Blog Extra Special: Smooth Hound Fishing in South and East Wales.

Posted by Derek Townsend on September 9, 2011 under Sea Fishing | Be the First to Comment

First Encounter!!

It is always difficult, pin-pointing a date with any degree of accuracy when looking back over the years, but the story I am about to tell happened towards the latter end of the 70’s.  However, there is no doubt in my mind that the incident occurred in early July, during a heat-wave spell, not long after the tide had turned at low water.  The sun beating down mercilessly from almost directly above, confirmed that we were fishing a big tide, at mid day and three quarters into a waxing, spring sequence.  Flat calm, not a ripple, the forward fringe of deposited sediment disturbed and lifting into an impenetrable curtain, the first indication that the new flood was slowly, even sluggishly,  reluctantly, silently and unobtrusively meandering across the hot, baking, dried edges of the beach at the water line.  My best friend, the late Robert (Bob) Townsend (no relation) and I were setting up the bass gear at one of our top marks, more out of habit than expectation because the placid sea appeared so out of line with any text book description of classic bassing conditions.  As luck would have it, I was the first to be fully operational right down to the medium sized, soft, frozen edible, neatly wrapped and secured around the shank of the sharpened Mustad 79510 (now 79515) size 4/0 hook.  With conditions so unbassy, I was regretting having used one of the prime, frozen baits from the bait bucket, the thawing process was in full swing, perspiring rivulets of aromatic juices, the result of the oppressive heat.

 Without warning the sea in front of us, probably 20 to 30 yards offshore from the low water line, erupted in a thrashing, smashing, maelstrom of frightened baitfish, desperately leaping clear of the turbulence in the hope of escaping from the gaping mouths of the closely following large, mature bass, the sun reflecting off the mirror- like silver of the pristine flanks for little more than a split second before disappearing back into the boiling water.  For a second or two, we both stood rooted to the ground, bemused by the suddenness and unexpectedness of the spectacle being played out before our eyes and within a short casting distance.  My first cast landed right in the middle of the turmoil and before I had had time to settle, Thump, the first bass had taken my melting softie, without any noticeable caution.  Meantime, Bob had waded into the water and expertly landed and removed the hook from the first bass.  There was no hesitation, another softie elasticated to the hook and despatched post haste into the milling crowd of bass and baitfish, short pause and another, “no messing about” Thump.  In total, I landed three bass in quick succession before the shoal of baitfish and bass moved out of casting range.  Bob, who was selflessly landing, weighing and returning my bass, had little opportunity to wet his line.  In the short span of 10 to 15 minutes, highly energized activity, three bass, all in peak condition, each exceeding 6 lb. to a total weight of circa 20.5 lbs were beached.

 The aftermath was an anti-climax as the sea once again settled to a pond like consistency, but both Bob and I put good baits out into the circle of water where the recent spectacle had taken place.  Talking over what we had just witnessed lulled us into a relaxed frame of mind, convinced that any further sport with the bass had evaporated together with the distant and disappearing shoal of baitfish.

To tell the truth, I was on the verge of calling it a day, selfishly pleased with the rewards enjoyed but feeling pangs of guilt that Bob had been so busy administering to my fish that he had missed the moment.   Caught unawares, the Bones bass rod nearly leapt out of my grasp, I had the sense to slacken off the drag and put the reel in free-spool, controlling the despatch of line with gentle thumbing, standard procedure when playing a decent bass in open water.  I couldn’t believe the power of whatever had taken my bait, and was forced to concede more line than would have been expected for a mature bass.  The initial flush of excitement had passed and I settled into the business of playing the fish.  Bullying a fish to my feet was always avoided wherever practical, providing the underwater topography was clean and free of snags as at this venue.  Letting the fish have its head, playing it out in deeper water using the drag, free-spool, thumb control and taking in line as and when possible, was the best way of ensuring the durability of the light line test (11 lb. test “sewerage brown” Sylcast) and maximising the properties of the Bones Bass rod’s flexible tip and stiff lower section until, at last, the tiring prey began to give ground.  Bob once again took to the water in anticipation, but it became obvious as the fight progressed, that this prey was no bass. The large, front dorsal fin breaking the surface of the water, confirmed what I had suspected, that this was my first encounter with a smooth hound.  It was unhooked and returned. Comparing the size to recent photographs, I guess the weight must have been in the 7/ 8 or even 9 lb. range. (An honest reflection, given the passage of time, not a deliberate attempt to overcook the weight!)   

That was my first of many encounters with smooth hounds, but always as an accidental contact when bass fishing on light tackle.

(Footnote:  My best friend Robert (Bob) Townsend was an experienced and competent sea angler, familiar with the vagaries of this coast.  He and a colleague were swept into the sea by an unexpected but not unusual, freak wave surge, and lost their lives whilst fishing off the end of Witches Point.  To this day, I make no apologies for relating this tragic story to any anglers I meet fishing on the Point, in the hope that it will act as a warning and save any further, unnecessary loss of life.)

The Common smooth hound is reportedly the least likely to be encountered in Welsh waters, so to hook a fish of 17lb. 12oz., play and land it from the raised fishing station of Mumbles Pier is quite an achievement. The fish snapped up the crab bait on the first cast of the day. Battling against a 12 metre tide run and six to seven earnest attempts to rap itself around the Piers Pylons, the fish was eventually brought to the surface after 15 minutes, guided into the drop net and lifted to the deck of the pier. The Shimano Aspire 130m 13 foot surf multiplier rod and an Abu Ambassador 6500 Rocket multiplying reel loaded with 12lb. breaking strain test main line and a 60lb. test greased Weasel shock leader was the armoury. The terminal tackle was a three foot Pulley Pennel assembly, constructed from an 80lb. Sufix body, and a 40lb. Sufix supple link trace to 2 x 4/0 Mustad uptide Viking hooks. Mumbly Zac’s fish was reportedly 2lb. over the current Welsh record.

The Birth of a Cult!

It was probably around the same period as my first encounter, that the awareness and potential of the smooth hound as a sport fish became more widely recognised, a target species rather than a random experience, in South East Wales.  The coastline to the east, in the vicinity of Aberthaw, was the initial focus of interest, but as familiarity with the species behaviour, appetite and habitat developed, other venues were investigated and took their place in the growing list of “hot” marks.  At the time there were no forums or the like to broadcast instant information, so the development of the smooth hound fishing was allowed to grow at a sustainable rate rather than being the subject of the “gold rush” mentality, as is so often the case today.  As a result of this steady recognition of the smooth hound (both starry and common) as a genuine “Sport” fish, capable of satisfying the “combat” desires of many sea anglers, it has reached “Cult “ status on a par with the bass, and has become the subject of single minded attention ,in season, around the coast of Wales.  One of the major differences between bass and smooth hounds is that the latter has no, or very little commercial value as a food source, unlike the bass that is, reportedly, being predated to “extinction” as things stand at the moment.  This means that the populations of smooth hound packs are less likely to suffer any noticeable depreciation, provided they are treated with respect, handled and returned with the minimum of stress or damage.  A golden opportunity to preserve, sustain a genuine “sport fish” at a level readily available to those who have developed the knowledge, skills and tactics.

   

Phillip Bissmire, fishing at distance over low water at Nash Point, was using crab tied to a Sakuma 545 Manta Extra size 4/0 hook, presented on a Pulley/Pennel system, when he hooked into a 16lb. 8oz. Starry smooth hound.  

 

 

 

  

 

 

Facts of Life, Starry and Common Smooth Hound.

	Starry Smooth Hound (Mustelus asterias)	Common Smooth Hound ( Mustelus mustelus)
Description	A moderate, slender shark with two triangular Dorsal fins, a pale brown to grey upper body decorated with white spots, above the lateral line.	As the Starry Smooth Hound minus the white spots.
Size	S.S.H. are fully mature between 120cm (47.25ins.) /130 cm (51.25 ins.), to 140 cm (55 ins.).	C.S.H. are fully mature between 120 cm (47.25ins.) /135 cm (53.25ins.) to normal size of150 cm (59 ins.) and a maximum of164 cm (64′h ins.)
Maturity	Females mature at 85 cm (33.50 ins.) at Approximately 2-3 years old. Males mature at 78 cm (30.75ins.) to 85 cm (33.5ins.)	Females mature at 80 cm (31.50ins.) and Males mature at 70 cm (27.50ins.) to 74 cm (29 ins.)
Reproduction	Live bearing. Litter size 7-15 pups, larger Females have bigger litters. Size of pups at birth is 20cm (7-8ins.) Gestation period is 12 months	Live bearing. Litter size 4-15 pups although usually less than 15. Size of pups at birth is 30 cm (11-12 ins.)Gestation period is 10-11 months.
Habitat	Found both inshore and offshore near the bottom, over sand or gravel sea beds, at depths up 100 metres.	Commonly found in coastal shallow waters,( occasionally at mid-water), In open ground, but not reefs. Up to a depth of 150 metres.
Food	Crustaceans (Crabs, Hermit Crabs and Squat Lobsters).	Crustaceans (Hermit Crabs, Shore, Edible Crabs, Squat Lobsters) and, occasionally, Ragworm and Shrimps. Less likely to eat squid, octopus, small Boned fish or eels.
Range	British Isles to Iberian Peninsula It/c1uding Mediterranean waters.	British Isles to Cape of Good Hope, Including the Mediterranean. Mainly Coastal regions.
Uk. Record Weights on Rod and Line	Shore: 23 lb. 20zBoat: 28 lb. 2oz.	Shore: 20lb. 30z.Boat: 28 lb.

 

STARRY SMOOTH HOUNDS ARE MORE COMMON THAN THE COMMON SMOOTH HOUND

Welsh (Rod Caught) Records – Smooth hounds.

Starry Smooth hound (Mustelus asterias)

Boat  11.510kg (25.38lbs.) 2007  Holyhead B.Taylor of Wigan.

Shore 9.638kg (21.25lbs.) 1998   Aberthaw M.Cole of Cardiff.

Common Smooth hound (Mustelus mustelus)

Boat  10.206kg (22.50lbs.) 2006 Holyhead M.A. Evans of Anglesey.

Shore 7.144kg   (15.75lbs.) 1981  Boverton G.E. Jones of Cardiff.

The tide was on the ebb when two, well known local brothers (Browny 81 and SW) arrived at their mark, with just three hours remaining to low water. Browny 81 (above) suffered a mishap with the first cast of the day, the line piling up on the reel spool brought the flying line to a dead stop, with the result that the rig and bait splashed down a mere 40 yards out from the waters edge. Fortunately the crab, secured to a single Varivas Big Mouth size 2/0 hook, Pulley Rig/Rotten Bottom set up, survived the abrupt stop. Having sorted out the “birds nest”, Browny 81 was holding the rod, reeling in the slack line when the tip arced over and line was being pulled off of the reel at an alarming rate by a 12 lb. 15oz. Common smooth hound (returned). In retrospect, Browny 81 said he enjoyed the experience holding the rod, feeling the bite and the direct contact as the fish tried to make its escape. Meanwhile Browny SW (below) busy taking a digital pic of his brothers smooth hound, had to rush to his own rod , which was dancing perilously in the rest and at risk of being pulled into the sea. A common smooth hound of 15lb. 3oz. (returned), a Browny SW personal best, was the reward for the frantic activity. Once again, bait was crab but attached to a single Sakuma Manta Extra 2/0 size hook on a pulley/rotten bottom setup. A total of 29lb. 5oz.(two fish) caught in the first flush of the new flood. As it turned out, the rest of the session was equally as busy. 

 A Duty of Care. 

Most informed, responsible sea anglers in the 21^st Century are aware of their “Duty of Care” towards all species, and accept the moral obligation to treat all fish with respect.  Handling, especially during landing, unhooking and photographing smooth hounds, is the critical period when the fish are most susceptible to accidental injury.  This could have a profound influence on the long term survival prospects of any specimen intended for return, alive and in good condition.  Reportedly, it is not unknown for some smooth hounds to swim away as if in good health only to die a few days later, the victim of unintentional poor handling. In many ways, the cult of the bass has been the catalyst that has drawn attention to the culture of fish care, but it is not exclusive to this species.  As a result of scouring the websites and reading up any literature about Smooth hounds while researching for this blog, I unearthed an excellent document titled “SSACN – Small Shark Handling.  Code of Practice” produced by the Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network”.  It is exactly what it says on the cover, and the five pages of downloadable information should be of interest to those who fish or intend to fish for both species of smooth hounds, from Boat or Shore.  Outlined in these pages are recommended good, common sense practices, which if implemented, should help to sustain an active and healthy smooth hound population.  The address for this SSACN  Document is as follows:

http://www.ssacn.org/wp-content/pdf/small%20shark%20handling.pdf  

Both species of smooth hounds are members of the shark family and as such do not have a bone structure capable of supporting the internal organs, when removed from the sea.  Unhooking the fish while it is still in the water is the ideal way to resolve this dilemma.  In the event that the fish is removed from the sea for unhooking or photographing, there is a real risk that the internal organs could be ruptured.  Following the guide lines as set out in the SSACN papers is essential reading.

This Starry smooth hound (15lbs. 1oz.) was caught by Foreshore Fisher over low water of a neap tide at Lavernock Point. The bait used was half a crab on a size 3/0 hook and a 15 inch pulley rig.

A “Win, Win” Situation!!

In the story related at the beginning of this blog, I made it clear that my contact with smooth hounds during the 70’s and early 80’s, was by accident rather than design, during bouts of “light tackle” bass fishing in rough ground.  The “Bones” Bass Rod mk.3, Abu 6500 (1975) C, 11 lb. test Sylcast “sewerage brown” monofilament line, 2 ounce no grip lead, a single Mustad 79510 (now 79515) 4/0 hook attached to a running paternoster, not even a leader in those days, was the set up inadvertently used to play and land the occasional smooth hound interloper.  I admit that fighting an estimated 8 lb Smooth hound proved a greater challenge on this “light gear” than had been the experience with the equivalent weight of a bass.  The unintentional contact with the smooth hounds, undoubtedly tested both me and the gear I was using, but not one fish was lost through snagging, hook breakage or line/ trace failure.  During the same time period, I was involved in tope fishing from the shore with a group of forward thinking, light tackle specialists from Swansea, who applied the same approach and light tackle logic to tope fishing as they did to other species, bass in particular.   Bearing in mind that tope of 20 lb plus each were not unusual, the rod was an O.D. constructed on an 11 to 12 foot, fibre glass, “Fibatube” blank rated for 3 to 5 oz lead, an early Abu 6000C or 6500C reel (original small Abu handle) loaded with 12 or 15 lb test (probably Sylcast Blue) monofilament line, a 55 lb test Leader, a running ledger, wire trace and a Mustad 5/0 hook.  The biggest tope was a female in excess of 50 lb that gave birth to a batch of new born pups shortly after weighing.  All the pups were returned to the sea immediately and in good health, as was the mother.

Due to my admitted lack of expertise in smooth hound fishing on a regular basis, I am falling back on my experiences as set out in the above paragraph with the intention of putting together a theoretical but logical “Tackle and Tactics” scenario for the species Starry and Common smooth hound.   The anglers who target the smooth hounds are in a “win, win” situation, unlike the bass angler.  The lack of commercial predation on any significant scale, the fact that anglers return alive a large proportion of the smooth hounds caught, and most telling of all, is the fact that there is no incentive to kill because they are not good company for chips!  I doubt if there are many freezers filled to brimming with dead smooth hounds in order to feed the relatives!!  The up-shot is that due to the minimal predation, this burgeoning population is being allowed the opportunity to attain a maximum growth rate, which could mean a larger proportion of specimens reaching high double figures.

 Fishing an ebbing tide as the sun began to slip below the horizon, the atmosphere humid, with no wind to speak of and a sea like a mill pond. This was the back drop to the capture of Browny SW’s Starry smooth hound following a cast of approximately 80 yards, around one hour before low water. The 14lb 2oz. fish was tempted by crab bait on a single 2/0 Sakuma Manta Extra hook, presented on a pulley rig/rotten bottom set up. Immediately upon capture the fish was gently placed in a spacious rock pool to recouperate and minimise the risk of any physical damage through excessive handling, photographed and weighed using a sling, before being returned to the sea.

In a Rut?

When blessed with a consistency of quantity and quality of species such as the smooth hounds, there is a tendency to fall into a routine of using the same tactics and tackle, the same format time and time again, so that the catching becomes “easy” and “predictable”, with the result that eventually the “novelty” could wear off and what was once thrilling could become mundane and repetitive.  Of course, to reach this state requires knowledge and acquisition of appropriate skills.  Bass fishing is a good example of how initiative and experimenting can produce a variety of different techniques (spinning, plug fishing, fly fishing, float fishing and bait fishing) as a diversity of choice to offset the risk of any one technique becoming “boring”.  I hasten to add that, perhaps, none of these techniques are appropriate to fishing for smooth hounds, but never the less, it may prove rewarding to “step outside the box” and try something new.  One of the lessons learnt living and fishing through the 60’s/ 70’s, is that the “How” was as much a contributor to the overall buzz of fishing as the actual hooking, playing and landing.

 

 Targetting bass, Deejay (above) was fishing to the right hand side of the river Ogmore, close to a patch of light broken ground. Having cast no more than 30 yards out, he was suprised when a fiesty 10lb 2oz Starry smooth hound took the crab bait presented on a 3/0 size hook, Pennel/Pulley rig. Not to be out done, Barrel Reef (below), D.J’s son, also caught a double, 11lb 2oz Starry smooth hound at distance with crab. The smooth hound snatched the bait, at low water, just as the tide turned and the new flood began to move over the beach. Altogether, a total of three smooth hounds were caught in this session.

 Specification…..Rough and Broken Ground.

Prey Species:  Starry and Common smooth hounds.

Venue Description:  Estuary mouths, Shallow bays, broken ground.

Target………Gully’s, Sand spits, patches of broken ground, mud and gravel sea bed..

Rod…….. Based on my unplanned experiences with the bass rod, tackling smooth hounds with this class of equipment is an extreme, but breathtaking experience.  In the right hands, this is a feasible venture, the necessary credentials include courage and a patient mindset, prepared to play the fish rather than “outgunning” or “bullying” it ashore.  When I worked with Mr. Mike McManus (Senior) of Conoflex, designing the blank for the “Bare Bones Bass Rod” back in the late 70’s, my specification included a fast tapered tip of 20 to 24 inches to act as a shock absorber on light lines, but once this was taken up on the strike, the remaining ¾ ‘s of the blank to the butt was relatively stiff, aiding positive strike and hook setting.  Unlike the bass, there is nothing subtle about the bite of a smooth hound, more a brutal “hit and run” attack.  Maybe, a beefed up version of the “Bones” specification, constructed to the same criteria and fabricated from carbon fibre, to a rating of 3-5 oz casting, would result in a blank purpose made to get the best out of smooth hound fishing,  yet with the inbuilt capacity to cope with large doubles when they come along.  My choice would be a 9 foot tip and 3 foot butt section.  Fitted with the latest rod rings and reel seat, this could result in a formidable, sporting, “fit for purpose”, smooth hound fishing rod, light enough to be held for long periods,  supported by a “fighting belt with cup”, fastened around the waist  or the upper leg, to act as a fulcrum when the need arises to pressurise the fish away from obstacles.                    

Reel……..A modern version of the Abu 6500C type of medium size multiplying reel or equivalent fixed Spool Reel, of the manufacturer of choice.  (Putting the reel in free spool and engaging the ratchet after casting, is a prudent safety measure)

Line……..10/ 12 or 15 lb. test strength breaking strain mainline, the diameter chosen will be down to experience, and confidence in one’s ability to handle a robust fish on narrow line.  With a couple of provisos, using low test and narrow diameter lines is feasible.  In the first place, selection of the line has to be based on quality with price a secondary consideration.  Secondly, a line and reel maintenance regime is essential.

Leader……This will be determined by the location of the known feeding zone (close in or at distance), height and state of the tide being fished and the selection of the lead weight density.  Short casting to close inshore areas of broken ground, a gully or small sand bank, on a neap tide at low water could justify “going light” with a 2 or 3 ounce grip or grip-less lead appropriate for the prevailing currents.  If the known feeding station is at distance this may call for a 4 or 5 ounce lead.  The formula for calculating the leader test strength was 10 lb for every ounce of lead, but as a matter of policy, I have taken the precaution of  adding a further circa 30% as an additional safety factor.  Therefore 2 oz/ 25 lb test: 3 oz/ 40 lb. test: 4 oz/ 55 lb. test and 5 oz/ 65 lb test.

Weight…. Tide and weather conditions, currents, size of bait, location of feeding station are all factors which could affect the density of lead weight selected.  My advice is to always go for the lightest sinker without grips,that the conditions and the other factors would allow, without compromising the viability of the fishing session. 

Rig………Single Hook, Running Paternoster (built from the same test line as the leader) or Running Leger. A popular “modern” rig is the pulley set up, often coupled with a pennel (2 x hook) arrangement. Personally, I have never felt comfortable with the double hook pennel, viewing it as unnecessary and a potential liability when striking and unhooking. The perceived risk was that the “two hooks in tandem” format could disrupt or interfere with positive penetration on the strike.  A single hook, sharpened and honed, is more likely to penetrate the tough flesh around the mouth area effectively, if not hampered by a “loose cannon” in the form of a second hook.  The other area of concern was the risk of “deep throat” hooking resulting in avoidable and damaging “surgery”.     

Hook……Mustad 79515 (was 79510) size 4/0, well sharpened.  The Sakuma 545 Manta Extra, size 4/0 is a popular hook with those who make smooth hound fishing a speciality.  Snood length 18 inches.

Rod Rest…None.  To gain the maximum enjoyment from any “sport-fishing” experience there is no alternative but to hold the rod so that all activity or interest at the terminal tackle end, is immediately communicated up the line to the angler.

Bait……..Almost exclusively crustaceans (peeler, soft, crispy and hardback crabs), Hermit crabs (remove from shell), shrimps, squat lobsters, ragworm  and  cocktails tipped with squid.

Casting…Smooth hounds are attracted inshore for two reasons, to feed and for the females to give birth. 

Interestingly, a couple of the captions supporting the photographs displayed in this blog, suggests that at least two of the fish were caught close inshore, one estimated at 30 yards and the other at 40 yards, the latter the result of a casting mishap.  This does beg the question as to whether L.D.C. is an obligatory requirement or whether some episodes of medium to close inshore fishing may prove rewarding.  It is certainly the case when bass fishing that over casting the feeding zones means missed opportunities.  The robust fighting qualities of smooth hounds even of single figure, weighted specimen’s, is such that they can test the stamina of most anglers.  It is questionable whether long rods (above 11 or 12 feet) work for or against the angler during the duration of the “fight” sequence, submitting the angler to avoidable effort and pressure rather than the other way around.  It is all about leverage!  The longer the rod, so the extra leverage must work against the angler and in favour of the smooth hound.  This is an inevitable consequence of “long” rods when encountering a species that puts up fierce resistance.  I am an admirer of “Surfcast Wales” and the work they do to encourage and teach casting techniques, having been a spectator at one of their Sunday casting events.  L.D.C. is not the exclusive province of 5 / 6 ounce weights.  Light tackle and L.D.C. are equally compatible using 2 /3 or 4 ounce weights*, as the following list of Welsh record casting distances, comprehensively illustrates. 

              * 50   grams   1.77 ounces    200 yards plus?    150 grams   5.30 ounces    295 yards

              * 75   grams   2.65 ounces    233 yards              175 grams   6.17 ounces    285 yards

              * 100 grams   2.83 ounces    283 yards              200 grams   7.06 ounces    267 yards

              * 125 grams   4.41 ounces    298 yards                       

State of Tide…This decision will depend on knowledge and experience, usually based on past encounters with the smooth hounds, but one of the popular periods is 3 hours of the ebb to low water and 3 hours of the new flood.  Fishing up to and over the top of the tide has been suggested as a good time to fish for smooth hounds at night.

Tidal Volume (height)…Not excluding Neap tides, informed opinion does suggest that medium to Spring tidal sequences present the best opportunity to catch smooth hounds.

Sea Conditions…As with other species, water temperature is one of the influences which controls the behaviour of smooth hounds.  Once again referring to the photograph captions, is it coincidence that several anglers make reference to calm sea conditions?  In many ways, the smooth hounds feeding habits are similar to that of a bass.  They will eagerly move inshore to feed after the sea bed has been disturbed following a storm, to “hoover up” the food items dislodged from under the rocks or in crevices.

Weather Conditions…“Humid atmosphere, very little breeze and the sea calm, like a mill pond” was the most popular quote describing the ideal conditions for catching smooth hounds, but I suspect this is not the whole story.

Learning Curve!!

This blog is unusual in that I am not writing from a wealth of knowledge acquired over many years of smooth hound fishing, more a snapshot of irregular, accidental encounters that have proved to be thrilling beyond description on the “light tackle” gear employed.  Much of the information has come from research and discussion with anglers who have been through the “learning curve” with these species.  In many ways, being able to step back from a total involvement, it is possible to see the wood from the trees and suggest an alternative way to the current tackle and mental approach, which may or may not tweak a spark of interest.

A Starry smooth hound of 11lb., caught off Witches Point, Southerndown by Matt H.

Acknowledgments. 

I would like to express my gratitude to those anglers who supplied me with the excellent photographs, together with a concise and detailed cameo of the background to the capture.

 (A brace of smooth hounds, one Starry (7lb. 8oz.) and one Common (6lb. 8oz.) both fish falling to whole squid presented on a pulley/pennel rig with a 24 inch hook length, caught and landed on the lighthouse end of Porthcawl Pier by Gerwyn mr2.

 

 

 

 

 

Read Mike Thrussell’s review of Derek’s book “Bass Fishing from the shore in South East Wales and More”

Click here for Review.

Buy the book “Bass Fishing from the shore in South East Wales and More” by Derek Townsend.

Click here for Details.

© Derek Townsend (The views expressed in this blog are those of the contributor)

No related posts.