As we near the end of the year it can be hard to find the enthusiasm to dust off those rods and get out fishing. With dark days, unsettled weather and chilly periods, the thought of going fishing can sometimes seem more of a burden than a pleasure.
Whilst it can be challenging to find the ‘get up and go’ attitude, the reassuring knowledge that you can have a few hours to yourself away from the world shouldn’t be overlooked in the lead up to Christmas. Dare I say, we all like to get away from the frantic shopping sessions, busy roads and present wrapping!
As for the fishing, you never really know your luck at this time of year. As species start to thin out with the dropping temps, what remains and what lurks beneath may be the fish of a lifetime.
Cod, the mainstay of the winter Bristol Channel fishery have been few and far between this winter but nonetheless, they are showing on occasions for the determined few who either get lucky or commit the hours. Just yesterday a fantastic cod of 14lb graced the hooks of one lucky angler visiting the infamous Battery Point, here in Portishead. These fish are real wanderers, you can only put odds in your favour by fishing the right areas at the right times, whilst having a bit of lady luck on your side. Battery Point has a real history of producing fish to specimen sizes and favours the smaller tides. At this time of year, it’s an area thats always worth considering. Off putting to some, its reputation as a tackle graveyard isn’t as warranted as some may first be lead to believe. Picking the right tides and weather conditions will massively limit the tackle losses at this mark. On shore winds where weed and debris is pushed to shore is a sure fire way of loosing gear as fast as the ‘GAS’ loose football matches. Similarly, like any marks, there are naturally snaggier parts as well as cleaner areas. This is only learned by experience, or better still, by speaking to our team who can point you exactly right. Don’t be afraid to ask when popping into store, we are here to help!
Its not just Battery that can produce this prime winter quarry. Haunts around Clevedon such as Layde Bay, Walton bay and Black Rock can also produce the goods on their day. The latter, not a mark to take lightly and not a mark for the inexperienced.
If you fancy flattie bashin’, look no further than the creeks of the upper channel or mud flats. Clean beaches like Brean and Berrow are also worth a try and its been really encouraging to hear of some nice flounder from Burnham of late too. Worm baits are the real winners when targeting flounder, especially rag/lug cocktails.
Further afield, some nice bass have shown of late from the lower channel marks. Try Bossington, Porlock, Lilstock etc to name a few. A large fish bait in close can produce a surprise or two at this time of year but be sure to go heavy on snoods to avoid loosing fish to snags or getting bitten off.
On the south coast, reports of some winter mackerel are coming in although squid catches have seemingly dropped off a little. This is the time for a real Kraken if you fancy trying your luck, keep an eye on the weather and look for settled periods before venturing down to have a go. Check out the latest Seadra UV light boxes found in store that make illuminating your squid lures just that much easier.
On a freshwater front, this is a prime time to target pike and perch who are eager to fatten up for the winter months. Locally the Kenn is always worth a go although further afield you have the King Sedgemoor Drain, Bristol Avon and Wye to investigate. A lure or dead bait approach should work, keep an eye on the river levels before committing as the periods of heavy rain can have an impact on clarity, river flows and debris in the water. Plenty of dead bait and lure choices in store so take a look. Don’t dismiss a wobbled dead bait either, a very underrated method.
Don’t forget, bait supplies may be disrupted during the Christmas period so make sure you get your bait orders in asap to avoid disappointment. Call the shop on 01275 848652 for all of your tackle and bait needs.
Finally, the team at Reel Fun Fishing would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year. We look forward to your continued support in 2026!
The Reel Fun Fishing Team