There is something stirring within the confines of UK sea fishing circles. Whereas traditionally I suppose we might be seen as a ‘blast it out and watch the rod tips' bunch of anglers, I am increasingly conscious that there is a huge surge of interest in scaling down and having fun with some of our more ‘athletic' species. The one fish that has got most people going is the bass, for this majestic species is the one fish that crosses all our age-old fishing divides. Every angler wants to catch a good bass, and especially on light spinning gear. Little beats casting into some seawater where these magnificent predators abound.
If you want to catch more bass, it is vital that you prepare yourself to fish with a good degree of mobility. The first thing I always pack for a day's bassing is a pair of breathable chest waders and felt-soled wading boots. These kinds of products have yet to make it big in the sea fishing market, but they will. Every single sea angler that I have converted over to lightweight waders (that fly fishermen have enjoyed for years) ends up virtually living in them. To catch bass on lures, you have to get right in amongst it all, and a pair of waders that you can wear and walk in all day long will prove totally invaluable to the success of your fishing. While chest waders enable you to easily get in the water and potentially access more spots to fish, bear in mind that they are also there to keep you dry against rain and spray. It takes no more than putting on a waterproof jacket to be completely protected against a good old fashioned English (and Irish) downpour.
What has made these products so much more accessible to the sea fishing market is that we can now get our hands on really good breathable waders for the same price as a decent spinning rod. What were once deemed a luxury item to the UK sea angler have in my mind now become a virtual necessity. You have to bear in mind that sharp rocks will harm any kind of wader, but take care and they will last for ages. Waders can easily be patched up if needs be.
Wear them with a good pair of felt-soled wading boots and I can guarantee that your sea fishing will be totally revolutionised. Even the act of landing fish has suddenly become that much easier and more effective. Believe me, get a decent pair of waders and you'll use them so much that it feels strange to take them off. Yes, my wife thinks I went mad many years ago.
Henry Gilbey
Henry works full time as a fishing photographer, writer, TV presenter and tackle consultant. A complete fishing junkie since the age of seven, he fell into presenting TV fishing programmes by mistake, but this was all the excuse he needed to forge a career in fishing. Never happiest than when photographing good looking fishing, Henry loves to catch virtually anything that swims. Bass are a current addiction. See more at www.henry-gilbey.co.uk and his blog at www.henry-gilbey.blogspot.com
