A NEW PASSION FOR SEA FISHING
Words and images from Charlotte Sperrin
Sea fishing, or any kind of fishing for that matter had never been something I’d imagine I’d attempt, let alone become fixated on!
But here I am, two years in, with a thirst for knowledge and a completely different viewpoint of the coastline and waters around me.
Lockdown Blues
As some of you may know, my name is Charlotte, I’m 35 years old and I live in Weston- super-Mare.
I first tried my hand at sea fishing during lockdown in an attempt to avoid staying indoors.
I ventured down to some local marks with a friend, armed with a cheap and basic set up and some pre-tied rigs from a local tackle shop.
Everyday is a School Day
I became enthralled with the thrill of the rod tip twitching as I started to catch small codling and rockling just a few yards out in the surf.
From then on, I spent most of my time watching YouTube videos and following local anglers on social media with the aim to pick up hints and tips for casting techniques, local venues and different species that could be caught in my area.
Reaping the Rewards
With each trip came more determination and love of the sport and I found myself sulking on the return home from blank sessions! I’ve since learnt that this is common practise and seems to come with the territory of fishing!
I started to experiment with different rigs and baits that led me to the best catch i’d had so far- A beautiful thornback ray weighing 7lb 2oz caught on a small piece or mackerel and squid messily bound together on a simple pulley rig.
A specimen in my eyes!
Getting Competitive
I posted the picture on a Bristol Channel fishing group on Facebook- ‘Channel Anglers’.
It was well received and I began chatting to some of the members who made me aware of a series of local matches that were being held at Littleton-upon-Severn.
I nervously attended my first match in April of 2021. I didn’t catch a thing but I managed to get through it without casting over anyone else’s line! Overall, a very positive experience and the beginning of many matches I’ve fished up to now.
Good for the Sole
By the summer of 2021, with more species caught and more personal bests under my belt, I was in full swing and loving my new hobby.
One of my best catches came during a trip with pro-angler and fellow Cox & Rawle pro-team member James Madsen. A lovely 1lb 9oz Sole caught on a big ragworm bait on the mud flats near Clevedon.
It’s still one of my favourite catches to date and James included it in an article for Sea Angler magazine.
A New Venture
I’d still consider myself a newbie on the fishing scene and I’ve recently been really fortunate to meet with the lovely people behind the much-loved brand Cox & Rawle who have asked me to write a series of blogs documenting my journey and my progress. I can’t wait to get started!
Within my blogs I shall be including my new venue experiences, getting clued up on the overwhelming world of rig tying and my match fishing escapades, whilst managing to stay standing upright on the Bristol Channel mud!
Onwards and Upwards
With summer finally in our sights I’m looking forward to ditching the thermals and upping my game with the intention of adding more species to my growing list of catches.
Bass fishing is something I’m eager to get stuck into again, with my personal best so far being 6lb 2oz.
I’ve also signed up to The Southern League and Opens this year, competing against some of the best anglers in the country. I’m three matches down and I have a lot to learn but I’m sure it will be a worthwhile experience and one that I’m hoping to share with you.
My once spacious garage is now slowing filling up with my expanding collection of new tackle, smelly waterproofs and an array of shiny bits and bobs but I couldn’t be happier!
This week I ventured down to East Devon and had some great success catching flatfish and I will share my experience and highlights of my trip within my first blog!
Sea angling is now a huge part of my life and I’d urge anyone looking for a new outdoor hobby to give it a go. If I can do it, anyone can!
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