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Issue 3 03.04.01

The Circular - your monthly newsletter

The next match is fast approaching and will be against the Hope Fishing Club on Sunday 8th April fishing from 09.30 - 15.30 pickup at the pump at 8.00 am. These times are slightly earlier than previously advertised but I'm sure you'll be able to get up nice and early to attend.

The match will be at Folkestone Pier with high tide at about 12.20. We'll meet Hope in the car park at the entrance to the pier at 9.00 to hopefully get a club discount on entrance fees. Don't forget to bring that drop net you never know it could be you!

Apparently John Johnson, the Hope Match Secretary has recently had a stroke so we wish him all the best in his recovery. Keith Cofey has taken over the job of Match Secretary.

Here are a few tips picked up along the way about Folkestone Pier

* Peg 27 or 28 is the place for codling - fish about 70 m out with a grip lead

* Piers are better than beaches in daylight in winter

* One up and one down traces are effective in the strong tides on the pier

* Three boom traces are good for fishing down along side the wall

* Increase the length of your shock leader to reach down into the water from the pier wall - the water is 50 foot deep at high water

* Wire grip lead are necessary to hold out during the strongest tide runs either side of high water

* Best places to fish include the first bend for flatfish at short range and at either end of the narrow alley

* High tide is the best time to fish during spring tides

* Long casting can be productive in rough weather

* Late summer and autumn can produce conger near the wall. Fish with strong 30 lb gear with a mackerel head or flapper on a 6/0 hook tied with wire. Fish during slack water at the end of the lower platform or either end of the narrow alley

* Lugworm is the best bait to use for the smaller species. Try tipping with thumb nail pieces of fish or squid for variety

* Maddies or thin strips of fish catch scad and pollack when fished down the side of the wall in summer and autumn

* The pier is snaggy in places,especially the end, so if you keep getting caught up move to a cleaner spot (hopefully!)

* There is a band of snags at about 70 - 90 m out from the pier wall so either fish inside this band or over it to reduce your chances of getting snagged

* The high numbered pegs fish better at high water

* Using three hooks on a trace cast out from the wall will increase your chances of getting snagged up - use just two with longer snoods to catch just as many fish and lose less gear

The next club match is on Sunday 22nd April as detailed in your minutes - you'll have to read them now to find out the times!

Here are a few tips picked up along the way about Hampton Pier, Herne Bay

*Eels, bass and flounder can be caught during the spring

*Whiting and the odd codling can be caught on calm winter nights

*The odd Dab and Rockling can be caught in April

* In April and May there are peeler crabs about and the fishing can occasionally be excellent here. During this time peeler crab can be the only worthwhile bait to take with you

* Bass can be caught in early summer on ragworm

* Lug, rag, white rag and razor fish can be dug from the mussel beds and sand in the bay near the jetty

* Local tackle shops include Ron Edwards Fishing Tackle 50 - 52 High Street, Herne Bay Tel 01227 372517 (ask for Roly and tell him you know Shaun Chesson to get an instant discount on tackle - Roly will be opening at 7.30 that morning because it is the same day as the Whitstable Open - don't forget to order your bait early to avoid disappointment) and The Bait Shop, 71 Central Parade, Herne Bay Tel 01227 742942

* The odd plaice and sole can be caught here in the summer

* There is an island in front of the jetty that uncovers during spring low tides where snake whites can be dug

*Large eel can be caught during May and June on their favourite peeler crab bait

*Three hook rigs baited with lugworm, maddies or white rag catch the fish when the peelers have gone

* My favourite spot is at the end of the jetty on the left hand side fishing over the sometimes snaggy mussel beds

* Garfish can be caught from the pier in the summer during calm, clear periods. Use a thin strip of mackerel fished under a float on a 1m hook length with a spinning rod. Let the tide take the float out by leaving your bale arm undone. Ground baiting with a mesh bag along side the wall can help.

As an alternative to the club match we have been invited to put together a team of 2 - 6 anglers to represent the club at a competition to mark the refurbishment of Gillingham Pier by Groundwork Medway Swale on Sunday 22.02.01 fishing from 10 - 16.00 hrs. For more details contact our External Competitions Coordinator Nigel Sissons for more details.

I'll see you on the beach

John Padmore

Secretary