Fishing From a Yacht
Author:
Fresh fish are a welcome addition to any galley menu, Paul Knight, author of Amazing Fishing Stories offers some helpful advice on catching yourself a free meal.
You don't have to be an expert angler to catch fish from a yacht.The fact that you are afloat on the sea is half the battle, because during the course of a voyage, you are bound to sail over numerous shoals, especially in the summer months when mackerel are around.
Mackerel fishing could not be easier. All you need is a set of feathers, available at any seaside tackle shop, a lead weight and a line of some sort. A rod and reel are best if you have them, and they do not take up much stowage space, but you can just as easily fish with a handline over the side of the boat. If the vessel is moving, troll the feathers astern of the boat and wait for something to pull on the line. If you fancy drifting, you can let the weight sink deeper and explore the whole water column, and an energetic up and down jerking action on the line will add movement to the feathers and attraction for the mackerel.
Fresh fish are a welcome addition to any galley menu, and nothing is better than mackerel caught fresh from the sea. Immediately gut the fish and fry them in butter, and you will have yourself one of the greatest and healthiest dishes the sea has to offer.
When on a mooring in harbour, why not move up an angling notch and try some spinning. A spinning rod and fixed spool reel set can be bought cheaply from chandlers or tackle shops, and a simple mepps spinner (the chandler/tackle dealer will know what you mean) is enough to tempt bass, mackerel, pollock and several other species which mooch around moored yachts. However, the large grey shapes dimpling the surface are likely to be grey mullet, so don't waste too much time on them; they are mighty difficult to catch on rod and line.
Angling has a good deal of mystique surrounding it, but don't be put off by that. Just so long as you learn the basics of using whichever fishing gear you choose, you are in with a chance of a fish, and a deliciously edible one at that.
Tight lines to go with your good and safe sailing!
Amazing Fishing Stories is published by Wiley Nautical
You may also be interested in Amazing Sailing Stories
