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.
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