Shore fishing is probably the easiest form of angling to get involved in as you have no need for licences or permits and you can just try your luck from beaches, rocks and piers anywhere around the UK shoreline. Shore fishing is a great way to get away from the stresses of everyday life and relax by the sea soaking in the environment and with the added benefit that if you wish you can end up taking home some delicious freshly caught sustainable fish to eat. You also do not need loads of gear to get started. A rod, reel and the ubiquitous 'hook, line and sinker' plus a bit of bait can see you having fun and in with a chance of catching some fish. As you get more into you shore fishing we stock loads of terminal tackle and accessories which you can buy to add to enjoyment and also help you to increases your catches. Obviously where and when are import factors and you can pick up lots of information and tips from on line forums but a bit of gained local knowledge and tips picked up from chatting to the 'locals' adds to your knowledge and the enjoyment of exploring the coast and learning its moods and the effects of wind and tides. We here at VMO are all mad keen on sea fishing and will look to help to guide you to making the right purchases to enhance your fishing experience.
New to sea fishing and looking for some guidance? VMO's very own Jansen Teakle offers a fully insured guiding service based here in the Bristol Channel. For full information take a look at his website
A rod for shore fishing needs to perform two basic tasks. The first is to cast your bait out into the sea and the second is to help you retrieve both tackle and fish. Most shore rods are designed to cast weights of between 4oz and 6oz because you often need these sizes to both cast the distance needed and also hold the bait in position on the sea bed. A rod of between 12' and 14' is the norm and with the advances in technology it is possible to buy a very capable rod for a quite reasonable price.
There are two main types of reel used for sea fishing, fixed spool reels and multiplier reels. Fixed spools are without doubt the easiest to use and the modern models offer all the casting and fishing performance you need. Fixed spools come at a wide range of different price points but even the less expensive models still give very good performance. Multipliers are a more compact reel design which is favoured by some sea anglers but the fast revolving spool does require a degree of skill to master. This skill in itself can add to your enjoyment and many anglers feel that it is more of an accomplishment to fish with a multiplier. On the beach however from an actual casting and fishing perspective a multiplier offers no real advantages over fixed spools so unless you want to use a multiplier you are not missing out by using a fixed spool.
If you are looking for a complete rod and reel outfit then we have put together a range of combo deals to make it easy to pick a matching outfit to suit your budget and requirements.
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Lugworm
First choice for cod in most areas, especially the black and yellow tail variety. Will also catch most small species and flatfish. Baiting needles can help to make it easier to bait up with worm baits
Ragworm
Ideal bait for smaller species as well as some larger ones such as sting rays, thornback rays and bass.
Squid
Many anglers first choice for larger species such as cod, bass, conger eels and bull huss. Usually fished whole but can also be cut into strips to make smaller baits.
Mackerel
A bait that will catch most species in UK waters. Readily available and perfect to use fresh or frozen. Bait elastic helps to secure it to the hook.
Sandeel
THE bait for most species of ray. Readily available from tackle shops in blast frozen form. Also an excellent bait for winter whiting. Can be fished live for bass on light tackle from shore and boat.
Bluey
A super oily bait that is relatively new to the UK. Slang name for Pacific Saury, the bluey can be filleted or fished whole for rays, cod, conger, bass and most other large species.
Peeler crab
Expensive compared to some other baits, but incredibly effective for smoothhounds, bass and codling. Can be used live or frozen but should never be used dead. Bait elastic helps to secure the crab on to the hook.
It was way back in 1846 when Veals was first established as a retail business in Bristol. Over the years ‘Veals’ became Bristol’s premier fishing tackle retailer. In the 1960’s a small mail order service was introduced and this subsequently developed to the extent that by the early 90’s it was proving very difficult to combine the needs of both a bustling retail shop and a rapidly growing mail order business... Read More >
