The most popular bait for fishing in Swansea Bay and the Bristol channel is a worm and squid cocktail, big lug or king rag baits, squid works well both as a tipping bait, or whole for the bigger Cod and Bass.  

 

  

Sandeels are good bait for bass and deadly for most ray species. Peeler crab are used for bass and smoothound. Edible and shore peeler crab is better for bass and smoothound over rough ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to the silty waters, which ever bait is used requires as much scent as possible coming from the bait, the fast flowing tides wash out the bait of all its appeal quite quickly, especially in Winter.

 

 

Downtiding requires much heavier leads to hold the bottom, ranging from 12 to 18oz depending on tidal conditions with a 30lb class rod and reel.  The downtiding method can be even more effective than uptiding for catching the bigger cod by trotting (bouncing back) a big bait well downtide of the boat.   For both uptide and downtide fishing most members tend to fish only a two hook pennel rig.  The pennel is used to present a large bait, such as a whole squid or mackerel fillet, which would bunch up around the hook bend if a single hook was used.  Decent size Cod and Bass like large bait and this rig presents the bait more naturally. Hooks need to be placed out by a length of between 2 and 4ft.

Rods - need to be powerful stiff boat rods from 7ft to 8ft in length. Line class 20lbs or 30lbs.

Reel - multipliers or more suitable  .

Line strength - from about 15lbs to 25lbs breaking strain for normal boat fishing with a 20lb line class rod. 25lbs to 35lbs breaking strain with a 30lbs line class rod, where large and heavy fish are expected.

 

Weights from 8oz to 2lb depending on strength of current, depth and sze of bait fished.

 

 

 

Try sliding float, 2 hook running leger, 2 boom paternoster, boat leger, spinning, driftlining, jigging, trolling, feathering and even fly fishing inshore using fresh water tackle, techniques and large artificial flies - for fish feeding on the surface, especially bass, mackerel and mullet.

Benefits of GPS for Fishing

GPS technology make your fishing trips much more rewarding.   More accurate than 'line of sight' or other navigational methods, a GPS unit tells you where you are and where you are going within a few metres.  GPS is now an essential item in the angler's arsenal.

A GPS is very handy and a good depth finder is useful too.  Finding these places still requires some travelling time but good pre-planning with a map and GPS means less wasted time.  Combine the benefits of mapping with GPS by getting digital charts or scan in paper maps with GPS mapping software and then enter way points along your planned route.

There are always changes to the bottom that are not on some older maps and these places can sometimes be great fishing spots.   Fewer people will know of these places and therefore less pressure on the fish stock there.  A GPS unit can mark these fishing hot spots so that you can find it again easily.  If you share your hot spot information giving GPS co-ordinates makes this easy to do.

Finding the right fishing spot isn't the only consideration, finding your way back home again is another, and your GPS unit lets you do that easily.  It is better to enjoy the peace on the water and see the fish biting without worrying about the rigours of navigation.  The GPS unit provides all the navigational information you need, including position, heading, bearing, speed, time to destination and more.

 

The best specialised maps are Marine Charts.  These offer information about shifting sands, sandbars, reefs, ledges and such that can be critical for productive boat fishing.  Make sure your charts are up-to-date so that you don't run aground or get lost.  Once you have located the desired place on the map, finding the location on the water becomes the next challenge.

GPS allows you to navigate safely, even when caught in a heavy fog or other bad weather conditions.  It's easy to get turned around on the open sea, but no matter what the visibility with a GPS you know where you are and which way you are headed.   In the case of s 'man overboard' situation a GPS unit can mark the the exact place where the event occurred greatly assisting rescue crews.   GPS also allows you to easily communicate precise positions to the Coat Guard if you come across a boat in distress.  In emergencies, swift navigation can make a big difference.  GPS mapping software helps to quickly and safely navigate you to the nearest dock or port while avoiding known hazards along the way.