Winds, rain, dropping temperatures and shortened days….it’s certainly now feeling like things are on a change.
As we approach the colder, unsettled months of the year the fishing traditionally becomes increasingly patchy which can be off-putting for some. Finding those real premium fish is a little harder as anglers take advantage of the occasional weather windows. Nevertheless, there are some true specimens to be found if you look hard enough.
It’s this time of year where that extra effort can go a long way. As the last of the summer species start to thin out, those that remain can be of ‘personal best’ sizes when they do come along. This is the time of year where targeting a specimen bass, sole or conger can really reap rewards.
For the everyday angler, who perhaps cannot commit to putting in the hours, there have been encouraging signs to keep sessions busy. Whiting have now populated most channel marks in good numbers with some lovely fish amongst them. An underrated quarry thats both fantastic eating and a cracking bait when used fresh.
Whiting numbers in the channel haven’t exactly been fantastic in recent years; speak to the ‘old boys’ who will reminisce about the good old days where 1lb+ size whiting were commonplace at famed marks like the Huntspill sea wall. Those days had seemingly all but gone. Could this be a season where we see some worthy whiting making a show? Early signs are positive with the average size being good and the population seemingly strong in the upper reaches of the channel. The naysayers may look upon this humble quarry as a second class prize but this is a flagship species that is liken to an invitational free dining experience for other desirable species. Don’t dismiss a whole whiting or pouting presented on a heavy snood and larger hooks for a huss, conger, bass or cod, especially during those stormier sessions which will get larger fish feeding readily.
As we approach building tides this week, consider sessions up top if you fancy trying for some of the flounders that frequent the shallower, marginal waters. Flounder fishing can be a great way to spend a few hours if you just want to take your fishing easy. With the outside chance of a bycatch bass or similar, ensure snoods aren’t overly light as you cant afford to miss these opportunities when they present themselves at this time of year. The Avon, both on the Shirehampton and Pill sides will be worth a look as the tides slowly build. Easy, close quarters fishing. Look for 9.5m-11.5m tides on the Avonmouth scale. Ragworm and lugworm will be the best baits. Try further up around Aust and Littleton on Severn on the bigger tides.
On the deeper rocky marks like Battery Point there’s always the chance of a specimen sole. As temperatures start to drop, deeper water can often prove a little more productive at times. Obviously, there is also that outside chance of a codling, especially nearest the point itself. Don’t fish the bigger tides here, try anything up to 11m in height.
Huss are now showing readily locally with reports of them showing as far up as Battery point in recent weeks. Whilst popular haunts like Porlock and Bossington often produce the better numbers of huss, if you want to stay local don’t dismiss haunts like Sand point and the MOD which can often throw up a few surprise specimens at this time of year.
It wont be long before spurdogs start to show further down channel. Ensure wire traces are used if you fancy trying for these toothy critters. Smaller fish baits can often be better for spurs rather than larger ones. Bluey, mackerel and anchovy are all worth a try.
Further afeild the south coast has been at the mercy of the weather with storms breaking up fishing opportunities. Small windows of oportunity look to be the norm for the next couple of weeks. The forecast is mixed but scattered with strong southerly and south west winds. Beaches like Slapton sands can sometimes produce the odd bonus fish during periods like this, don’t dismiss a venture to the likes of Beesands, Hallsands or similar, especially as we move later into November.
Squid numbers remain exceedingly strong this year with some great reports of this seasonal treat coming in. That being said, the weather seems to have put pay to this for now but if conditions allow, it’ll be worth a look at famed areas like Torquay and Weymouth. Check out our range of squid fishing tackle in store, we’ve plenty to choose from!
On the freshwater side of things, this is a great time of year to target a pike as they start to feed hard in a final push to put on fat to see them through the leaner winter months. Depending on location, try deadbaits during periods of heavy rain when rivers may be on the rise and water coloured. Lure fishing, during clearer water can be just as good and may throw in a bonus specimen perch if they reside in the area. We’ve had some great lures arrive in store of late including some very well priced soft plastics and pulse swimtails that have a great action when being fished. Don’t dismiss a lob worm or dendra for a big greedy perch either. We’ve plenty of live freshwater baits in store. Maggot, worm and castor in weekly.
Aside from the fishing. we’ve plenty of special offers in store at present if you’re starting to get twicthy and are thinking of Christmas already. Don’t forget, gift vouchers also readily available if you aren’t quite sure what to get. Talk to our team who will be more than happy to help.
Tight lines if you are venturing out. Call the shop on 01275 848652 for all your tackle and bait needs.
The Reel Fun Fishing Team
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