Anemones for bait ??

[tonyfromalnwick]

Whilst casually browsing through the October (!!) edition of Sea Dangler in Tesco's today, I came across an article which says that at one time sea anemones were used as a "top cod bait".

I've been a sea angler since I was about 16, many MANY years ago, but I've never heard of this.

The pictures of them baited up did look appetising mind !

Anyone ever used them, and any success ?

[mick dunn]

First i heard as well. Read the article by Steve Saunter. He knows his stuff. seen him on the Heugh a couple of times.Using all sorts of baits.

Mick

[braine]

The local name for this bait is "Parp". It is a type of Sea anenome found in rock pools but it does not have tentacles. It is brown, about 2 inches diameter, like a little round haystack with an indent in the middle. It is also quite a firm rubbery feel to it. I used to catch many codling in the 70's from the Heugh pier and they used to cough up Parp quite often. Putting it on the hook and recasting practically guaranteed another codling.

[blackcat]

big lugworm n crab baits for cod......although rag...mussell...squid..razor...clam...baked beans.....dont bother with them anenome thingys...why would ya? theres much better cod baits.. that steve whatsizface just covering a page with useless anenome bullsh*t...cmon now

[red rock]

caught a cod with 3 safety pins in its stomach before, got nothing the next chuck with them mind years ago they used to catch with limpet so can not see why they would not work

[The Great Wallsendo]

Having read Sea Angler for years - I would agree that there is a certain amount of repetition...but let's be fair, the basic premise of recreational sea angling has not changed for decades...only advances in technology and materials have changed but the basic tactics and skills are more or less the same as they were "when I were a lad"...so how many times can you write about it in a different and entertaining style?

IMHO I thought the article was actually quite refreshing - as it veered away from the normal style of articles and actually posed a question to the readers.

There will always be a percentage of anglers who do not want to "re-design the wheel" but I reckon it pays to keep an open mind when it comes to baits/tactics etc

[Stores]

I used to use parps in the 70's as well, especially effective on the few boat trips I went on. I cannot remember ever fishing with them exclusively but, like limpets, they were a successful way of padding out big baits.

[tonyfromalnwick]

Well it looks like there's only one way to find out if they still work.

Next time I'm on the rocks, I'll try them on their own and as part of a cocktail, and see what turns up !

[sless]

parp used to be used on the old trot lines around marsden years ago
glocka still uses it now

[Stores]

Only thing to consider is that parps, like limpets, lose scent and colour really quickly so don't go leaving them out there half an hour.

[kensr27sz]

parps are good after a realy rough sea when the cod are full of worm ,leave them out for a few days then freeze them untill needed .

[Brashy]

before my time using that for bait. hehehe