BOAT ANGLING
Our experts solve your fishing problems
Q I’m looking to buy a secondhand boat around the 16ft mark that I can tow on a trailer. I’ve got a height restriction on where I can store it. What are the best options/models/ brands of open boats with a tiller or a steering console but not a cuddy?
DL says: There are numerous manufacturers who build exactly what you are looking for. I love fishing from small open boats with uninterrupted access to fish right up to the bow. Personally, I prefer a steering console to tiller steering, especially when it is necessary to run a fair distance between marks. You have the choice of boats manufactured from GRP, aluminium or various types of high impact plastic. Some which may be of interest include the traditional looking British built Orkney Coastliner 14 or Longliner 16, the tough moulded functionality of the Polycraft Tuffy 300, or the large, excellent range of boats manufactured in Finland by Terhi.
Q Iam aware of the fact that I should not approach marine mammals that I come across at sea, yet more often than not dolphins come right up to the boat. What should I do when this happens?
DL says: Enjoy the moment! You are correct in saying that you should never actively run your boat towards dolphins, whales or seals, certainly do not venture within 100 yards of any that you see. However, as you have experienced, more often than not dolphins will come and visit you, often surfing off your bow wave. When this happens avoid sudden alterations of speed or your course, and simply make the most of this special moment. Earlier this year the government launched a new Marine and Costal Wildlife Code which provides guidance on how to act responsibly around marine wildlife when you visit the coast. www.gov.uk/government/publications/marine-and-coastal-wildlife-code
DL says: I have no doubt that bluefin do eat garfish, along with most other species they encounter, but I am pretty certain that what you witnessed was tuna feeding on Atlantic saury, Scomberesox saurus. It is the Pacific species of these that are sold for bait as Blueys.
QWhen fishing in freshwater for species such as salmon, trout, perch and pike I often use Mepps type lures. Are these lures effective for any species when used in the sea?
GEOFF MARSH, CAMBRIDGE
DL says: Mepps type lures, which are known as bar spoons, will c
