A-Z of Fish
Bass
From the Shore
If there is one species that perfectly embodies the experience of sea fishing in Jersey, it is the Bass. Its silvery flanks and graceful form can be appreciated to the full in the crystal clear inshore waters that surround the island, and provide a wonderful hunting ground for this supreme predator. Jersey is not only visited by high numbers of migratory fish each year, but also has its own resident population of indigenous stock, and these factors combine to provide some of the finest Bass fishing to be found anywhere in Europe. Vast numbers of juvenile fish seek the shelter of the inshore reef systems to feed on the abundant bait, and quickly put on weight. Mid sized fish venture out into the strong tidal runs in order to intercept sand-eel and small bait fish that struggle to cope with the power of the flow, or follow the tide into the shallows to graze on the incredible array of natural food that emerges during each tidal cycle. Fully mature fish tend to be slightly more solitary, only forming into large shoals prior to spawning, but experienced anglers who are familiar with their behaviour, and favourite feeding areas, can enjoy some excellent sport with fish that run to well over the magic ten pound mark.
Unlike many other areas, where Bass are normally caught using limited tactics, the incredible variety of the fishing grounds in Jersey, and the vast tidal ranges that ebb and flow each day, enable the angler to target island Bass in any number of ways. Whether your penchant is for bottom fishing with large baits in secluded bays and harbours during the quieter hours, or for fishing in the surf of a golden strand as the breakers disturb the food from their sandy burrows, here is the place to do it. Lure anglers who prefer a more mobile approach, are totally spoilt for choice by the variety of terrain from which to fish. There are very few places where one can actually examine the ground over which one intends to fish when the tide retreats at low water. Tidal ranges in Jersey are some of the highest in the world, with levels rising and falling up to forty feet on spring tides, and uncovering myriad reefs, gullies, and sand banks, that are the feeding haunts of the Bass, and many other species. With great care, it is possible to ‘fish the tide up’ from any number of marks around the island, and with the help of polarised glasses, actually witness at first hand, the arrival of the Bass. The visual nature of fishing in this way has to be experienced to be believed, as fish venture into inches of water, in order to be the first to the feeding grounds.
Baits placed carefully to intercept these fish as they enter these areas, or shallow diving and surface lures, will catch plenty of fish, and provide a memorable fishing experience for those who choose to fish in this way. Visiting, and local anglers, can enjoy this sport armed with only the bare minimum of tackle, that allows them to cover plenty of ground whilst searching out the fish. Light spinning rods and reels, coupled with a few hooks and weights, or a small box of lures, is all that is required, and of late, spectacular sport has been enjoyed by fly fishermen who have adapted their methods to suit the conditions, and the Bass’s feeding habits.
From the Boat
Boat fishing for Bass is one of the most productive ways to contact fish, and big ones at that, but it has to be said that Jersey waters are some of the most potentially dangerous in the British Isles. The vast tidal range, and the many inshore reefs systems set in shallow water, mean that those not totally familiar with local waters should not attempt to fish them without a guide, or someone with specific knowledge of the chosen area. In truth, it is probably these very reasons that play a large part in protecting stocks from over-fishing, but anyone who is fortunate enough to know an experienced boatman, or owner-skipper, who is prepared to take one out, is likely to enjoy the very best of Channel Island’s Bass fishing.
Most fishing is carried out amid the shallows and gullies of the inshore reefs, as the marauding Bass hunt for small bait- fish and crustaceans, and tactics can vary from free-lining live sand-eel, to casting or trolling plugs from the boat. On the deeper marks, most anglers choose to fish with whole Mackerel, or heavy fish imitative lures that are capable of being worked in depths of almost 200ft, where the Bass are feeding.
Charter boats occasionally land Bass from sand-banks, and areas of broken ground, but generally, it is the smaller craft that can navigate safely in the shallows, that specialise in catching this species.
Black Bream
From the Shore
Jersey has to be one of the best, if not the best, places to target specimen sized Black Bream from the shore, and the boat. In early spring, the migratory shoals move into island waters, and begin to be caught from the shore in good numbers as water temperatures climb. Most of the productive marks are located close to the full flow of the tide, which undoubtedly acts as a feeding spur to this species.
Bream will happily take worm baits, but most large specimens tend to fall to squid and cuttlefish strips, fished on two or three hook paternoster rigs. The species seems to prefer to ‘graze’ on areas of reef, and broken ground, and because of this, it is highly advisable to incorporate a ‘rotten bottom’ to one’s rig so that tackle loss is kept to a minimum.
Most local experts tend to concentrate their efforts on cliff marks to the west and north of the island, and whilst the access to some is difficult, most can be reached with a reasonable degree of caution. Daylight hours appear to be the most productive, but anglers are reminded that they should never fish alone, or without some means of communication in their possession. The rock marks at the bottom of the cliffs that form most of the northern coastline, can provide excellent fishing platforms, but are occasionally subject to freak swells that materialise in otherwise calm conditions, and can sweep the unwary from the fishing platform. Landing fish in these locations can also be tricky, and often a drop net is called for.
Standard beach casting rods are suitable for most conditions, coupled with 7000 size reels loaded with fifteen to twenty pounds breaking strain mainline, and shock leaders of fifty pounds to cope with the rough ground. Strong hooks and snoods are vital to cope with fish that will weigh in excess of three pounds, and often over four.
From the Boat
The Bream season for boat anglers lasts from early Spring, right through to Autumn, and the quality of sport, and the average size of the fish is unparalleled in European waters. The first shoals to reach inshore waters are invariably vast in numbers, and of high average size, with most fish being over three pounds. Four and even five pound fish are commonplace, and form part of catches that can run into 200 hundred fish in a session at peak times. The local charter skippers are truly expert in locating and catching these hard fighting fish, and have been the subject of many magazine articles and TV specials.
During the winter months, the Bream shoals move offshore on to deep water wrecks that lie some twenty miles offshore from the island, and providing sea conditions are favourable, some great sport can be had by those fortunate enough to fish these marks. Colossal Bream of over six pounds are taken each year, as well as huge Pollack, Cod and many other species, and anyone prepared to endure the elements is almost guaranteed to find plenty of fish.
Small boat angling for Bream is also very popular with Jersey anglers who either drift over reefs, or choose to anchor when the tide is not too strong and then lower their baits to the fish. When fishing in this way, it can be a great idea to attach a mesh bag filled with fish scraps to the anchor warp, to encourage fish to feed in the area.
Large catches of this beautiful species are not difficult when they are shoaling, and their numbers are, at present high, but anglers should be encouraged to return all their fish unless they have an immediate use for them. Even in depths of over 150ft, they will happily return to the bottom with no ill effects if they are handled with care during unhooking.
Conger
From the Shore
Jersey has a great tradition as a Conger fishery stretching back hundred’s of years, and to this day, can still be regarded as an excellent venue for those who seek these powerful adversaries. The fish rich waters that surround the island provide an excellent feeding ground for this voracious species, and Conger angling is a favourite pastime of many Jersey anglers. Most fishing is done at night from piers, harbours, and rock marks, when the fish emerge to feed with more confidence than in the hours of daylight.
Strong tackle is essential to even contemplate landing one of these heavy weights, and is often impossible without a companion’s assistance with the drop net, or gaff. Rods and reels should be powerful and capable of casting heavy baits and lead weights, as well as subduing Conger of up to fifty pounds and over. The average size of fish encountered will be between twenty and thirty pounds, but many much larger fish are hooked and lost each year by anglers who underestimate the power of a fish of that size. Main lines of thirty to forty pounds should be the norm, coupled with strong traces of heavy nylon, or wire, attached to seriously strong hooks. Baits are largely a matter of personal choice, but most anglers opt for large fish baits such as Mackerel, Pouting, and Mullet, or large squid and cuttlefish.
Conger inhabit virtually every stretch of coastline of reasonable depth around the island, especially areas where commercial fishing boats are moored, but some of the most successful marks are located on the cliffs to the north of Jersey that give onto patches of clean ground, set amongst generally rough ground. These cliff marks can be prolific, but great care should be taken when getting down to, and back up from these areas, and they should certainly never be fished alone.
From the Boat
Although Jersey cannot boast of the mid-Channel monsters that run to over one hundred pounds or more, what it’s fish may lack in size, is more than made up by the numbers of fish that can be caught. Most reefs hold plenty of fish to thirty pounds that can be targeted on relatively light tackle, but the deep- water wrecks that surround the island are another story. Here, the angler is faced with the problem of extricating fish of seventy pounds and more from the twisted metal structures that they call home, and none but the strongest tackle will achieve this. Technique is also tremendously important, as even the tiniest indication of a bite has to be hit, and hit hard, to remove the fish from the structure successfully. The clutch on one’s powerful reel has to be set virtually to the maximum in order to dictate terms to the fish, and prevent it from reaching the safety of the wreck.
Charter skippers realise the value of these fish as a sporting adversary and return almost all of their fish to fight another day, and all boat anglers should be encouraged to follow their example. It is certainly possible to completely fish out a wreck, or area of reef if all the fish landed are killed, and this will result in the mark being barren for many years to come.
Dogfish
The Lesser Spotted Dogfish, or the ‘doggy’ as it is locally known, is no stranger to Jersey waters, and to its anglers! For some reason, the waters surrounding the island provide an almost perfect habitat for this ravenous predator. Quite literally, if it swims, then Dogfish will eat it, as many shore and boat anglers have found to their cost. Lovingly prepared baits meant for Rays, Bass, Tope and Conger, are quickly reduced to tattered remains by these insatiable fish that hunt in packs, and miss nothing. It is not unusual, on several pier and breakwater marks around the island, to see a dozen or so rods nodding unmistakeably to the attentions of a similar number of Dogfish below, and they will continue to feed until either the bait runs out, or the tide forces them to stop eating.
Local anglers, who have been spoilt by the quality, and variety of angling at their disposal, treat the humble Dogfish with distain, but the species is much prized in certain areas of the UK, and undoubtedly provides a perfect species with which to learn the art of sea angling.
Mackerel & Garfish
Whilst neither of these species are often targeted by specimen hunters, they can provide great fun for those fishing for them with light tackle, as well as providing a great source of bait for other species. Almost every household in Jersey has a rod and reel, complete with a set of ‘feathers’ attached, lurking some where about the premises, awaiting the seasonal arrival of the first mackerel shoals. Those who wish to experience the sport of catching Mackerel, as well as the culinary delights, can do so with very light spinning tackle, or even fly rods to maximise their enjoyment, and similar fun can be had with the often acrobatic Garfish. Both species feed ravenously upon shoals of fry, often driving them from the water in their panic, and it is these signs that the angler should look out for. Occasionally, Gars and Mackerel will take a stationary bait, meant for other species, but invariably, one has to impart some movement to one’s feathers, or spinner to attract their attentions.
This process is easily achievable from the boat by simply ‘jigging’ artificial lures vertically in the water columns, and tremendous catches of five and six fish at a time can be regularly made. Whilst this can be great fun, one should remember to kill only those fish for which one has an immediate need, and return the rest to the sea.
Mullet anglers often bemoan the presence of Gars in the area that they have baited, and indeed, they can prove a nuisance, but anyone who wishes to catch lots of these fish, could do worse than imitate the mullet angler’s techniques.
Mullet
From the Shore
Jersey anglers are fortunate in that they can choose to fish for all three main species of Mullet, the most common, the Thick – Lipped, the rarer Thin – Lipped, and even the Golden Grey Mullet that are present in good numbers and to specimen size.
Thick-Lipped Mullet
These creatures of the tide visit virtually every harbour and bay in the island during some stage of the tide, normally as the first inches of water allow them access to the rich feeding grounds. This phenomenon can be observed on a twice daily basis, especially where the harbour bottom consists of sand and silt, and their dark backs and silvery flanks can be seen quite plainly as they dart about in only inches of water. Although this species has often been described as the ‘Grey Ghost’, they really are not that difficult to catch as long as one approaches their capture with some common sense. Jersey waters are some of the cleanest in Europe, and as such, make fish spotting quite easy, but this benefit also works against the angler because the fish are also aware of visual disturbances made by those who wish to catch them. To overcome this problem, it is often necessary to fish with fine lines and hook lengths, and with small baits presented on small, but strong hooks. The fish’s natural wariness can also be allayed by the introduction of groundbait, which normally consists of a bread based mixture that can be supplemented with fish oils and particles to further attract the Mullet. When a number of fish are present, it is often possible to create competition for these particles, and once this heavy feeding starts, the angler can introduce his baited hook with much more confidence. The hook should be baited with either bread flake, or small slivers of fish or meat, that have an attractive smell.
Probably the best tackle with which to target this species is standard coarse fishing rods and reels of the ‘match’, or ‘carp’ type, with the most important requirements being soft tip actions in the rods, and a top quality drag system in the reels. Both of these design features will help to prevent line breaks when these powerful fish are first hooked, and are brought to the landing net. Pound for pound, they fight as hard as any of our resident species, and it is this fact that makes them such a popular quarry for local and visiting anglers.
Golden Grey Mullet
This species inhabits the same areas as the Thick –Lipped Mullet, but chooses to feed on small marine food such as worms, shrimps, and many other small inhabitants of the harbours and foreshore. Another important aspect of their feeding characteristics, is that they prefer a bait to be presented on the bottom, rather than suspended at different depths beneath a float. Lightweight ledgering tactics work best, coupled with soft topped rods that will indicate the slightest interest from a feeding fish. Ground baiting appears to be unnecessary for the Golden Greys, but the introduction of small amounts of the hook bait at periodic intervals will certainly attract more fish to the area.
Thin-Lipped Mullet
Incredibly, for three species of the same family, and with appearances so similar that they are often mistaken for one another, the Thin –Lipped Mullet, has different feeding habits to the others. Whilst the Thick –Lipped and the Golden Grey have been known to take dead fish baits meant for other species, the Thin – Lipped appears to be more of a predator in search of small live fish. It can be targeted with worms and many other baits, but movement appears to be the key with this species, and the attachment of a small spoon, or spinner to one’s end tackle, certainly increases one’s chances of success.
From the Boat
There is no good reason why fishing for all these species cannot be successfully practised from a boat, and indeed, several anglers have enjoyed quite good catches with this method, but the fact that most harbours and marinas have rules forbidding anyone fishing from their craft, means that most tend to choose to fish from quiet corners of these areas, where disturbance in kept to a minimum. The exceptions to this however, are the many gutters and inlets where these fish can be found in numbers, and which are inaccessible from the shore with any degree of safety. The fact that these areas are rarely targeted, certainly makes the fish less wary, and easier to catch, but once again, disturbance has to be kept to an absolute minimum to avoid ‘spooking’ the fish.
Pollack
For angling purposes, it is best to describe the Pollack as virtually three different species: Immature fish weighing up to a pound, fish from one to five pounds, and mature fish that grow to over twenty pounds. The main reason for categorising them in this way is that they inhabit different depths of water, and are caught in totally different locations.
The immature fish frequent the shallow reef systems and harbours that afford it the most cover, often swimming with small fish of other species such as Bass and Mullet. They are often caught from piers and harbour walls, especially at night, when they feed voraciously on worm baits fished below a float.
The mid-sized fish from one to five pounds, are keen to put on weight as fast as they can, and prefer to seek out areas where natural baits such as sandeels and fish fry are present, normally on the sandbanks and shallow reef systems that surround the island. These fish can often be a nuisance when fishing for Bass with live sandeel, or with artificial plugs and lures, either cast from the boat, or trolled behind at low speed. Fortunately, the shallowness of the water allows them to be returned quite successfully, without damage to their internal organs.
The mature fish of this species is a supreme predator, designed with speed and aggression in mind. These powerhouses gather close to deep water reefs and wrecks to gorge themselves on the abundance of bait fish present, and such is the competition for food, that they hit natural, and anglers baits alike with incredible ferocity. Although quite lightweight rods can be used to enjoy the best of this terrific action, a multiplying reel with a quality drag system is an absolute must to cope with the initial ‘hit’ and first crash dive of a hooked fish.
Large Pollack will take live Mackerel and Scad meant for other species such as Bass and Tope, but most are caught on artificial lures such as rubber eels, jelly worms, and metal lures designed to imitate baitsfish, that are lowered to the wreck or reef, and then retrieved at exactly the right speed to attract and hook the feeding fish. The successful retrieval rate is often the difference between back breaking action, and total failure, and much experimentation is often neccessary. Any fish brought from depths of almost two hundred feet to the surface will struggle to cope with the changes in pressure, and the Pollack is particularly vulnerable to this problem. If the hooked fish is to be returned ( which in most cases is desirable), then it should be brought to the surface slowly and steadily, but even then some will fall foul of decompression, and perish. These fish have a limited worth as a food source, and little market value, and yet give the angler tremendous sport, and so every consideration should be given to protecting stocks as much as possible.
Rays
Jersey is very fortunate in that it provides ideal habitat for many species of Rays, both from the shore and from the boat, and many anglers come from overseas to sample the excellent sport. Although most members of the Ray family are present, the species most commonly caught are Blonde, Small-Eyed, and Undulate Ray, and all of these are regularly taken to specimen size.
From the Boat
The many sand and shingle banks that lie close to our shores are heavily populated by Rays that choose these areas to feed on the abundant sandeel populations that seek cover from the strong tides. Just as these bait fish choose an optimum time to emerge to feed from their burrows in the sand, so too do the Rays, and this means that fishing for this species can often be a waiting game unless one is familiar with the habits of the fish that inhabit any chosen area. When this feeding commences however, the sport can sometimes be hectic, with a succession of fish being hooked and brought to the boat. Twenty pound Blonde Rays are relatively common, with fish often being landed in excess of thirty pounds, and fish of over fifty being landed in commercial fishermen’s nets, so the potential for a British record breaker could hardly be better. Small-Eyed Rays inhabit the same areas, and although they do not grow to the same huge proportions, the potential for a record breaker is just as realistic with double figure fish being taken with great regularity.
Thought the banks from which these fish are caught often lie in relatively shallow water, they are subject to very strong tidal flow, and the combination of this fact, and the ability of the fish to use its body shape to maximise the resistance to one’s tackle, means that strong tackle should be used. Rays feed on, or very close to the sea bed, and the ability to place one’s bait hard on the bottom, and keep it there despite the force of the tide trying to lift it into mid water, is essential for success. Weights of over a pound, and sometimes as heavy as two pounds are regularly needed to achieve this, and one’s tackle should also be capable of handling this gear. Rods in the thirty to fifty pound class may appear to be too powerful to anyone who has yet to hook and fight a twenty pound plus Blonde Ray in three knots of tide, but be assured, tackle of lesser strength will be incapable of making any impression on the fish should it decide to ‘kite’ in the tide, or attach itself to the sea bed. Reels should be powerfully geared, and loaded with a minimum of thirty pounds breaking strain braided line for ‘down-tiding’ and monofilament of twenty pounds at least when ‘up-tiding’. Rays have relatively small mouths, and although hooks do not necessarily have to be large, they certainly have to be razor sharp, and very strong to with stand the rigours of lifting large fish in strong tide.
Sandeel is a very popular, and successful bait for both species of Ray found locally, but so too is Mackerel fillet, especially when combined with strips of squid. These should be fished on traces of three to four feet in length, attached to a simple running ledger rig, not forgetting to select strong swivels as components at all times. When ‘up-tiding’, one should attempt to place the grip lead as far up the tide as possible so as to minimise the affect of the flow on the main line. One should then allow sufficient line to be released from the reel to form a ‘bow’ in the water, so that when the fish lifts the bait from the bottom, the force of the tide actually hooks the fish. Whilst this method relies more on the angler’s ability to correctly place and secure his bait, rather than his skill at hooking the fish, it can be a very successful method, especially when bites are infrequent from other techniques.
From the Shore
Ray fishing is extremely popular with Jersey anglers, especially those who choose to fish at night from a whole range of different rock marks, piers, and breakwaters. The sight of angler’s lights and headlamps is very common on most of our harbours and bays, once the hours of darkness encroach, and the main reason that they choose to fish at these times, is that the fish appear to feed more confidently when light levels drop. Although Rays are caught occasionally from rough ground marks, most come from sand and shingle banks that are found close to rougher ground, and fall within the casting distance of the angler. Standard beachcasters, coupled with reels in the 7000 size range are ideal for this type of fishing, and although the average size of fish caught is smaller than those from the boat, some very good specimens can be landed on a variety of baits, including sandeel, mackerel strip, and squid. Fishing from some marks high above the waterline calls for a drop net to enable the angler to raise a hooked fish from the surface of the water without snapping his line. Many rock marks have been made very slippery by the action of the waves and the marine growth clinging to them, and great care therefore, should be taken by those descending to net a fish. Many areas are also subject to ‘freak’ swells, that appear from an otherwise calm sea, and present a very real danger to anglers, and it is because of this that fishing alone should not be considered under any circumstances.
Sole, Plaice and Flounder
From The Shore
Until quite recently, all three of these species were quite commonly caught by rod anglers, but stocks have declined for various reasons, and they are now targeted by specimen hunters who are prepared to put in long hours to enjoy their success.
All three fish prefer to feed over sand and gravel banks that hold good stocks of worm, which form most of their diet, and it is these areas, that the angler should target, especially when the sandy areas lay between areas of reef, or mixed ground. Harbour mouths, and pier heads are also prolific areas, especially when the first inches of the flood tide creep over the mud flats, and allow fish to enter the area to feed.
There are a number of northern rock marks that give on to clean sand that is located in quite deep water below the cliffs, but these are relatively difficult to access, and should not be fished alone.
From the Boat
Suprisingly, when one considers the number of sand and gravel banks that surround the island, boat fishing for Sole and Plaice is very rarely practised. Commercial vessells take good numbers of these fish, and divers report seeing them in profusion, but unlike in the British Isles, they are rarely fished for by local rods. Occasionally, specimen fish are taken by boats drifting over sand banks for Turbot nd Brill, but these fall to sandeel and fish strip baits, and not the more commonly successful bait of worm used elsewhere.
Squid
Some readers will be suprised to see Squid included in the species category, but anyone who has been fortunate enough to hook a good sized Squid, and then subsequently eat it, will need no persuading that it merits an inclusion.
Whilst Squid of all sizes are present in our waters throughout the calender year, most angling action centres on the larger sized specimens that come inshore during the hours of darkness to feed around piers and harbours, especially under bright lights and lanterns.
These have been targeted with small sandeel and fish strip baits worked under the lights in a sink and draw method, but these have been replaced by a whole host of Japanese artificial imitations that seem irresistible to feeding squid. As in many kinds of fishing, the speed, and manner of retrieval appears to be the key to successful Squid catching, and indeed, on a freezing night in January or February, it can be a very frustrating business. And then one remembers the sublime taste of really fresh squid, and the thought of succumbing to the cold fades away.
The Tope
It was thought for many years, that the Tope only spent a very short time each year in Jersey waters, feeding on the migratory shoals of bait fish such as Mackerel, Scad, and Bream, that spend the warmer months around the island.
Catches in recent times however, especially by the local Charter boat fleet, indicate that they are present for much of the year, and can be targeted with some confidence. Whilst the massive eighty pound fish of the Thames, and Severn Estuaries are rarely encountered in our waters, Jersey certainly has a terrific Tope fishery for anyone who wishes to fish for this species of the shark family.
From the Boat
Although Tope have been caught from one or two marks on our shoreline, it is from the boat that one should realistically target these fish. Unlike many other predatory species that can be caught in our waters, they seem to prefer deep water marks, rather than shallow reefs and rough ground. They undoubtedly hunt in packs, and terrific sport can be enjoyed once their feeding locations have been located, and this is often as simple as finding the bait fish on which they are feeding. Basic echo sounding equipment can be used to find the larger shoals of bait, and if they are present, then it is a good bet that the Tope will not be far away. Another good idea is to attract fish to the boat by suspending, or tying to the anchor warp, a mesh bag filled with fish scraps that can be broken up by the tide’s movement, and distributed over a wide area. Hook baits should consist of either whole fish that have been ‘flappered’ to impart movement in the tide, or fillets of fish that will give off a decent scent. Although the Tope’s initial take, and subsequent run, can be quite a violent affair, they provide great sport in open water, and can be fished for with relatively light tackle quite safely. Rods in the fifteen to twenty pound class range can be used, in combination with good quality boat reels that have a decent drag system. Hook lengths should be constructed from either wire, or heavy monofilament, but a useful addition is ten feet or so, of fifty or sixty pound line as a ‘rubbing trace’ that will prevent the fish’s rough skin breaking one’s line as it chafes against its body. Once hooked, and brought to the side of the boat, the Tope should never be brought into the boat, to avoid damaging both the fish, and the occupants of the craft. Far better to employ a ‘hook jumper’ or similar device for unhooking the fish safely at the side of the craft, and even if the fish is deep hooked, one should sever the trace with either pliers, or a knife to minimise the distress caused to the fish. The hook and trace will quickly rust away, and will not impart long term damage to the fish. Similarly, Tope have very limited attraction as a food source, and should never be killed in any numbers.
Wrasse
Several species of Wrasse are to be found in Jersey waters, but for sporting purposes, it is the Ballan Wrasse that occupies the thoughts of specimen hunters on the island, with fish running to well over seven pounds in weight.
From the Shore
The Wrasse is a territorial species, staking a claim for an area of ocean where it can feed, breed, and rear its young in safety, and its defence of these areas is often as vigorous as its feeding habits. Wrasse are often taken on artificial lures meant for Bass and Pollack, but in general, they are more likely to be consistently caught on crabs and worm baits. When choosing a home, or ‘nest’, they select areas that contain as much natural food as possible, and as the food that they seek obeys the same principles, both are normally found close to reefs and rocks that have plenty of cover from which to ambush their prey. Any solid structure will serve this purpose, but the most common are kelp filled gullies and gutters, and man made structures such as harbour foundations and breakwaters, that have myriad nooks and crannies in which to hide. If an area holds crabs of any number of varieties, then it is a sure bet that wrasse will be present, and the angler’s choice of bait therefore, could not be simpler. Simple Green shore crab is the most successful bait bar none, with the best size being a one and a half, to a two inch crab impaled on a very strong hook, and either fished beneath a float, or on a simple paternostered ledger rig. The emphasis should be on simplicity and strength, with strong rods, reels, and lines of at least thirty pounds BS. being the order of the day. The very first thing that these fish do when hooked, is to seek the shelter of their bolt holes, and once they have gained sanctuary, they have an uncanny ability to transfer ones end gear to an immovable obstruction. On hooking a fish. One’s tackle has to be strong enough to ‘hit and hold’, preventing the fish from gaining the initiative, and bringing it into open water.
From the Boat
Boat angling for Wrasse is much neglected by local anglers, but at periods of slack water, when more predatory fish tend not to feed, they are an excellent choice for the boat angler. The abundant rough, and broken ground that surrounds the island, provides perfect living and feeding conditions for the Wrasse, and they can run to immense size, as Tony Heart’s local, and British boat record of just under ten pounds, proves. Once again crab baits work best, especially if one is able to get hold of some fresh Hermit crab, which seems to be a real favourite with the larger specimens. Tackle from the boat should be similar to that used from the shore – strong and functional, but the boat angler definitely has the advantage over his shore based contemporary, in that he is able to effect direct leverage over the fish, rather than having to drag the fish through a series of obstructions, at an angle.
Whether one chooses to fish from shore or boat, there is certainly no shortage of natural bait that can be gathered easily, all around the coastline. Most inshore reefs, that become uncovered by the massive tidal ranges that affect the island, teem with crab and worm, and a couple of hours spent in these areas should give the angler plenty of bait for a day or two.
