Catching target fish

[Pete from shields]

Hi ladies, lads. Just wondering if we can realistically expect to catch a certain fish that we target barr mackerel, well still a chance of coley and pollock but you guess the jist of it. I have always had the trouble of catching whatever their is out there, often not what I target.

I went for some worms yesterday but they were sold out, too late again lol. I thought come on then get some frozen blacks to go with my macky, bluey and squid. Target species Dab, bait black lug tipped with squid size 1 hook on a 2 hook flapper rig. Top hook 3/0 for basically anything else that comes along for some macky or bluey.

I caught a codling, 2 coleys and last cast my target species of Dab. I guess we all have to settle for what we can and anything is better than nothing, even if its not what we're targeting. Any thoughts or any stone wall proven methods any of you hardy anglers wish to share, cheers.

No fish were harmed during this session or thought process, all fish went back alive to live another day.

[Wee Ver]

Wer did u fish?

[jarrowviking]

You just need to go where your target fish has been regulary caught before. Make sure it's the right time of year and also the sea conditions your target fish prefer. Research the top bait that your fish really like and the time of tide that you may expect them to turn up at a venue.

A couple of years ago I really wanted to catch a thornback ray from a County Durham beach. I researched all of the above and on my first attempt took one over 8lb, luck? some yes!

Knowing your target fish's preferences is in my opinion 90 percent of the way to that catch you really want .

[toonboymc]

Well done pete on the catches I am going for a dab next for the species list seen alot caught off roker but its closed so don't no where to target them

[Stewart 1971]

Well done pete on the catches I am going for a dab next for the species list seen alot caught off roker but its closed so don't no where to target them

Walkway, slab area of Shields, 44 area of Shields, Hendon prom, colliery beaches...

[toonboymc]

Cheers stewart

[lumpsucker]

Im all with jarrowviking. Its about maximising your chances. Right baits, hook size, time, location, conditions, methods for your target species. Always a bit of luck, but you need to focus your efforts at least to some degree.

Toonboy, i Got at a dab on the walkway last night on rag, and one from the 40s on ssp on Sunday. Spirit of Shields will throw quite a few up. Last time I was there I got half a dozen. Worm baits on size 2 or 4 hooks will do the job, and they hook themselves if they're there

[lumpsucker]

A couple of years ago I really wanted to catch a thornback ray from a County Durham beach. I researched all of the above and on my first attempt took one over 8lb, .

If you don't mind me asking, where and when did you try mate? Seaham hall beach or Horden look like favourable spots to me and I had thought about having a couple of sessions for them this year, any info you could spare would be much appreciated.

[BIG HITTER 1]

If you don't mind me asking, where and when did you try mate? Seaham hall beach or Horden look like favourable spots to me and I had thought about having a couple of sessions for them this year, any info you could spare would be much appreciated.

last august a lad I know had 2 fish boxes full of thornbacks in his nets no more than 500 yards off crimdon caravan park.

i'm going to try myself this year he caught them in very settled humid weather.

good luck

[Pete from shields]

Thanks for the replies everyone, @Wee Ver it was the walkway mate.

Quality reply JV, I have ticked all the boxes numerous times trying to target specifics, hapless maybe although I'm sure a dark cloud follows me about haha.

Toonboy, what Stewart says is spot on, caught most of my Dabs at the walkway and first gate, just never get them when I target them lol.

[jarrowviking]

If you don't mind me asking, where and when did you try mate? Seaham hall beach or Horden look like favourable spots to me and I had thought about having a couple of sessions for them this year, any info you could spare would be much appreciated.

It was Horden Lumpsucker, I'll pm you some info in a couple of days about the best times, etc to try for them.

[codseeker]

theres more caught than we think but a lot dont mention whats been caught local some good double rays but more new or old species are turning up ,yes jv that was a cracking fish

[magpies]

It was Horden Lumpsucker, I'll pm you some info in a couple of days about the best times, etc to try for them.

Any chance I could get a heads up on that too mate?