Mud Flats to delight the Sole.
Words and images from Charlotte Sperrin
Pro Team member Charlotte Sperrin discusses fishing the Bristol Channel, the fish she’s catching and the hooks she’s using to catch them.
A New Venue.
Summer has finally arrived and I’d been trying my best to get out and make the most of the longer and warmer days. I recently visited Magor and Redwick in South Wales. I heard about these venues last year and was eager to fish them over high and low waters.
High Hopes.
On a sunny Wednesday afternoon in June, I arrived with fellow Pro Team member James at the venue with the intention to fish low water. There was a strong westerly wind and the sea looked rough and full of weeds but once I’d made it down onto the peat ledges I felt pretty confident that we could well be in for a fish or two!
Rig, Bait and the Aberdeen Perfect
Sole was the main target species of the day. I was prepared with some fresh Ragworm, Two Hook Flapping and Clipped rigs tied with size #1 and #2 Cox & Rawle Aberdeen Perfect hooks.
I decided to go for the Aberdeen Perfect because it has a longer shank which is ideal for worm baits, it is also a strong hook and there was a good chance that we may hook up with some bigger fish like Thornback Rays on this trip. As I enjoy catching all fish, I believe this hook choice would give me the best chance to land most of the species of fish that swim in this part of the Bristol Channel during the summer months.
Tough Fishing Conditions
Once the session got underway, I found casting into the head-on winds quite difficult and it had an obvious impact on the distance that my lead hit the water. James reassured me that casting distance at this venue wasn’t really an issue and the Dover Sole quite often get caught at close casting range.
Comfortable Fishing in South Wales
Redwick is a comfortable venue under foot, there is a thin layer of sloppy mud to contend with on the walk down to the ledges but on the whole I’d say it’s one of the cleaner areas I’ve fished around the Bristol Channel and had the westerly wind not been in play then I think it would be a really pleasant low water fishing venue.
Sole Searching
On reflection I was really pleased with the end result of this session. I had ticked off another venue that I would be keen to fish again – preferably in calmer weather!
It was however, definitely a reminder that I sill haven’t invested in some decent and suitable fishing attire and again I realised the importance of it and how it can play a huge part in your mood and overall experience.
We eventually packed up feeling satisfied that we’d both caught our target species and on the walk back to the car we were able to scout out a good spot to fish high water next time.
I look forward to sharing my experience fishing high water at the venue soon!
Charlotte Sperrin
Cox & Rawle Ambassador
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