If you’ve a question about saltwater fly fishing, ask Colin Macleod here, who began his new ‘Off the Coast’ column in FF&FT; in the July issue.

Hi Colin this is Brandon, I finally figured out how to register!
I and a friend would like to learn more about salt water fly fishing for Bass and other species. We are experienced fly fishers for Trout and even Pike. We both live within a reasonable distance of Chichester Harbour and we have both had boat handling experience. Can you help?

Hi Brandon. I’m pleased to hear that you are keen to take up salt water fly fishing.
You are certainly in the perfect location, living close to Chichester Harbour,which offers a good variety of marks.
Sandy point at Hayling Island would be an ideal spot to take your first steps in the salt, fishing from low tide up. Keep an eye out for bird activity in localised areas, a sure sign that Bass or Mackerel are around.
The beaches around Selsey are also worth a visit. In fact, the coasts of Hampshire and West Sussex are generally fishing very well at present, with Bass and Mackerel in abundance.
Your experience of fishing for Trout and Pike will stand you in good stead, especially when casting large flies. A 7wt outfit with floating line is ample for inshore conditions.
Fly choice is refreshingly simple, a few Clousers and Deceivers in olive, chartreuse and black colour schemes will cover most situations.These can be obtained from UK Salt Water Flies.
Early morning and dusk are traditionally the most productive times for Bass fishing.
Remember to rinse rods and reels in fresh water after each trip, to avoid corrosion.

Next months issue of FF&FT; features more in-depth advice on fishing for Bass, with mention of several West Sussex marks.
Best of luck.
Colin

Hi,
Chichester and Langstone are being very productive at the moment and if you have access to a boat you wont blank.(well you might,i do!)
Shore fishing can be excellent when you have found some good marks and in my opinion Hayling is the place to go.
Both channels into the harbours have fierce currents and eddys so be cautious,especially wading the flood.
Hope this gives you a couple of pointers.
Cheers
Simon

Dear Coli and Simon,

Thanks for the info.

I was planning to hire a boat and possibly buy one at a later date any pointers as to a suitable boat and motor for 2 to 3 anglers for Chichester and surrounds.

Ideally I would also like to use a boat on Llangorst Lake in the Brecons for Pike fishing.

I do note that a lot of venues no longer allow 2stroke engines.

Brandon

Hi,
Ive not really got enough watercraft knowledge to offer any advice on a boat
This depends on your budget really.
£20,000 should get you something nice though!
Have a look on http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk
Cheers
Simon

Hi

Was thinking more like £2,000

Brandon

That should get you a Dory which is ok for pottering around.
I can look out for one if you like as i work around the marine industry.
Cheers
Simon

Hi Colin,
Thanks for such an interesting article, many good tips and pointers. I would like to flyfish for Seabass from the beaches at my home town Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. I have caught several school bass on the rising tide on conventional seafishing tackle from the beach but flyfishing is my preferred method in any fishing and I would like to try the local beaches within walking distance from home.

I was on the beach for a few hours on Tuesday and Wednesday night/early hours and saw small bass chasing prey within a few feet of the shingle beach in about a foot or so of water. No fish touched my flies, however a seafisherman at the next groyne was catching schoolies within about 20 to 30 feet of the beach in probably 5 to 6 feet of water.

Question 1: Can I flyfish for Seabass in night time tides or would daytime tides be better? (I believe Seabass are mainly sight feeders). I used self tied surface and sub-surface flies, mainly Sandeel Minky type imitations although have not tried poppers for bass.

Question 2: How about fishing at the turn of the tide just as the low tide turns and starts to creep over the sand and mud and then fishing right on upto high tide?
Again night time fishing is preferred as sunbathers when hooked on the backcast tend to run torwards me faster that I can wind up the slack line!

Regards ‘doodlebug’

Hi Simon,

Thanks for the offer.

I have hired a boat for now so we can feel our way into this.

Brandon

Hi All, i am a relatively new resident to Soton , Flyfishing enthusiast from South Africa, am currently fishing the public water of the Itchen and enjoying the variety, however on the Saltwater side what are good locations along either the itchen or test estuary? Have seen lots of Bass in Gosport but seems like they are almost like rats around the marina

doodlebug - 27 June 2010 01:42 PM

Hi Colin,
Thanks for such an interesting article, many good tips and pointers. I would like to flyfish for Seabass from the beaches at my home town Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. I have caught several school bass on the rising tide on conventional seafishing tackle from the beach but flyfishing is my preferred method in any fishing and I would like to try the local beaches within walking distance from home.

I was on the beach for a few hours on Tuesday and Wednesday night/early hours and saw small bass chasing prey within a few feet of the shingle beach in about a foot or so of water. No fish touched my flies, however a seafisherman at the next groyne was catching schoolies within about 20 to 30 feet of the beach in probably 5 to 6 feet of water.

Question 1: Can I flyfish for Seabass in night time tides or would daytime tides be better? (I believe Seabass are mainly sight feeders). I used self tied surface and sub-surface flies, mainly Sandeel Minky type imitations although have not tried poppers for bass.

Question 2: How about fishing at the turn of the tide just as the low tide turns and starts to creep over the sand and mud and then fishing right on upto high tide?
Again night time fishing is preferred as sunbathers when hooked on the backcast tend to run torwards me faster that I can wind up the slack line!

Regards ‘doodlebug’

Hi Doodlebug.
I’m pleased that you enjoyed the columm.
In answer to question 1, both night time and day time tides can be equally productive, there is no hard and fast rule and it depends very much on the whereabouts of the bait fish and consequently the Bass.
Early morning tides can be very pleasurable, and obviously avoids the problem of annoying bathers! Similarly, late evening tides should see the beaches deserted but strong on shore winds can reach their peak at this time.
To sum up, both night and daytime tides show equal potential.
As for flies, anything resembling a bait fish should do the trick, but don’t ignore the humble Clouser. Crease flies and Gurglers can provide great sport when Bass are feeding close to the surface.

In relation to your second question,fishing from the turn of the tide can be very successful, depending on location. Some venues will fish well from low tide up while others come to life three hours after low.Time spent on the water visiting different marks will reveal which category they fall into.
One hour each side of high tide tends to be quiet before things pick up again once the ebb is underway.
Best of luck to you and watch out for those bathers!
Colin

Tks for the reply Colin,
Again good detailed info. I think this is going to turn into a Seabass hunting safari for me!
If you see someone early morn or late at night camoflaged in beach pebbles, mud and sand using a beach groyne as cover, please don’t call the police, it’s only me on the hunt for Bass.  
Best regards
doodlebug

spillebeeno - 27 June 2010 06:43 PM

Hi All, i am a relatively new resident to Soton , Flyfishing enthusiast from South Africa, am currently fishing the public water of the Itchen and enjoying the variety, however on the Saltwater side what are good locations along either the itchen or test estuary? Have seen lots of Bass in Gosport but seems like they are almost like rats around the marina

Hi spillebeeno,
Welcome to the south coast.
Southampton is ideally placed to access a wide variety of marks. The mouth of the River Hamble, slightly further along the coast, offers consitant sport with Bass and Mullet. Redbridge usually holds substantial shoals of Mullet during summer, should you have the patience and desire to give them a go.
Fareham Creek, Haslar Sea Wall and of course Hayling Island are all fishing well at the moment and all within easy travelling distance of your home. The Bass are around in large numbers and Mackerel are starting to join them.
Let us know how you get on.
Colin

Thanks Colin
I will check out these options - in Hamble are you talking Hamble point marina side or the Walsash side?
Cheers
Spillebeeno

I’ve only fished the Warsash side. Fishing the incoming tide from the spit normally produces the goods.
Keep us posted on your efforts.
Colin