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Kayak Fishing Blog

Mackerel & Pilchards - 13th March 2016

15/3/2016

 
Kayak Fishing for Pilchards
Its that time of year. The big spring tides during March usually see big shoals of mackerel come inshore and with an empty freezer, a session was planned. The forecast was looking superb for once, with light winds and sun. Early Sunday morning saw Gary, Andrew and myself tucked away in a forgotten corner of Cornwall setting up the kayaks for a day on the water.
The high tide was early so likewise an early launch was required for the launch venue, which lies in lee of a fierce tidal race. If you don't launch at slack tide, or an incoming tide it can get quite hairy on the water during the ebb, especially on a big spring tide. Not a place for the feint hearted if the conditions kick up. Anyhow, It really was a beautiful morning and one we have been waiting for the whole winter.
Kayak Fishing at Porthgwarra
Some reasonable sized swell was rolling past the cove which made the paddle out interesting....
RTM Abaco 4.20 Coffee Kayak Fishing
Kayak Fishing on the Feelfree Moken 12.5
RTM Abaco 4.20 in Coffee
The Tempo was in its element and left the others far behind whilst it caught swell after swell. I managed to catch a decent sized one for around 30 seconds or so and managed to get the Tempo planing a bit! I have no idea how fast i was going but i wouldn't be surprised if it was up around 8 knots.... you had to work for it but it was bloody good fun!
We carried on up the coast to the next headland to fish in the tidal race whilst admiring the specular scenery around Porthcurno. This is by far my favourite place to paddle, especially on a big tide. Stunning backdrop, lively water conditions and occasionally good fishing....
Wireless Point Porthcurno Kayaking
It wasn't long before the fish finder display started to show thick shoals of Mackerel and we all started to catch. It was smiles all round with the rods bending. We carried onto the next headland for a drift back across the bay.
RTM Abaco 4.20 in Coffee
Feel free Moken 12.5 Navy Camo Kayak Fishing
We had a good laugh whilst Andrew set up his Go Pro Pole, made from last weeks broken paddle shaft!
Feel free Moken 12.5 Kayak Fishing
 We edged our way out into the tidal race off Logan Rock and found more Mackerel, the footwell soon started to fill up!
Kayak Fishing for Mackerel in Cornwall
Something different came up on one drop of the Hookais..... my first Pilchard! A new species for me and a welcome sight amongst the Mackerel. Quite a beautiful little fish....
Pilchard caught whilst kayak fishing in Cornwall
Pilchard Kayak Fishing
We had a few more drifts across the bay leading up to low tide. I tried drifting a bottom bait for a flatfish but it was impossible to get through the Mackerel. We were drifting fast, a bit too fast as 75% of the time was spent paddling back up the drift. Time to stick the anchors down. Once anchored it was apparent just how fast the water was moving past us, the grapnel struggled to hold bottom despite nearly all my anchor warp being let out. Eventually it held fast against a small reef. The Mackerel onslaught continued! We decided to give the Mackerel a rest after a bit and go for a paddle around Logan Rock.
Logan Rock Kayaking
 We paddled around to Cripps Cove and it was just calm enough to allow us to park up the kayaks on the boulders, which was fun! Seaweed covered rocks and unsteady legs will see you disappearing between boulders! Anyhow, we pulled the kayaks up onto the rocks and basked in the glorious sunshine. It could well have been summer....
Cripps Cove Porthcurno
A quick bite to eat and a chance to point Gregory at the granite before we were off again. Reverse launching was interesting and we headed out to a small rocky outcrop called Seghy within the cove. Usually inhabited by many shags and cormorants but today standing alone. I suspect the birds were working out at sea to fill up on the abundant bait fish.
Seghy Cripps Cove
As forecast the Easterly wind started to increase. We decided to do one last drift back down the coast to the launch. More Mackerel and another Pilchard to finish before heading back to the beach.
RTM Tempo Black
No need to buy bait for a while. I finished up with 120 Mackerel and a few Pilchards. Luminous Hookais did the damage for me. Andrew had 85 Mackerel and a few Pilchards and Gary had a shed load of Mackerel too. 
Kayak Fishing for Mackerel
Absolutely knackered, we hauled the kayaks back up to the car but not before Gary had a quick go in the Tempo...
RTM Tempo
It had been a stunning day on the water. Warm sun, relatively calm seas, plenty of fish and good company. Spring has arrived in Cornwall.... Happy days! 
angela hyde link
11/5/2016 07:57:08

Down here in Falmouth for awhile with my husband housesitting..Would love to know where to fish for mackerel . Can you suggest anygood landing points ?,,I am an active oap but some of the rocks here are a bit difficult,,,Anywhere off the beach or headland of the halford River perhaps ,,,Love your videos and watching them,,,keep up the good work you are much appreciated

Cornish Kayak Angler
13/5/2016 22:21:04

Hi Angela,

Thank you for your comments. There are a few nice launch spots around Falmouth that give you a chance of catching Mackerel. Swanpool Beach (see here: http://cornishkayakangler.weebly.com/falmouth---swanpool-beach.html) is an easy launch and usually fairly sheltered, paddle out half a mile and you should find mackerel. Another nice launch is at Helford Passage (see here: http://cornishkayakangler.weebly.com/helford-passage.html), there is a fairly steep hill down to the water but it gives great access to the mouth of the river where you can often find mackerel on the incoming tide. Just time a trip with the tide, launch at low tide if your paddling to the mouth and fish the incoming tide. That way you don't have to paddle against tide to get back to the launch spot. Good luck and hopefully you will catch some fresh Mackerel!

Cheers,
Liam

Phillips link
16/1/2018 11:01:28

Congratulation, you got a lot of litle fish on kayak.

takipci satin al link
2/8/2022 22:01:47

Really informative article, I had the opportunity to learn a lot, thank you. https://www.takipcikenti.com/instagram/turk-takipci/

Mobil ödeme Bozum link
19/8/2022 22:07:37

Really informative article, I had the opportunity to learn a lot, thank you. https://guvenbozum.com/


Comments are closed.

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  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Information Guides
    • Choosing a Fishing Kayak
    • Choosing A Paddle
    • What to Wear
    • Essential Safety Equipment
    • Paddle or Pedal Kayak?
    • Installing A Fish Finder
    • How to Anchor A Kayak
  • Kayak Modifications
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • Places to Fish
    • North Cornwall
    • West Cornwall
    • South Cornwall
  • UK Fish Identification
  • Photos
    • 2013 Photos
    • 2014 Photos
    • 2015 Photos
    • 2016 Photos
    • 2017 Photos
  • Marine Life Photography
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    • Cnidaria
    • Echinodermata
    • Mollusca
    • Crustacea
  • Links