Winter Rib Fishing?

[diver 1]

Hi, does anyone on here venture out fishing on their rib during the winter months?

I'd normally use any opportunities this time of year to get out diving on the rib but my partner is pregnant and can't dive so I'm thinking of getting out next weekend if weather allows for a spot of fishing out towards the Needles.

I'm heading out of Poole, not sure which day - will depend on forecast later in the week.

I'd be grateful if anyone has any tips specific to cod fishing or the general area? Maybe I should be heading straight out or west rather than east - who knows?

If anyone wants to join me and show me what I should be doing they'd be welcome - send me a message!

[Maximus]

Don't know much about fishing the Poole area...although plenty on here do!
But done plenty of cod fishing from the Rib...anchored over rough ground up-tidying in the Bristol Channel with Big Worm and Squid cocktails on a pennell rig works for me!
If you get one of Boat fishing mags it'll give you plenty of tips and info....and it's ussully relevant to season and species ect.
Good luck!

[diver 1]

Cheers Maximus! My understanding from the local fishing Charter skippers is that plain squid can work quite well down here, also that there are still summer bream around too.

Looks like Saturday might be the best day for it
http://www.buoyweather.com/wxnav5.js...e=-1.669921875

Rib is now de-garaged - just need to remember to add fuel this time!

[wavelength]

Hi, does anyone on here venture out fishing on their rib during the winter months?

We had a day at them on the rib last week-but not in that area- had a few cod. Main problem was getting through the whiting to get at 'em. Be having another go at them this week no doubt when the tide is right.
plus side.... fresh cod n chips! minus side its going colder by the day this week!

[Hightower]

Cod fishing around the Wight has dropped off in recent weeks. I've heard reports that the Sprats are in and there are loads of tiny Whiting so the Cod will be gorging themselves with these instead of hook baits. Try using some baby cuttlefish, make hell of a mess but can make a big difference over squid in the right conditions. Don't forget to squeeze out the back bone before mounting.

That said, whilst there is a decreased chance of catching a Cod there is a better chance of catching some bigger ones. Heard of some nice 20lb+ ones being caught last week over the East Wight Nab area and there is still a good chance of catching Bass.

Good luck!

[jumpinjack]

I'm out on a charter in 10th - Andy - will be sending you a message for some local knowledge!

[diver 1]

Well the rib stayed in the garage, all maintenance work is finished now so she needs a sea trial! Fished from the shore on Chesil Beach and caught nothing, then last night caught a codling in Poole Harbour!

[diver 1]

jumpinjack - did you get anything?

I'm going out tomorrow on the rib - have space if anyone wants to join me. Will be fishing off the needles.

[jumpinjack]

Was called off, we didn't get out

[diver 1]

Great day fishing, several congers, 1 undulate ray, 1 thornback ray, whiting, pout and dogs.

Mate got a bass so big we couldn't drag it in against the tide and eventually the line snapped 15ft behind the boat and I hooked into something massive that dragged the boat around a full 180 on the anchor before it got free

Fantastic day, warm and calm conditions, new mark was a random one but paid off well.

[jumpinjack]

Sounds good. Nice to see some big bass out there . Fantastic day weather wise.