| For simplicity I have incorporated the whole
area between Southwell and Portland Bill into one page
called "Ledges". Between Southwell and Portland Bill there
are many rock marks that make for great fishing. Those
further north towards Southwell are pretty high but still
fishable with care. The sea bed is snaggy with patches of
clean sand, which are visible during calm weather. Rotten
bottom gear is advised unless you are an accurate caster and
can hit the sand every time, in which case a 6ox breakaway
lead can be used. Use 30lb main line to combat the snags
with lighter snoods to size 2 to 2/0 hooks.
The area is also provides excellent float fishing for
mullet, garfish, Bass, Pollack and Wrasse. There is often no
need to cast the float as there are several sea caves so the
line can be dropped from the cliff straight into deep water.
In the summer the Bass and mullet come into these areas to
feed on larvae and insects that live on the washed up sea
weed that gathers in the inlets.
There is excellent lure fishing using plugs, spinners and
jelly worms. Species caught here include Bass, Wrasse,
Pollack and mullet. The Dexter Wedge is a favourite to try
first and brightly coloured diving plugs are great for
Pollack and Bass. The Bass tend to be caught near to the
obelisk at the tip of the Bill where the fast running tide
carries bait fish around the point.
Pulpit Rock, situated about 200m to the west of the
lighthouse, is a very popular venue with very deep water
close in. 8lb Wrasse have often been caught here. Use rotten
bottom gear and strong snoods with crab and worm baits.
Large Conger are caught here at night but due to the height
above the water they can be difficult and dangerous to land.
Never fish alone and wear a buoyancy aid such as a
floatation suit. Flares should be carried due to the
remoteness of the location.
As a general rule it is best to fish the west side of
Portland during the ebb tide and move around to the east
side on the incoming tide...but be careful of the rising sea
level over the rocks!
|
