Lure fishing into a SHOAL ! of BASS

What a great day this was the hottest Day of the Year. Started catching Bass on Lures from the start. Unbelievably most were landed while being surrounded by Seals.

You can see the gear I use here:

Catch report Card here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C6C626SD
Email extras here: https://mailchi.mp/779f98ab8dad/regular-
Recommended: https://www.saltwaterangler.co.uk/post/sea-fishing-tackle-i-use

SANDY ANDY https://www.veals.co.uk/product/westin-sandy-andy-13cm-22gm/?aff=20

Some notes on Marks:
I use a number of editing techniques to hide where i am fishing. This is not out of disrespect to you watching this video. A well placed Gill-net can destroy a bass population and commercial netters watch this and other youtube channels to see where the fish are. I love showing our fantastic coastline and all it has to offer. I was fishing under some magnificent chalk cliffs today and it pains me to have to cut out or manipulate some of this scenery. But i have a responsibility to protect some of these marks for the future.

Landing a Bass:
Bass are tough fish different to out freshwater carp. No i don’t use a landing mat most of the time lifting a smaller fish out the water or on to the beach is the easiest thing to do. Yes you should quickly un-hook them BUT its worth stopping to think how its hooked and where you are going to release the fish.These shallow Sussex beaches are ideal to move the fish on to the shingle. Not dangle for the net when you could of beached the fish. Other marks a net is essential. Places like Piers and deep overhanging rock marks.

Seals:
Seals can destroy a Bass Population.They are, i admit a ready made excuse when we don’t catch.I am also well aware of the argument that they were here first. I was surprised that were not hunting the Bass today and chose to stand watching a clumsy humans approach! However i also see myself as a hunter in this environment and part of it as well as an observer. So i fish around them. A single 3lb Bass will feed my family that evening. , Is Healthy There may well be troll like comments that i might harm a seal. I wont harm a seal with a weedless hook. The seals can see a line and are very cautious. Some individuals do learn the skill to take a fish off an anglers line but this colony doesn’t.

Eating Bass.
Yes i eat Bass very much within the guidelines , I do not freeze them or give them away, just taking enough.Eating fish is a big part of Bass fishing for me. Admittedly i was schooled by Anglers from the 60s and 70s and i still think there is a real joy in Eating your catch. You can still respect your quarry and bonk it on the head.

YOU THE VIEWER
I try to make you the viewer centre stage for these videos i hope that comes across . My intent is to showcase our magnificent Island and my enthusiasm for Angling. I love this way of fishing knee deep in the salt and id encourage you to give it a go.

MY SKILLS
The more i learn about Lure fishing for Bass the more i realise i know a very small amount.! I first fished a Lure under the cliffs at Beachy head in the Late 80s. I watched an angler use a Rapala lure land Bass after Bass where my peeler crab bait landed none.It was a lightbulb moment. I was that annoying kid that went up to every angler and asked them questions. Well i’m still learning now, more than ever. Sea fishing needs more listener than talkers

*COMMON QUESTIONS*
Where are you fishing-
This has been fully explained- There are hours of Mark guides on the channel to get you started.

Do you use single Hooks-
Yes sometimes-Pros and cons

Do you do guiding-
No Only for the Angling trust as a coach for a Kids youthclub
What state of the tide is best- It depends. But Any state of the tide can fish well-Start by considering what the fish are doing.

Can you fish in unclear water with Lures ?
YES- try it
How do you attach a Lure?
SP- Rapala Knot
HP Lure clip
Do you use a swivel on a lure?
NO
Why don’t you use a net ?
I do but only in specific situations. a bass on shingle and boulders should be brought in on the tide.A net can cause you more trouble than its worth.

You said THIS now you say THAT
You have to be able to change your mind. In the light of new information or experience. Today was a good example i really did think that seals would put the Bass off feeding.

Recreational Fishing for Bass here in Sussex
Recreational fishers are subject to the following rules:
* Recreational fishers using rod and line are prohibited from retaining bass in February and March. Catch and release only is permitted during this period.
* Outside of February and March, recreational fishers may retain two bass per person, per day.
* Bass retained outside of February and March must measure at least 42cm in overall length (the Minimum Conservation Reference Size).
* No bass can be taken by fixed or drift nets.
* These rules apply when fishing from a boat or from the shore.