater Champions or a classic Aberdeen style hook when fishing for sole.
The marina here at Portishead has started to clear a little now and the mullet fishing has been tricky but very rewarding for those who have persevered. There appears to be a good head of 3lb+ mullet about in our marina this year with reports of fish over 5lb being commonplace. Continually whiting, flounder and blennies show for those choosing to fish on the bottom with bass favouring lures or float fished ragworm.
For the coarse/carp anglers, the warm temperatures have encouraged the fish to feed high in the water at most venues. Try fishing floaters or zig rigs. Fish shallow for other coarse fish. There has been some encouraging reports from our local waters including Jacklands, Ham Green Lake, Bullock Farm and Plantations Lakes Fishery to name just a few. Give the shop a call and speak to our resident coarse fishing guru, Ben, for up to date and more specific info.
The weather ahead looks a bit mixed although good on the whole. If you fancy getting out, don’t delay in getting your bait booked in with the shop, we have been exceptionally busy and selling out on live worm for the last few weeks now. Similarly, maggot is in high demand and low supply. Maggot farms are struggling with the weather and consequently there has been disruptions to supply. We typically get maggot in on a Thursday or Friday so best to call ahead before travelling to the shop if you are after maggot.
Tight lines if you’re heading out. Call the shop on 01275 848652 for all your tackle and bait needs.
The Reel Fun Fishing Team