I'm off to Hopton for a week, going this weekend. I've never sea fished before, have no idea about it at all, and only have carp and catfish tackle . Is it worth taking my spod rod and reel and cobbling something together for go? Or am I likely to be wasting my time ?any tips greatly appreciated
In reply to Post #1
I used to fish hopton all the time but only in the winter for cod, my old man won all Norfolk knock out in early 70s and loved his beach fishing before he got old and useless. The beach at Hopton got more or less washed away in the tidal surge 10 years ago(?). I love the place and am trying to convince a mate to come with me this year. Trouble is it's an expensive day out with bait and travel.
But back to your question, this time of year I reckon you'd be feeding crabs but in it to win it, maybe a few bass about.
Edit: 6oz leads are really a must just to holdish bottom, it'll still rip round even with breakaways.
I used to fish hopton all the time but only in the winter for cod, my old man won all Norfolk knock out in early 70s and loved his beach fishing before he got old and useless. The beach at Hopton got more or less washed away in the tidal surge 10 years ago(?). I love the place and am trying to convince a mate to come with me this year. Trouble is it's an expensive day out with bait and travel.
But back to your question, this time of year I reckon you'd be feeding crabs but in it to win it, maybe a few bass about.
Edit: 6oz leads are really a must just to holdish bottom, it'll still rip round even with breakaways.
In reply to Post #1
Ready made rigs are probably the way to go in your boat tbh, by the time you've bought the components you'd spend more and not use them.
Indication can be a problem with spod rods, a cat rod might be better if 12ft and able to cast 6oz+
Don't forget to rinse everything in fresh water afterwards,
Ready made rigs are probably the way to go in your boat tbh, by the time you've bought the components you'd spend more and not use them.
Indication can be a problem with spod rods, a cat rod might be better if 12ft and able to cast 6oz+
Don't forget to rinse everything in fresh water afterwards,
Follow Gorleston Tackle Centre on Facebook, Gorleston is only a couple of miles down the road and the regulars fish at the end of Gorleston/Hopton.
In reply to Post #3
Ah right, Tbh I was just going to cobble rigs together from my cat gear,bit of heavy mono with a 1/0 owner or something like that. I'm honestly clueless about sea fishing lol
Ah right, Tbh I was just going to cobble rigs together from my cat gear,bit of heavy mono with a 1/0 owner or something like that. I'm honestly clueless about sea fishing lol
In reply to Post #5
I use a pretty basic running rig for smoothhounds, but when conditions aren't right for them I usually use a 2 hook clipped down rig, basically a paternoster with 2 hook links, but the hooks are held in place for the cast which protects the soft baits and prevents tangles. These cost about £3 to buy so for a bit of holiday fishing they're a good option imo.
I'm only getting back into it now, without a decent ticket currently I'm a bit disillusioned with the carping.
All my fishing has been on the south coast so a local might point you to a better way
I use a pretty basic running rig for smoothhounds, but when conditions aren't right for them I usually use a 2 hook clipped down rig, basically a paternoster with 2 hook links, but the hooks are held in place for the cast which protects the soft baits and prevents tangles. These cost about £3 to buy so for a bit of holiday fishing they're a good option imo.
I'm only getting back into it now, without a decent ticket currently I'm a bit disillusioned with the carping.
All my fishing has been on the south coast so a local might point you to a better way
In reply to Post #5
Big fat swivel, 2 foot of 50lb mono, 3 way swivel with 18 inches of 12/15lb mono and a 4/0 Aberdeen hook, 2 foot of 50lb mono of the bottom of 3 way to a 6oz breakaway.
18lb mono and 50lb leader. Though fishing braid the bites are epic.
Big fat swivel, 2 foot of 50lb mono, 3 way swivel with 18 inches of 12/15lb mono and a 4/0 Aberdeen hook, 2 foot of 50lb mono of the bottom of 3 way to a 6oz breakaway.
18lb mono and 50lb leader. Though fishing braid the bites are epic.
In reply to Post #7
I tend to use stop knots, float stops and beads rather than the 3 way swivels
Braid was a game changer for me, makes a huge difference with delicate bites in a strong tide.
I've been using the 58lb braid on my spod reel over clean ground lately, but I might have to drop that for rockier ground or try a rotten bottom setup.
I tend to use stop knots, float stops and beads rather than the 3 way swivels
Braid was a game changer for me, makes a huge difference with delicate bites in a strong tide.
I've been using the 58lb braid on my spod reel over clean ground lately, but I might have to drop that for rockier ground or try a rotten bottom setup.
In reply to Post #7
Sounds straight forward enough, I've 50lb braid on my reel so bites should be ok. What baits would you recommend?
Sounds straight forward enough, I've 50lb braid on my reel so bites should be ok. What baits would you recommend?
In reply to Post #9
I've always fished lug worm, maybe a little bit of squid or fish. Lug has always been the main bait. I don't profess to be the best sea angler but I used to catch a few. Mostly whiting round our way with a few flatties, bit early for cod I'd guess.
I've always fished lug worm, maybe a little bit of squid or fish. Lug has always been the main bait. I don't profess to be the best sea angler but I used to catch a few. Mostly whiting round our way with a few flatties, bit early for cod I'd guess.
In reply to Post #9
I don't know this beach so can't give specifics but if it was me I would use my carp gear to set up a semi fixed heli rig with a 20lb 18 ins mono hook length about 18 ins above the lead. Make sure it doesn't move easily. I would use a 16lb/60lb tapered leader.
Frozen peeler, fresh rag and fresh lug will catch pretty much anything plus frozen bluey and or medium sandeel for tougher baits
All you will need to buy are some 5oz clip down breakaway leads, pack of Kamasan size 2 and 1/0 longshank Aberdeens plus some bait elastic.
Avoid tow rope, huge hooks and prehistoric metal work unless you are after conger or stingray.
On most beaches its scratching time and imho this would give you the best chance and the most fun.
Change your baits at least every 30 mins.
On most beaches fishing 4 hours up to high water and a couple over will usually work but this is worth checking locally. The tides are your friend.
After casting let out plenty of line to settle the lead and fish for drop backs.
Whatever else you do wash all your gear very thoroughly in hot water. A really really good rinse. Sea water will eat your carp gear else.
Enjoy and good luck.
I don't know this beach so can't give specifics but if it was me I would use my carp gear to set up a semi fixed heli rig with a 20lb 18 ins mono hook length about 18 ins above the lead. Make sure it doesn't move easily. I would use a 16lb/60lb tapered leader.
Frozen peeler, fresh rag and fresh lug will catch pretty much anything plus frozen bluey and or medium sandeel for tougher baits
All you will need to buy are some 5oz clip down breakaway leads, pack of Kamasan size 2 and 1/0 longshank Aberdeens plus some bait elastic.
Avoid tow rope, huge hooks and prehistoric metal work unless you are after conger or stingray.
On most beaches its scratching time and imho this would give you the best chance and the most fun.
Change your baits at least every 30 mins.
On most beaches fishing 4 hours up to high water and a couple over will usually work but this is worth checking locally. The tides are your friend.
After casting let out plenty of line to settle the lead and fish for drop backs.
Whatever else you do wash all your gear very thoroughly in hot water. A really really good rinse. Sea water will eat your carp gear else.
Enjoy and good luck.
In reply to Post #9
Take a spade and dig for lug at low tide
I find ragworm more productive generally, and you should get some just to see the alien monsters.
Thread them well up the hook too to slow the bait robbers down, just nicking them on like you would a lobworm is a waste of time and bait.
Take a spade and dig for lug at low tide
I find ragworm more productive generally, and you should get some just to see the alien monsters.
Thread them well up the hook too to slow the bait robbers down, just nicking them on like you would a lobworm is a waste of time and bait.
Cheers gents, I'll see what I can cobble together . Catching something will be a bonus Tbh 
In reply to Post #13
lots of good advice here already
peeler can be a killer bait on it's day. as duggs says, rag worm are scary but worth it.
you could also try a bit of spinning for mackerel - less gear intensive and a LOT of fun
lots of good advice here already
peeler can be a killer bait on it's day. as duggs says, rag worm are scary but worth it.
you could also try a bit of spinning for mackerel - less gear intensive and a LOT of fun
In reply to Post #13
Have heard it's fishing hard round this way at the moment. Chuck one in the surf, like 30-40 yards out. I'd be surprised if there isn't a flattie or a pouting about.
Have heard it's fishing hard round this way at the moment. Chuck one in the surf, like 30-40 yards out. I'd be surprised if there isn't a flattie or a pouting about.