ASK THE EXPERTS
When sending your question, please remember to include your name and address
IAN BOWELL
Ian is the vice chairman of the Sea Anglers Match Federation and our shore fishing expert.
DAVE LEWIS
Based in Newport, South Wales, our contributing editor Dave answers boat fishing questions.
JOHN HOLDEN
A Sea Angler contrbutor for over four decades specialising in casting and rod building.
HENRY GILBEY
Angler, blogger and photojournalist Henry, based in Cornwall, is our lure expert.
BEN BASSETT
The Plymouth angler and blogger will provide answers on the sport of light rock fishing (LRF), the go-anywhere tactic.
HOW TO ASK US A QUESTION
Email: sa.ed@kelsey.co.uk
or online: facebook.com/seaanglermag
By asking a question you are giving us permission to use your name and where you live in all versions and platforms of this magazine.
Q Can Whiting be used from the shore or dock as live bait and what is the best method of rigging them to catch large predators like cod and bass without killing them during the casting process?
DIANE JONES, NORTH WALES
IB says: Most fish such as whiting, pouting, mackerel, even flatfish can be used to target the larger predatory species. They can be used effectively both dead and alive. The location and how you get the bait out to where the larger fish are will depend on whether you can use a live or a dead bait. From a boat, pier or structure when you can gently lower the bait it’s easy to get it into position. When it comes to beach fishing it can become more of a challenge. A simple hook through the lower lip of the bait fish will suffice when casting is not required. The hook should be big enough to hold the target species but not too big as to restrict the bait fish’s movement. It is possible to tie a small hook, similar to a hair rig, onto a larger hook, attaching the bait fish to the small hook, keeping the bigger hook free. However, this does add a degree of additional weight and complexity to what is a simple, waiting game, method of fishing. I would tend to use a long flowing trace (1-2m of 0.3mm), which will allow the fish to swim in the tide.
Monofilament or fluorocarbon may be a decision you have to make, again depending on water clarity and your preference. Once the bait is in the water, set your clutch and rachet to allow the fish
