So you have all of the tackle you think you need and you’ve got some idea on how to use it. But where are you going to fish and what happens if there are already other anglers fishing there?
Jansen Teakle offers some guidance and gives a few ideas on how to go about things.
I’ve said many times before that your first consideration when deciding where to fish should be the tides. It’s pointless arriving at a mark only to find it bone dry because you failed to consider the tides and the impact they would have. But that’s just your first consideration. Presuming you have your tide table and have decided on a mark to fish, what to target and when, it’s probable that other anglers might just have the same idea.
So, what happens if you arrive on the coast only to find you have been beaten to it?
Well, it does happen and there are a few things you can do in an effort to be a considerate and friendly angler.
First off, if space is limited, DON’T just barge your way in. Not only will you hamper the efforts of those angler’s already in place, but you’ll impede your own fishing in the process. It’s a gut wrenching feeling to find another anger sat right on the spot you had wanted to fish all week long, but it does happen. The best thing to do is have a plan B so that if this does happen, you have an alternative location to head to that will also tie in with the tides and weather.
If you arrive at a beach and find a string of anglers already in place, you’ll likely notice that they are spread out. This is so they can each cast a bait uptide when the tide is running hard without crossing lines. If you choose to fish this same stretch, follow suit and space yourself well away.
Once you have set up and cast out, it’s good etiquette just to walk up the beach and say hi to your neighbour. Most anglers are friendly and enjoy a quick natter in between bites and it will also take the heat out of the situation later on should you find yourself in a crossed line situation. This does happen, especially on busy beaches, but there’s no need for it to become a huge issue.
By making contact with those fishing alongside you , you might pick up some useful information, find out what’s being caught in general and what bait’s might be doing the business.
You never know, you might hook in to the fish of a life time and appreciate some help landing it, so getting off on the right footing with the guy along from you is definitely good practice.
In general, enjoy yourself and remember that you are now an angler and so representative of your fellow sportsman. Keep noise levels down (no one minds a quiet radio in the background, emphasis on quiet!) and ensure your assembled tackle is positioned in such a way that it doesn’t obstruct other beach users. The one thing that lovers of the coast and environment in general detest is litter, so please do take all of your rubbish home with you or place it in a bin when you’ve finished. If you have left over bait, pass it along the beach to the next angler, as everyone likes a freebie! If you have any line, it’s worth remembering that line recycling schemes are now in place in some areas and you could do your bit to help the environment.