Pulpit Rock is a local Mecca for Wrasse anglers, in fact
the British record Ballan Wrasse was caught here in 1998
by local expert Pete Hegg. The fish weighed 9lb 10z 0dr,
click here for a
picture. Many anglers fish from the top of the rock as
it gives easier access to the deep water kelp beds and
provides a higher angle to the water, which helps when
fighting a fish out of the weed. There is space on top
of the rock for three fisherman but be very careful as
it is a long way down. The non mountain goats among us
can fish from the flat rock platforms to either side of
Pulpit Rock.Hardback Crab is the number one bait for
Wrasse here, fish it with 30lb main line with no shock
leader. Pete Hegg's favourite rig here is a simple
affair with a plain 5oz lead suspended a couple of feet
below a three-way swivel, the snood of 30lb line is
about 4' long with a strong size 2/0 hook is tied into
the side eye of the swivel. A rotten bottom can be
incorporated into this rig if necessary. The idea here
is to keep it simple and to have as little tackle as
possible on the business end to help prevent snags and
to keep the cost of tackle losses down. Many local
anglers use scrap metal instead of expensive leads, I
find old car spark plugs to be excellent!
The best fishing is about 60yds as the sea bed
shelves off here. Fishing is only possible around the
bottom of the tide. You may find that you have to get
here early to stake your claim to your mark, Pulpit is a
very popular spot with very limited space for anglers.
Cod and Pollack can also be caught here in good numbers.
You will need a heavy beach caster to deal with the snags
and powerful runs of the Wrasse if you are lucky enough
to connect with one.
Wrasse can be caught here in all but the coldest
months, they tend to move offshore between January and
April as the water temperature falls. Car parking is
200yds away and there are toilets and a cafe nearby.
Pete Hegg is a ex-England international team member,
he is available as a fishing guide for a very reasonable
fee and is a mine of local information.
Click Here to visit his
website.
|
