Inexpensive Sea Gear

[GrahamM]

Alan makes a good point. Now that foot and mouth disease has closed a lot of lakes and rivers many anglers will be turning to sea fishing. And who knows, it could turn into a major turning point in their angling careers in that they'll stick with it even when the lakes and rivers open again.

So what are your recommmendations to newcomers to sea fishing, regarding tackle purchases, and should they start on the shore, on a boat, or give both a try? And if you could give just one piece of advice about sea fishing, what would it be?

 

[Rob Brownfield]

Graham, stop trying to plug Shakespeare gear!!.....hehe!
As for sea fishing, well, I guess a resonable rod, and yep, the Shakespeare one looks good, as do similar priced ones from Abu and DAiwa, and a fixed spool reel loaded with 20 pound line and a shockleader, (Ryobi Project 8000 maybe) half a dozen 5 oz leads, a couple of packets of hooks and swivels, and away you go!!

 

[GrahamM]

I'm not! Alan Roe sent the review totally unsolicited, and I have no connection with Shakespeare whatsoever. It must be 10 years since I was consultant for them - just in case anyone takes you seriously.......

 

[Alan Roe]

For the novice shore angler I would tend to recommend a fixed spool reel as casting is easier and no fear of the dreaded birds nests as can happen with multipliers excellent F.S. reels can be had for as little as ?30.
If you want to go to the trouble of learning how to use a multiplier which isn't really that difficult my suggestion would be to save your cash and get a really good one for e.g. The ABU Mag Elite the Penn 525 Mag or the Diawa 7HT the extra you pay gets you long trouble free service and easier casting.
However I am just now in the process of evaluating another rod from the Shakespeare stable...sorry Rob (chortle!!) which is about a tenner dearer than the XK4000 that is ringed for multiplier use my first impressions of it are very favourable indeed a full review will follow in due course.
Boat angling tends to be more reliable in terms of putting you on to the fish but is dearer to undertake..You pays your money and takes your choice.

 

[Rob Brownfield]

Graham, has it really been that long??...Geez I must be getting old!!!

There are some craking rod and reel deals out there at the moment. U can pick up a top quality rod and fixed spool reel for under ?100. Now thats value! A quick glance at Sea Angler Magazine will reveal all!

 

[Dan Silverwood]

I would not normally be seen dead with a shakespere rod, (well cos I'm alive) but I brought one for 20 quid at the NEC and it is a great coaster rod for the money but saying that, it works out quite a dear old setup when I stick my 7HT or Rocket on it...

Dan
PLUG: www.leader-lines.co.uk

 

[dave godwin]

I agree with all your comments Alan as long as the prospective customer realises that they will probably want to upgrade within a year, beginers kits are usually quickly outgrown.
Dave

PS check out my new website
www.davegodwin.co.uk

 

[Ray Bewick]

Go with someone who can advise you if you can & for safety (for the first couple of times)

Start off of a breakwater or Pier, progress as your knowledge & experiance grows.

Dig your own bait, if you can.

Take time to talk to local anglers but be aware that they are not going to put you on to their favourite marks straight away.

Tackle wise, be realistic a 50 quid rod may cast 100 + yards in the hand of an experinced caster with a very good reel (reel spec wasn't mentioned was it?) on a green field but off a storm beach with a couple or even a single bait?, still in those conditions a 50yrd lob may be the business.

For a taster go in summer, carp style rod & reel float fish (slim pike floats) Mackeral strips for Gars & Macks most will already have this gear or how about the same rod & reel & bait but ledgering on bright frosty calm nights for Whiting now?.

 

[Stewart Branfield]

I want to have a go at light beach or pier fishing for flounder or even bass to see if I like it before I fork out for more specialist tackle.

Will a 11' carp rod (21/2lb tc)with 15lb main line on a baitrunner reel, and using 50lb shock leader do on a pier, say at Deal or Dover?

Cheers, Stew