barbequed mackerel mmmm....

[Lewy]

just bought a couple of the pike/zander rods from Lidl and £15 a pop including the reel and bits that can't be bad. ideal for the boat.

anyone know any good fish hotspots on the solent?
is it too early for the mackerel yet??

[codprawn]

Much to early for Mackrell - July best time. Last year my mates kids caught 330 in a few hours - incredible!!! Don't worry none were wasted.

[UKPOWERBOAT]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Much to early for Mackrell - July best time. Last year my mates kids caught 330 in a few hours - incredible!!! Don't worry none were wasted.

kinell!! what, were they lobbing sticks of explosive overboard

[jyasaki]

A Fish and Game warden suspects an older gentleman of poaching. The old man routinely leaves the dock, and returns shortly after with a full limit of fish. The warden poses as another fisherman, and meets the guy as he returns from another fishing trip. He asks how the guy does it, saying his luck seems to run much colder. Any tips would be appreciated.

"No problem," says the old guy. "Meet me here tomorrow morning, and we'll get you a limit of fish."

The next morning, the warden, again in civvies, meets the codger at the dock. He boards the boat, and in silence, they motor off onto the lake. After a long run, the old guy cuts the motor, and the boat drifts. The warden is excited; he's finally going to see the old man's secret.

"Well, I guess we should get started," the old man says. He reaches into a box, and takes out a stick of dynamite. He lights the fuse, and tosses the explosive overboard. A resounding BOOM, and fish float up to the surface.

"Hey, you can't do that," the warden says. "That's illegal."

The old man gives the warden a wry stare, takes out another stick of dynamite, lights it, and tosses it overboard. Another BOOM, and more fish float to the surface.

"Look, sir; I'm actually a game warden, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to arrest you."

The old man looks disgustedly at him, picks up another stick of dynamite, lights the fuse, and hands it to the warden.

"Sonny," he says, "You going to talk or you going to fish?"



jky

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Nauti Buoy

kinell!! what, were they lobbing sticks of explosive overboard

Nah just 6 feather traces - never seen anything like it. The raymarine fishfinder was going berserk - couldn't even see the bottom - thought we were in 20' of water when it was 60'.

Only 2 rods in use - too busy taking the fish off for them - not many girls like fishing but they were loving it. I was totally fed up though - the fun factor went after fish number 30!!!

[Red Fox]

I read this and simply pass it on.
Frequently the question of returning mackerel alive appears on the various angling internet forums.

There is a belief by many that once a mackerel has been touched by an anglers hands, even though the fish may swim away energetically, it is doomed.

Something to do with the heat/oil of the anglers hands (where it has been touched can often be seen as a handmark on the fish's skin).

Even though only microscopically damaged, the mackerel's skin continues to break down with death inevitable within 30 hours. Evidence from scientific fisheries studies seems to support this view.
Barbless hooks and a shake off is the answer when you have had enough!

[vince]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Much to early for Mackrell - July best time. Last year my mates kids caught 330 in a few hours - incredible!!! Don't worry none were wasted.

How did you fit 330 fish on board?! Thats 2.75 fish per minute! Fish pie anyone? Again....?

[Andy Moore]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Much to early for Mackrell - July best time. Last year my mates kids caught 330 in a few hours - incredible!!! Don't worry none were wasted.

That is TOO MANY FISH being caught!

Anglers should restrict their line of feathers to 3 max and STOP FISHING when a personal quota is reached.

[Downhilldai]

Agree - unless you're going to freeze them and use later for bait

[GuyP]

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

That is TOO MANY FISH being caught!

Anglers should restrict their line of feathers to 3 max and STOP FISHING when a personal quota is reached.

Personal limits only work in lakes, rivers or for relatively shallow water sea species (e.g. bass) where trawlers can't reach. A limit on mackerel won't make a bit of difference when there's a trawler around the corner ready to suck them up.