A first

[shibbs]

Title says it all, I’m actually heading out with my son and a mate in the morning solely for a few hours of fishing! We occasionally drop the lines over the side with some feathers but very rarely does it last for more than 10 minutes before the boys are bored.
Tomorrow the weather is looking nice and calm so we’re going to head out about 9ish and see how we get on.
I have no idea about fishing, at all. I think we’re goingg to try some bits of squid and a couple of rods with feathers...
I’ll let you know..., fingers crossed, might even post some pictures ( I’ve had the instructions. For a while )

[ColinR]

A bit late but I find that a flying trace with squid or ragworm most successful. (or even some fresh mackerel if the feathers are doing their bit)

A bit like this. I tend to put a worm on the lower hook and mackerel on the upper. Seems to work for me.

[Ianfs]

That looks like a good rig Colin.

Someone told me the fort is a good place to catch .

When the wind is in the North, fish do come forth.
When the wind is in the South, the hook is I the fishes mouth.
When the wind is in the West, fishing is at its best.
When the wind is in the East, fish bite the least.

At least you have a bit of an excuse, it's North Easterlies all day.

[ColinR]

It's a good standard for almost all boat purposes. If the tide is running I switch to a similar rig with a single trace to avoid tangles.

I once got a flattie and a small conger at the same time. Took me ages to untangle the almighty mess that they caused!

[Ianfs]

You think you're retiring in November, think again, you're going to be my go to fishing buddy.

[ColinR]

We're going to need a boat. I do't do shore fishing.

I'll have to introduce you to my mate Tom.

What with fishing, golf, decorating, gardening etc. I'm going to run out of days in the week!

[Ianfs]

It's all go eh Colin.

Shibbs, how did you get on, fish for supper? Weather was good.

[shibbs]

I knew there was a reason why I didn’t go and do this in my spare time..
Not a single bite! We had 3 rods out, some feathers, a bit of squid and a some type of small lure.
Nothing!
We tried by spit sand fort for a while then went over to stokes bay.
However, the weather was fantastic, very rarely have I seen the solent as calm as it was.
No fish but all in all a nice day.

[Ianfs]

In as much as it's nice to say you caught something, it's the being there with some great memories which mean the most.

[ColinR]

A quick question about technique.

Did you just dangle the feathers over the back or juggle them up and down? If you just leave them dangling all they'll catch is passing weed. You have to jerk the rod up and down to get some movement. I find the shiny silver ones better than feathers to be honest.

Also start near the bottom, try for a minute or so then wind in some line and try again, repeat until you hit the surface. That way you're more likely to his a shoal as they are not always at the same depth.

According to my mate (who has been fishing much longer than me), you should turn off your depth sounder as the pings can scare off the fish but that may be rubbish.