| Saltwater fly fishing is fast becoming one of the
hottest ‘must do’s’ for any angler. This innovative
new sector of the sport offers a huge variety of exciting challenges
and a host of different fish to be caught on our beautiful coastal
waters.
The wild, hard fighting sea bass (Dicentrarchus Labrax) is the
species of choice for discerning fly anglers and the English south
coast is fortunate to be home for many of the prolific breeding
grounds. One of the best is Lulworth Cove where local guide, Tony
King, has spent many years wading every gravel spit, sand bank &
estuary to locate the bass & mackerel running channels
Saltwater fly fishing is not like conventional sea fishing as the
fishing is done with a combination of time in the boat and wading.
Tony will concentrate on the shallow drop-offs along the gravel
spits and sand banks.
Each day starts with a 20-30 minute boat ride from the quay to
the first spit or bank of the day. Leaving the boat safely anchored
and with Tony at your side, you then wade along the edge of the
channel casting into the runs to fish you can see or likely running
lies. This will be the pattern for the remainder of the day moving
around Tony’s favoured spots in the harbour depending on the
weather, tides & fish.
Although the fishing is confined to the inland coastal area, it
is important to understand these are still tidal waters and therefore
they require the skills of a Guide for safety reasons. Both Tony
& his boat are fully certified under the Maritime & Coastguard
Agency. However, clients must wear lifejackets at all times, observe
the safety briefing, be competent swimmers & observe the instructions
of the Guide at all times. This is a physically demanding day, requiring
many hours of wading, walking & casting.
Finally, a word on the weather. Perhaps surprisingly we only lose
a handful of days a year to the weather but it is always a possibility.
We make a decision the evening prior to your trip after the MET
forecast has updated, so you will be informed no later than 7pm
the night before if postponement is necessary.
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