Any fishermen here?

Soldato
Joined
14 Nov 2004
Posts
5,446
Location
Hayle, Cornwall
I've just moved to Cornwall and decided that I'd like to learn to fish, so any keep fishermen out there? What do I need to know about see fishing?
 
I am fly fisherman rather than a sea fisherman.

but I would look around for local clubs..they will offer advice, help and encouragement

any small local tackle shops should have details...or just chat to the owners...they are usually keen anglers themselves
 
Yeah, some good advice above. I am a sea, lake and river fisherman, myself.

One thing I would add is that it is always a good idea to go and watch some other fishermen, see what they do, what fish they catch, what gear they're using, etc.

If you find that you maybe want to ask a fisherman a couple of questions or something, always start by telling him that you're a fisherman too, or in your case that you're just starting out, then, in my experience, they instantly drop their gaurd and start to talk to you as if you've been mates for years. Imo, fishermen are among the most approachable and friendly people I have ever met.

There are loads of dedicated fishing forums about, loads of books, even video's to help you along the way. Ask questions in tackle shops if they aren't too busy at the time, things like good spots, what you expect to catch there, what gear to use, etc. One other thing I'd recommend you don't do is go out and buy loads of expensive gear straight away. A lot of fishing can be done really cheaply, for example simple Mackerel fishing - which is one of my favourites - just requires a basic rod and reel set which can be had for less than £10, together with some feathers or something - I could stand and do that all day! I have never been to Cornwall but I have heard that there are some great little Mackerel beaches there. Also, lures, spinners, floats etc catch fishermen just as much as they catch fish, so don't go mad and buy a load of gear without knowing exactly how to use it and whether it's actually worth the money.

One other thing, be careful, especially if you're clambering over rocks or whatever. Try to always go with a mate if you can, or where other people can see you, especially when you're just starting out, as fishing can be quite dangerous sometimes, even to experienced guys.

It can be quite frustrating at times and very rewarding at other times, just take it steady, try to think about what you're doing all the time, if you're not catching any fish, change something. Get yourself a good fishing book, learn to recognise the fish, learn how to handle certain fish as some of them can leave you with nasty cuts if you don't handle them correctly.

That's about all I can think of atm, there's a few fishermen on here which I'm sure will offer any advice and help you along your way. Good luck, have fun, and remember, they call it 'fishing' not 'catching'. :D
 
Incidentally I love sea fishign but since I live in London I don't really get much of a chance to go. Have yet to catch anything bigger than a couple of pounds.

I've had dogfish, wrasse, rock blennies, pollock, eels and a tiny bass.
 
was into it 30 years ago not really since then from that neck of the woods so used to the headlands and harbours of the area

tbh what has been said above get into a local bait seller or takle shop

used to walk for miles in my teans to find a spot.. dig my own worms in the estuarys etc etc

buy the ABU tackle guide lolz

local knowledge is a must along with a set of tide tables.. or i guess nowdays a smartphone..

but yer get out and do it damn just got me thinking wonder if i have an old split cane rod lying around..
 
Been fishing since i was a kid, had about 15 yr break and started back up last year.

Got a nice little pool that i'm a member of which luckily nobody in the club goes as they are more interested in the other pools in the club, i think the 10 minute walk from car park to pool puts them off! Just love sitting there in the good weather floating bread and pulling carp out all day, it really is a little gem.

Tempted go up this afternoon :)
 
Have been given a few tips by some locals and spoken to local tackle shop, who had another new guy to the town looking to start, he gave me his number and we are going out next weekend to learn and make mistakes together. I need to buy a keep net and a book on allowable keep sizes ie bass is 16 inches or it goes back. Really looking forward to it.
 
Use to do a lot of match fishing & sea fishing until a few years ago.

Rotters, Mounts Bay Angling club is down the road in Penzance from Hayle, they use to meet at the Bath Inn Penzance, on the first Tuesday of the month at 7-30pm.

Looking my little battered black book, Dave Cains Shangri-La' 9A Arundel Park, Hayle, is listed for details, can't read his phone number though, book dates from 2008, so might be out of date..

EDIT: Just quick google, I have found their face book page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mounts-Bay-Angling-Society/358583257690

Here their site http://mbas-juniorangling.co.uk/

I see Dave Cains is still listed as in Hayle.
 
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rotters, i'm an all round fisherman. I've been fly fishing for about 12 years and sea fishing in Cornish waters for about the same (although I live in London - have been holidaying in Newquay area for as long as I can remember).

I have trusted you my email address if there's anything you need to ask me. Even if you're out fishing and you're a bit stuck as to what to do, just drop me an email and I'll do my best to help.

I love fishing, but I love showing other people the joys of fishing even more!
 
Started lake fishing a couple of months ago, im a complete novice.

Bought an 8ft Quivertip rod for a tenner.

Seems like a right bargain, going to trial it on the weekend.

Brand new too. :D:D:D
 
Have a look for a "Masterline Rovex John Wilson Avon Quiver" or the travel version of the same rod.

I highly recommend this rod as it is a great all rounder. :)

8ft is a little short for Float/ledger fishing and more suited to Spinning, saying that you may find you like it anyway.
 
We were fishing on the south west coast here (a place called Albany) the weekend before last, it was our second time ever and was great fun fishing at the beach - got sunburn though :(.

Caught bugger all, but had a good time with the people we were with, even managed to loose an unopened beer that I stupidly put down in the sand whist I cast off, a wave came and my beer was not to be seen again!
 
Hi xxalxx,

Do you do much fishing in Perth, i have just moved here and am looking to get into the fishing here.

I am waiting on all my fishing gear to ship from Ireland with all my other stuff once i get settled.

So will be picking up some rods etc soon so i can get started.
 
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