L_muslibar
Well-known member
Nocturnal Hound Hunt – 17/07/16
As spring shifts into summer there is a fresh anticipation amongst specimen hunting anglers wanting to get to grips with quarry that is built to test even the most advanced terminal setups. Here in the north east the general consensus is that our home turf offers some tremendous cod fishing, especially during the winter season – and fishing for this species is a true test of patience and endurance as we battle the roughest ground and weather conditions in pursuit of that one big fish. Indeed some local anglers will actually put away their gear at the conclusion of the winter season, only daring to dust it off the following autumn for the new run of fish.
In contrast however there are many of us that are keen to add to our specimen list and keep those rods bending! There can be few arguments therefore that one species is often on the forefront of our minds for the coming summer season – the Smoothound – often referred to as Smut or Gummy shark due to its lack of teeth. What it lacks in teeth however, it makes up for with incredible surging runs and heart stopping speed and agility. There are few fights like it!
Here in the UK we currently recognise 2 main species variants – the common Smoothound (Mustelus mustelus) and the Starry Smoothound (Mustelus asterias)
This variance has been the subject of debate in recent years, with some experts arguing there is evidence that in fact it is only the Starry Smoothound that is found in British waters, and that the presence of spots on the flank is not evidence enough to support whether it is a starry or not.
It’s a subject which does not yet have a conclusion and, whether you support or disagree, there can be no disputing the fact that regardless of which you catch, they are a hard fighting fish that will provide you with some truly spectacular fishing when targeted and this alone is reason to respect all conservation and care methods relating to the species. Only then can we guarantee the same enjoyment in their pursuit in the future.
A shark species, Smoothounds are particularly common on the east coast of the UK – with areas of the Holderness and Lincolnshire coastlines being particularly popular with local and travelling anglers looking to catch Smoothounds. Hunting in packs, they are not a shy species and will venture surprisingly close to the water’s edge on occasion in their pursuit of crabs, lobsters and other shellfish that make up their main diet.
The most important thing to consider when fishing for Smoothounds, apart from bait, is the conditions. An onshore wind will not work in your favour – as a general rule Smoothounds will prefer to feed in a flat sea where there is some colour in the water. Find conditions such as these and you could be on to a winner.
Fishing in the dark is also a benefit – although not essential as you can still catch hordes of fish during daytime as well.
Bait wise – Crab is a must if you want to get the most out of your session. Squid, ragworm and sandeels will occasionally be taken, but not nearly as much as crabs. Peeler, hermits, edibles will all be taken – and some anglers will even use hardback crabs with success. Don’t overdo your bait size – a whole crab is often not a necessity. If the Smoothounds are about, they will home in on a half a crab very quickly. Don’t overdo your hook size either. While large in size, Smoothounds have surprisingly small mouths. 1/0 and 2/0s will be fine – strong wire hooks are a necessity as Smoothounds are really powerful fighters.
Rig wise – many setups work and anglers will give you different opinions on their favourites. Pulleys, drop downs, clipped paternosters, up and overs, loop rigs etc. will all work – but make sure your gear is strong. My favourite when fishing a flat beach is probably a clipped paternoster of around 3-4ft in length with a single 1/0 or 2/0 Sakuma Stinger or Manta Xtra. If fishing on rock edges however where you are a bit higher than the water level, an up and over or drop down rig is advantageous to keep your bait on the seabed.
The Session
With a promising weather outlook for the weekend ahead, the idea was formulated that it would be the perfect opportunity for the first hound hunt of the year. Skegness was fishing really well so it was an obvious choice as a venue with reports coming in day by day of good fish right up to the day before we were due to go. We’d decided to head down for a night session – where High water would be at 5am the following morning, giving us what we hoped would be an opportunity of decent nights, relatively undisturbed fishing. And this turned out to be a good idea.
After a day in the shop, a quick journey back home to sort out the last of the gear and we were on the road for around 7pm and heading south for Skegness – arriving a little after 10pm, by which point the sun was well and truly set. Rather than heading to chapel point we opted for a spot a couple of miles south and were soon trudging along the beach and setting up. Bait for the evening was the obvious choice – Crab – although we did have a reserve of ragworm and squid for the odd chance at a bass or Ray if the fishing was slow.
As always im using 2 greys shadows paired up with 2 Fathom 15s – my favourite setup. Can’t overstate the love affair I have with these old UK built greys rods. I have however brought along a continental style Sonik Gravity Surf as a sporting option for if the fish are feeding heavy.
Once again im experimenting with rigs – 1st setup is a clipped paternoster with a single size 2/0 Sakuma Stinger. 2nd choice is an up and over rig, again with a single size 1/0 stinger. While I’ve mentioned that a lot of rigs will catch these fish, im interested to see if the longer snood makes a difference on this flat beach.
As far as bait presentation is concerned – im doing things a little differently. For other species, I would usually peel the full crab and mount this on the hook using elasticated thread. For the Smoothounds however, im leaving the legs unpeeled and intact – only peeling the top of the crab and some of the thorax. I then cut this in half – threading it onto the hook and binding the peeled half to the hook, leaving the legs dangling naturally. I like the look of this more natural presentation as it gives something that stands out a little. The added benefit of doing things this way is quickness. We spend time peeling a full crab and getting rid of every last bit of shell, whereas this way may appear slap dash, but you end up with a well presented bait in half the time. Smoothounds aren’t fussy feeders, being used to crunching through shells of hardback grabs as their main diet.
Traps now set, it’s just a case of waiting. The first 20 minutes pass quickly and suddenly to my left I hear what we’ve been waiting for – the almighty squeal of the ratchet as a large Smoothound has found Andy’s first bait. It can’t be emphasised the importance of backing off the drag or better yet, leaving your reels in free spool with the ratchet on when fishing for Smoothounds. They will take no prisoners when hitting your bait and when you see this for the first time, you will quickly realise that they will pull your rod, reel and stand straight into the water with tremendous ease. There are no tell-tale rattles with these fish – they will hit your bait and they will hit it hard!
Andy plays the fish well, which changes direction freely with surprising speed on numerous occasions. Eventually it’s in the surf and, with careful manoeuvring, is safely picked up head and tail by yours truly and brought back to the beach. A wrestling match between man and fish ensues and it sticks a few good nuts in, catching me square in the jaw at one point and nearly knocking me on my backside!
Subdued – it eventually tips the scales at 10lb 5oz. A good start!
At this point I must emphasise appropriate handling of these fish. Please exercise care – their skeletal make up is not like most other species of fish. Like all other sharks their skeleton is predominantly cartilage. Holding these fish up by their tail or head shifts all the weight to one end of the fish and is extremely damaging to them – more often than not fatal. When picking the fish up – always have one hand supporting the tail and the other hand underneath the head/shoulders to support its weight. As far as weighing is concerned, always use a sling or heavy duty carrier bag – NEVER hang a fish by its gills as this will damage it in more ways than one beyond repair.
With the fish safely weighed and released, we’re filled with a new optimism. And sure enough, the fish don’t disappoint. My rod is the next to scream off and soon I have my first starry of the night beached and hitting the scales at 6lb 8oz.
Gary’s is the next with a pup of around 2lb and none of us are blanking! Give us a wink Gary
Then all hell breaks loose. The fish have obviously moved in as suddenly ratchets are screaming up and down the section of beach we’re fishing. On numerous occasions all 3 of us are playing fish at the same time – with a lot of them going between 7 and 9lb.
As far as my experimenting with rigs is concerned – both rigs are finding fish, but I’ve noticed the paternoster seems to be getting better hook-ups. Call it what you will but after dropping a few fish on the up and over and none on the paternoster, my conclusion is that the latter is assisting in hooking the fish as soon as it bolts with the bait – as it gives instant contact with the resistance of the lead.
Soon it’s impossible to fish with 2 rods as we’re all constantly mobile – playing fish, weighing fish, releasing fish, photographing fish, rebaiting/casting etc. My method of baiting mentioned earlier does seem to be sorting out the better fish, as my average stamp is around 8 and 9lb with very few pups to speak of. I’ll put it down to that rather than just luck of the draw
At one point my ratchet screams off seconds after putting the rod in the stand and, after striking im forced to leg it down to the water’s edge as the fish tears off for the horizon with immense power. Backing off the drag slightly is definitely a good choice as the fish decides it’s having none of it and continues to charge away from me – taking line. By now we’ve worked out that it’s a better fish as it cycles from left to right and starts heading back down the coast. Eventually it’s in the surf and scooped ashore by Andy. By far my best of the night at 10lb 2oz but I confess myself surprised that it wasn’t bigger – it certainly gave me the run around!
Still though it’s a PB and a double so im happy.
Gary is trying his best to get that one big one but seems to be struggling to get through the pups. A couple of times he hooks into big fish, only for them to charge straight towards him and somehow shake the hook. He does however bang into several 4s, 5s and 6s with his best going over 7.
The frequency of fish continues into the night until about half tide up at 2am – when things begin to slow down. Surprisingly we can already see the first hints of light on the horizon indicating the impending sunrise. The next few hours pass with little to show apart from a few more pups to 6lb and by 4am the sun is just beginning to creep over the horizon and the Smoothounds all but disappear.
The scenery cant be denied though and we stay on for another hour just to appreciate a tremendous looking sunrise and all the while anticipating another run of fish.
By 5am we’re all shattered though and decide to call it a day (or morning).
Fishing for Smoothounds is exhilarating and it only adds to the shameful fact that we don’t get to experience such prime specimens very often on our own coast. Having said that, we never used to see dogfish either and all of a sudden they’re becoming increasingly common! Some of the local marks like seaham pier have given up thornback, small eyed, spotted and even cuckoo Rays in the last few years which going back over the decades was never seen. Last year there were even reports of at least 2 small Smoothounds from South Shields pier and 1 a few years ago from Roker! There’s always a magic with sea angling that you can never be sure what will take your bait – who knows, in 20 years time we may find these surprises become a little more than just an infrequent visit. For now though, im more than happy to put the travelling hours in to make these kind of memories.
Tight lines all
P.S – sadly no GoPro vid this time!
As spring shifts into summer there is a fresh anticipation amongst specimen hunting anglers wanting to get to grips with quarry that is built to test even the most advanced terminal setups. Here in the north east the general consensus is that our home turf offers some tremendous cod fishing, especially during the winter season – and fishing for this species is a true test of patience and endurance as we battle the roughest ground and weather conditions in pursuit of that one big fish. Indeed some local anglers will actually put away their gear at the conclusion of the winter season, only daring to dust it off the following autumn for the new run of fish.
In contrast however there are many of us that are keen to add to our specimen list and keep those rods bending! There can be few arguments therefore that one species is often on the forefront of our minds for the coming summer season – the Smoothound – often referred to as Smut or Gummy shark due to its lack of teeth. What it lacks in teeth however, it makes up for with incredible surging runs and heart stopping speed and agility. There are few fights like it!
Here in the UK we currently recognise 2 main species variants – the common Smoothound (Mustelus mustelus) and the Starry Smoothound (Mustelus asterias)
This variance has been the subject of debate in recent years, with some experts arguing there is evidence that in fact it is only the Starry Smoothound that is found in British waters, and that the presence of spots on the flank is not evidence enough to support whether it is a starry or not.
It’s a subject which does not yet have a conclusion and, whether you support or disagree, there can be no disputing the fact that regardless of which you catch, they are a hard fighting fish that will provide you with some truly spectacular fishing when targeted and this alone is reason to respect all conservation and care methods relating to the species. Only then can we guarantee the same enjoyment in their pursuit in the future.
A shark species, Smoothounds are particularly common on the east coast of the UK – with areas of the Holderness and Lincolnshire coastlines being particularly popular with local and travelling anglers looking to catch Smoothounds. Hunting in packs, they are not a shy species and will venture surprisingly close to the water’s edge on occasion in their pursuit of crabs, lobsters and other shellfish that make up their main diet.
The most important thing to consider when fishing for Smoothounds, apart from bait, is the conditions. An onshore wind will not work in your favour – as a general rule Smoothounds will prefer to feed in a flat sea where there is some colour in the water. Find conditions such as these and you could be on to a winner.
Fishing in the dark is also a benefit – although not essential as you can still catch hordes of fish during daytime as well.
Bait wise – Crab is a must if you want to get the most out of your session. Squid, ragworm and sandeels will occasionally be taken, but not nearly as much as crabs. Peeler, hermits, edibles will all be taken – and some anglers will even use hardback crabs with success. Don’t overdo your bait size – a whole crab is often not a necessity. If the Smoothounds are about, they will home in on a half a crab very quickly. Don’t overdo your hook size either. While large in size, Smoothounds have surprisingly small mouths. 1/0 and 2/0s will be fine – strong wire hooks are a necessity as Smoothounds are really powerful fighters.
Rig wise – many setups work and anglers will give you different opinions on their favourites. Pulleys, drop downs, clipped paternosters, up and overs, loop rigs etc. will all work – but make sure your gear is strong. My favourite when fishing a flat beach is probably a clipped paternoster of around 3-4ft in length with a single 1/0 or 2/0 Sakuma Stinger or Manta Xtra. If fishing on rock edges however where you are a bit higher than the water level, an up and over or drop down rig is advantageous to keep your bait on the seabed.
The Session
With a promising weather outlook for the weekend ahead, the idea was formulated that it would be the perfect opportunity for the first hound hunt of the year. Skegness was fishing really well so it was an obvious choice as a venue with reports coming in day by day of good fish right up to the day before we were due to go. We’d decided to head down for a night session – where High water would be at 5am the following morning, giving us what we hoped would be an opportunity of decent nights, relatively undisturbed fishing. And this turned out to be a good idea.
After a day in the shop, a quick journey back home to sort out the last of the gear and we were on the road for around 7pm and heading south for Skegness – arriving a little after 10pm, by which point the sun was well and truly set. Rather than heading to chapel point we opted for a spot a couple of miles south and were soon trudging along the beach and setting up. Bait for the evening was the obvious choice – Crab – although we did have a reserve of ragworm and squid for the odd chance at a bass or Ray if the fishing was slow.
As always im using 2 greys shadows paired up with 2 Fathom 15s – my favourite setup. Can’t overstate the love affair I have with these old UK built greys rods. I have however brought along a continental style Sonik Gravity Surf as a sporting option for if the fish are feeding heavy.
Once again im experimenting with rigs – 1st setup is a clipped paternoster with a single size 2/0 Sakuma Stinger. 2nd choice is an up and over rig, again with a single size 1/0 stinger. While I’ve mentioned that a lot of rigs will catch these fish, im interested to see if the longer snood makes a difference on this flat beach.
As far as bait presentation is concerned – im doing things a little differently. For other species, I would usually peel the full crab and mount this on the hook using elasticated thread. For the Smoothounds however, im leaving the legs unpeeled and intact – only peeling the top of the crab and some of the thorax. I then cut this in half – threading it onto the hook and binding the peeled half to the hook, leaving the legs dangling naturally. I like the look of this more natural presentation as it gives something that stands out a little. The added benefit of doing things this way is quickness. We spend time peeling a full crab and getting rid of every last bit of shell, whereas this way may appear slap dash, but you end up with a well presented bait in half the time. Smoothounds aren’t fussy feeders, being used to crunching through shells of hardback grabs as their main diet.
Traps now set, it’s just a case of waiting. The first 20 minutes pass quickly and suddenly to my left I hear what we’ve been waiting for – the almighty squeal of the ratchet as a large Smoothound has found Andy’s first bait. It can’t be emphasised the importance of backing off the drag or better yet, leaving your reels in free spool with the ratchet on when fishing for Smoothounds. They will take no prisoners when hitting your bait and when you see this for the first time, you will quickly realise that they will pull your rod, reel and stand straight into the water with tremendous ease. There are no tell-tale rattles with these fish – they will hit your bait and they will hit it hard!
Andy plays the fish well, which changes direction freely with surprising speed on numerous occasions. Eventually it’s in the surf and, with careful manoeuvring, is safely picked up head and tail by yours truly and brought back to the beach. A wrestling match between man and fish ensues and it sticks a few good nuts in, catching me square in the jaw at one point and nearly knocking me on my backside!
Subdued – it eventually tips the scales at 10lb 5oz. A good start!
At this point I must emphasise appropriate handling of these fish. Please exercise care – their skeletal make up is not like most other species of fish. Like all other sharks their skeleton is predominantly cartilage. Holding these fish up by their tail or head shifts all the weight to one end of the fish and is extremely damaging to them – more often than not fatal. When picking the fish up – always have one hand supporting the tail and the other hand underneath the head/shoulders to support its weight. As far as weighing is concerned, always use a sling or heavy duty carrier bag – NEVER hang a fish by its gills as this will damage it in more ways than one beyond repair.
With the fish safely weighed and released, we’re filled with a new optimism. And sure enough, the fish don’t disappoint. My rod is the next to scream off and soon I have my first starry of the night beached and hitting the scales at 6lb 8oz.
Gary’s is the next with a pup of around 2lb and none of us are blanking! Give us a wink Gary
Then all hell breaks loose. The fish have obviously moved in as suddenly ratchets are screaming up and down the section of beach we’re fishing. On numerous occasions all 3 of us are playing fish at the same time – with a lot of them going between 7 and 9lb.
As far as my experimenting with rigs is concerned – both rigs are finding fish, but I’ve noticed the paternoster seems to be getting better hook-ups. Call it what you will but after dropping a few fish on the up and over and none on the paternoster, my conclusion is that the latter is assisting in hooking the fish as soon as it bolts with the bait – as it gives instant contact with the resistance of the lead.
Soon it’s impossible to fish with 2 rods as we’re all constantly mobile – playing fish, weighing fish, releasing fish, photographing fish, rebaiting/casting etc. My method of baiting mentioned earlier does seem to be sorting out the better fish, as my average stamp is around 8 and 9lb with very few pups to speak of. I’ll put it down to that rather than just luck of the draw
At one point my ratchet screams off seconds after putting the rod in the stand and, after striking im forced to leg it down to the water’s edge as the fish tears off for the horizon with immense power. Backing off the drag slightly is definitely a good choice as the fish decides it’s having none of it and continues to charge away from me – taking line. By now we’ve worked out that it’s a better fish as it cycles from left to right and starts heading back down the coast. Eventually it’s in the surf and scooped ashore by Andy. By far my best of the night at 10lb 2oz but I confess myself surprised that it wasn’t bigger – it certainly gave me the run around!
Still though it’s a PB and a double so im happy.
Gary is trying his best to get that one big one but seems to be struggling to get through the pups. A couple of times he hooks into big fish, only for them to charge straight towards him and somehow shake the hook. He does however bang into several 4s, 5s and 6s with his best going over 7.
The frequency of fish continues into the night until about half tide up at 2am – when things begin to slow down. Surprisingly we can already see the first hints of light on the horizon indicating the impending sunrise. The next few hours pass with little to show apart from a few more pups to 6lb and by 4am the sun is just beginning to creep over the horizon and the Smoothounds all but disappear.
The scenery cant be denied though and we stay on for another hour just to appreciate a tremendous looking sunrise and all the while anticipating another run of fish.
By 5am we’re all shattered though and decide to call it a day (or morning).
Fishing for Smoothounds is exhilarating and it only adds to the shameful fact that we don’t get to experience such prime specimens very often on our own coast. Having said that, we never used to see dogfish either and all of a sudden they’re becoming increasingly common! Some of the local marks like seaham pier have given up thornback, small eyed, spotted and even cuckoo Rays in the last few years which going back over the decades was never seen. Last year there were even reports of at least 2 small Smoothounds from South Shields pier and 1 a few years ago from Roker! There’s always a magic with sea angling that you can never be sure what will take your bait – who knows, in 20 years time we may find these surprises become a little more than just an infrequent visit. For now though, im more than happy to put the travelling hours in to make these kind of memories.
Tight lines all
P.S – sadly no GoPro vid this time!
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