Saltwater Angler

12/06/2024

The Worlds Best sounding Bass Lure. Just for fun

12/06/2024

People seem to be enjoying this upload at the moment. My 10 Tips to catching more bass still rings true 3 years later... Check it out i recon there is at least one thing in here that will help you catch more Bass on Lures in 2024

Heres some things i've learnt Lure fishing for Bass so far this Year.... https://skl.sh/saltwaterangler102110:00-0:21 intro0:22 Follow the Birds to find Bass...

10/06/2024

Do you ever get down to the Beach and notice the conditions look just perfect Bass. Puts the pressure on a bit i guess....

Join me on the beach as i try Sea fishing for some June Bass. The wind had picked up and conditions looked good to nab a bar of silver.There are lots of ways...

09/06/2024

Amazing this little Bass caught in the surf yesterday could still hunt with one good eye ! Have YOU ever caught a deformed fish I’ve definitely had some odd shaped ones over the years and had a pouting once without an eye socket …

07/06/2024

Its still the finest fish in the Sea ! A bass tonight.This one took the Lugworm sole baits. I had prepared it some lovely peeler crab too- They just dont read the memo some days. I took one look at todays conditions and thought "Very Bassy". This fish didn't quite reach 4lb )(as i keep saying i have massive hands) but is my first in June. Ive been told my hair cut is dreadful so thankfully cox&Rawle cap to the rescue!

06/06/2024

WIN - a Drift Lure rod of your choice.... only thing is you will have to watch my excellent review full of tips over on youtube !
In this latest Upload i'm giving my verdict on this series of rods A decent rod can really enhance your lure fishing experience and we take a look at the things that matter today on the channel

Live draw for the chance to win a DRIFT lure rod of your choice will be on Friday 21 June at 19:00hrs. If you want to find out more about Lure fishing then ...

02/06/2024

What sort of handle do you like on your Lure rod ?
An important part of choosing a lure rod thats right for you...
Filming for a series of Lure fishing rod reviews today.
A lot of personal choice but ergonomics are important and also its too hard or too soft.
I prefer the non-tapered handle on the Shimano rods but some great composite material that feels a bit like cork on Favorite Fishing Ukraine and Drift Fishing
Girth and stiffness being tested today 😏
If your going to be casting all day these things become more and more important along with balance ,weight and feel. Yes i know you can catch fish with any rod but again if your fishing all day the right handle can make a big difference to your enjoyment levels

30/05/2024

The coast provides a window on the weather. You can see fronts coming in , watch snow clouds 20 miles out and see electric storms in France ! The water clarity is definitely lure fishing ready.

30/05/2024

Lure colour is unimportant at times
But Lure Colour is also essential at times!

Statistically last year the best colour for Bass at night or murkier water clarity. Cotton candy - also attracts the Angler but I have to say taking records and being purposeful with the other lure colours I try. This will be my go to night lure in 2024.
There are, ofcourse many other factors to lure choice and as I have said many times a sinking lure is a secret weapon in a box full of floaters !
We don’t like to loose our lures so I find so many anglers avoid something that slowly drops through the water column.
Both the shimanos here are sinking versions- yes it’s all conditions dependant and you run the risk of loosing the bloody thing.
But over 50 Bass last year on cotton candy’s make them a confidence lure.
There is a great benefit in fishing with someone else and I’ve lost count of the times one colour out-fished another , just swap over to your mates lure and test the theory.
The darker underside is also a factor I think , I’ve not done well in bright daylight with these lures which runs contrary to a lot of other reports.
So all hail cotton candy in its various forms a real confidence lure.
Some of you keen eyed saltwater anglers might see the as yet untried VMC Bucktails. These are just what I’ve been looking for for kayak and harbour walls slower sinking and another option. I really should stop watching American bassing it’s costing me a fortune !
Cox & Rawle singles making their way on to the middle of the bent minow too.
For all the gear I use and links you can check out my website here;
https://www.saltwaterangler.co.uk/post/sea-fishing-tackle-i-use

30/05/2024

Washing up liquid has caused quite a stir on the latest Youtube Video.
So i thought i clean things up a bit and wash my hands of the whole Lugworm saga !
Thanks to your comments on its use- Ive looked in to the environmental impact of using this and wont be using it as a lubricant for the pump. Will check out some alternatives for this. The lug you see here are probably Black lug (Arenicola defodiens) These produce the tight cast of neat curls! The diagram shows the U shaped burrow more applicable for Blow lug. Black lug are best thought of of going straight down from the burrow.Worth remembering when pumping to them .My 40 plus fishing years have mostly obsessed over lure fishing for Bass here in Sussex,Wales and the West coast of Ireland so this really is a new area of discovery for me with my only previous lug digging an occasional dig here and over on the west coast of Ireland decades ago. I hope this Video starts you off on a bait collecting journey and we can learn together, i have to admit its a lot more fun than i thought when that lug worm comes up!
For those interested here is my AI guided deep dive in to the use of washing up liquid !
Negative Effects of Washing-Up Liquid from lug digging

All we want to do is l**e up that lug pump but unfortunately it looks like Washing up liquid in the Sea can be a real problem as it messes with that balanced ecosystem on the shoreline…

Washing-up liquid contains a variety of chemicals that can have harmful effects on aquatic environments, including the sea, coastal areas, and rivers. These effects can impact fish, marine life, and microorganisms at multiple levels. Here’s a detailed briefing on the subject:
Chemical Composition and Toxicity
Washing-up liquids typically contain:

* Surfactants: These are the primary active ingredients that reduce surface tension and break down grease. Common surfactants include sodium laureth sulfate and linear alkylbenzene sulfonates.
* Fragrances and Dyes: Added for scent and color, these can also be toxic.
* Preservatives: Such as formaldehyde-releasing agents.
* Antibacterial Agents: Like triclosan, which can disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
Environmental Impact
1. Water Pollution:
* Surfactants reduce the water's surface tension, which can disrupt the respiratory function of aquatic organisms. This is particularly harmful to species that rely on surface tension to move or breathe, such as water striders and some microorganisms.
* Chemical Residues: These can accumulate in the water, leading to long-term contamination and toxicity.
2. Soil and Sediment Contamination:
* Chemicals from washing-up liquids can bind to sediments and soil particles, affecting the organisms that live there and potentially entering the food chain.
Impact on Marine Life
1. Fish and Invertebrates:
* Toxicity: Surfactants and other chemicals can cause direct toxicity, leading to mortality or sub-lethal effects such as reduced growth, impaired reproduction, and behavioral changes.
* Bioaccumulation: Persistent chemicals can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms, leading to higher concentrations up the food chain (biomagnification).
2. Microorganisms:
* Disruption of Microbial Communities: Washing-up liquids can kill or inhibit the growth of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms. This can disrupt nutrient cycling and other ecological processes.
* Algal Blooms: Phosphates, sometimes found in detergents, can promote the growth of algae. Excessive algal growth can lead to eutrophication, resulting in oxygen depletion and harm to aquatic life.
3. Marine Plants and Algae:
* Photosynthesis Inhibition: Surfactants can form a film on the water surface, reducing light pe*******on and impairing photosynthesis in aquatic plants and phytoplankton.
Studies and Findings
1. Toxicological Studies:
* Research has shown that even low concentrations of surfactants can be toxic to aquatic organisms. For example, a study published in "Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry" found that common surfactants are lethal to fish at concentrations found in polluted environments.
2. Microbial Impact:
* A study in the journal "Aquatic Toxicology" highlighted that household detergents can significantly reduce the microbial diversity in water bodies, impacting ecosystem functions.
3. Ecosystem-Level Effects:
* Research has shown that detergents can cause shifts in the composition of aquatic communities, favoring resistant species over sensitive ones, which can alter ecosystem dynamics.
Regulations and Recommendations
1. Regulatory Measures:
* Many countries have regulations to limit the discharge of harmful chemicals into waterways. For example, the European Union's REACH regulation controls the use of hazardous substances, including some found in washing-up liquids.
2. Best Practices:
* Reducing Use: Minimizing the use of washing-up liquid and using environmentally friendly products can reduce the impact.
* Proper Disposal: Ensuring that wastewater is properly treated before being discharged into natural water bodies can help mitigate the negative effects.
3. Public Awareness:
* Educating consumers about the environmental impact of household chemicals and promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives.
Conclusion
Washing-up liquids contain chemicals that can have significant negative effects on aquatic environments, from direct toxicity to fish and invertebrates to the disruption of microbial communities and the promotion of harmful algal blooms. Reducing the use of these products, choosing environmentally friendly alternatives, and proper wastewater management are essential steps to mitigate their impact. Ongoing research and regulation are critical to protecting aquatic ecosystems from the harmful effects of these common household products.I think that as Anglers we shouldn’t use them, even the change to an. “Environmentally friendly version”
Perhaps we could consider other alternatives like olive oil (I’ll probably find that has loads of problems now!) Plus it’s expensive.

So clearing the pump out with water is the solution for now.

There are a number of studies on this and it’s quite revealing how little of the stuff is needed to have a negative effect.

Studies on the Impact of Detergents on Aquatic Environments
1. Surfactant Toxicity to Aquatic Life:
* Title: "Toxicity of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) to Aquatic Organisms: A Review"
* Authors: V. A. Matthijs, J. H. Stalmans
* Journal: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
* Year: 1990
* Summary: This study reviews the toxicity of LAS, a common surfactant in detergents, on various aquatic organisms. It highlights the lethal and sub-lethal effects on fish, invertebrates, and algae.
* Link: Abstract
2. Impact on Microbial Communities:
* Title: "Effects of Detergents on Freshwater Microbial Communities"
* Authors: P. A. Johnsen, A. M. Karlson
* Journal: Aquatic Toxicology
* Year: 1998
* Summary: This study examines how household detergents affect the diversity and function of microbial communities in freshwater environments. The findings indicate significant disruptions to microbial populations and processes.
* Link: Abstract
3. Detergents and Algal Blooms:
* Title: "Nutrient Enrichment from Detergents and Algal Bloom Dynamics"
* Authors: J. P. Giesy, K. R. Solomon
* Journal: Environmental Pollution
* Year: 1988
* Summary: This study explores how phosphates in detergents contribute to nutrient enrichment in aquatic environments, promoting algal blooms and subsequent oxygen depletion.
* Link: Abstract
4. Bioaccumulation of Detergent Chemicals:
* Title: "Bioaccumulation of Surfactants in Aquatic Organisms"
* Authors: R. L. Swisher, M. L. Machin
* Journal: Water Research
* Year: 1994
* Summary: The study investigates how surfactants accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms and the potential risks associated with biomagnification in food chains.
* Link: Abstract
5. Ecotoxicology of Household Chemicals:
* Title: "Ecotoxicological Effects of Household Detergents on Freshwater Invertebrates"
* Authors: H. Sandin, B. Persson
* Journal: Environmental Toxicology
* Year: 2000
* Summary: This research focuses on the acute and chronic effects of common household detergents on freshwater invertebrates, providing valuable data on sub-lethal concentrations and behavioral changes.
* Link: Abstract
6. Degradation and Environmental Fate:
* Title: "Environmental Fate and Degradation of Surfactants in Aquatic Systems"
* Authors: C. G. White, A. E. Smith
* Journal: Environmental Science & Technology
* Year: 1995
* Summary: The study explores how surfactants degrade in aquatic environments, including their breakdown products and persistence, which have implications for long-term ecological impacts.
* Link: Abstract
Recommendations for Further Reading
* "The Ecological Impact of Surfactants in the Aquatic Environment" by J. S. Garcia, published in the Journal of Environmental Management.
* "Biodegradation of Nonionic Surfactants in Aquatic Systems" by L. E. Madsen, found in the Journal of Applied Microbiology.
* "Toxicological Profile of Household Detergents in Marine Ecosystems" by A. R. Walker, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin.
Im not sure i have the energy to go much more deeply in to lugworm again this year! As i turn my attentions to Lure fishing for Bass those videos will take precedent on the Saltwater Angler channel and my own Brain space!

I hope These studies provide a comprehensive overview of the negative effects of washing-up liquids on various aquatic environments and organisms. My intention was to learn that little bit more , I suppose i cant knock anyone using it and its not a criticism. Maybe driving to the coast or starting a boat engine also has a detrimental effect and we all want to get out and enjoy our hobby so no big deal and i'm definitely not doing any tree hugging here,.
Maybe ill use some olive oil instead- Will probably find that has problems too !

29/05/2024

Latest video out NOW on YouTube

In this beginners guide to pumping for lug we head to the beach to discuss all matters lugworm and how to pump them.Ive taken advantage of some great input f...

23/05/2024

The more gear the better the angler right ? Well actually the opposite is true, you tend to refine things over the years and travel light only using what you really need . You should never look in some one else’s tackle bag Here’s my May to June set up. Much more than I need but I’ve been filming some lure fishing videos this week so that’s my excuse! We are suffering from the longest bout of may-rot this year and it need to clear up to make lure fishing for bass more inviting. You may spot some lure favourites in here for the rods and lots of SP for the single replacements among others. Really enjoying the drift rods the DRX landing 9 bass recently from some inshore boat fishing.

19/05/2024

I wish i would of discovered this mark sooner. Its only down the road -Todays upload takes me on a Prawn hunting session and then trying out different Baits at super close range!

Today Ive level upped my bait and headed for a new Venue called Cooden in East Sussex. Ive never fished her before but with a combination of some Rag worm...

17/05/2024

What Water going craft would you find the most Interesting if i was to set to sea in search of Bass ?
1. RIB/SIB
2.CHARTER BOAT
3.PADDLEBOARD
4.BELLY BOAT
I'd love to know what you think. Are you thinking of getting one ?Or do you use any of the above for Sea Fishing ?

14/05/2024

Smile behind the silver! Sometimes a fish fights so hard- despite its size this one one went like a train today on the continental set up. Some big rag on a 5/0 hook tempting this lean fighting bass. We got one! After a run of my best catch being a dog fish and a blenny I’m pleased to land this 44cm bass lots of different baits out today but some shop bought rag from Hastings helping me out. I’m allowing myself some praise as I’d noticed a sandbank and rough water close in and that’s where it was caught. Good bit of watercraft that made me smile behind the silver.

14/05/2024

Where do you want to see us fishing in Sussex today?

06/05/2024

All of these caught me a bass yesterday.If I caught one - I swapped lures to see if colour or action made that much difference. Here we have the usual suspects. “Old manky” is the fiiish black minow there which looks like it was in khaki. Then the tidy little lures that caught in every colour . There’s the savage gear jobby plus a hybrid shoal. Shad mixed with an off-cut from a do-live stick ! Classy stuff.
My boat lure fishing is very limited but i don’t like using sandeel lures and try to replicate pouting this time of year. I don’t see sandeels in the water much here in Sussex (especially from the shore) This would be different in Cornwall of-course where sandeels are more plentiful. Red-gills popularity is justified but give me a wider bodied shad type lure here off Eastbourne and I’m much more confident. The bigger the bass the more fussy the bass. The metal is a savage gear seeker - this seemed to pick out the smaller fish and the most mid hits (3) Bass get smarter with age- a 15lber knows a lure from a live bait I recon. Thanks to for once again finding the fish. 90%skipper/ 8%luck 2% my skill !

06/05/2024

One from the boat on “old manky” lure. Old manky is my oldest lure mistreated and not looked after she normally resides in the shed or the bottom of the lure box #3 (reserves) she was a big old black minow in offshore blue? But now is mould coloured! You should always look after your lures but this gets an outing when I go out once a quarter on a boat. Many thanks to for accommodating me I managed 8 Fish today with this being the best of the bunch. Great work from Mark to find the fish and was good to get my eye in in terms of retrieves. I still maintain a long leader is a real confidence booster as well as fishing as light as I dare. I don’t want to loose fish but I have a hunch super heavy leader is off- putting. Gave lots of lures some action today with taking a few on all their shad colours ! Also trying out their 8ft lure rod- coped admirably !

01/05/2024

LATEST SUBSCRIBER NEWSLETTER IS OUT - Prawn Lure fishing for Bass - - https://mailchi.mp/0c05d92bc45f/prawn-lure-fishing-for-bass

29/04/2024

This short guide gives some cheaper alternatives to Popular Lures for Bass. Theres underwater footage and it looks to me that the cheaper lures have a very similar action. Its not all plain sailing though and you might want to spend wisely in some areas.
Since i made this video ive had some great success with different Lures from BASS LURES UK - They have a great range to cater for the U.K Bass Angler

I’ve been wanting to compare Cheap lures v expensive for bass for some time now and with the emergence of sights like lures for bass based in Cornwall lure f...

28/04/2024

A prawn lure caught Bass from last year- I’ll definitely be trying these again. If you look to the bottom left of the picture you can see the lure. No real angling skill here just free lining them on the right tide. Hope you will join me over on YouTube to learn with me on how these lures might be.

28/04/2024

Don’t be put off by murky water. Testing the vudu prawn it comes with a rattle but bass will pick up the smallest vibrations. There’s evidence to suggest cloudy water makes bigger bass less wary. Yes they might not see the lure from a distance but there super lateral line ear bone will know there’s something there. Follow me on YouTube to see how we get on. are you a lure angler who uses other non/ fish creature bait lures ?

28/04/2024

A selection of prawn lures I’m trying. I think the cheat code here is to fish them in a good flow around piers, jetty’s and obstructions. The live target is the one I’m holding. The vudu is looking good in the water too can you spot the others ?

27/04/2024

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿Look mum it’s me ! Im proud to be associated with this brand. As you know if you follow the channel I’ll only recommend things I use and test. Cox & Rawle hooks are perfectly suited to the British shore angler - The 2/0 inline singles are now on some of my lures and the Aberdeen #2 perfect is well … perfect on my plaice rigs. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Meet The Saltwater Angler 🎣📺

Matt is a wealth of knowledge and his content caters to anglers of all abilities and experience.

His videos are easy to watch, informative and entertaining with some top-quality tutorials covering BEACH casting, bait digging, LURE fishing and more!

He has some brilliant “beginners” guides that are well worth a watch, even if you’re a seasoned sea angler. 💪

Swipe LEFT for a taste of his videos! ➡️

26/04/2024

Rock worm! No not ringworm or lug - Fantastic Bass bait from other locations but it seems to be tuning up on a few local spots. It got me thinking ( its use is banned in my area ) But how about a rockworm imitation ? Can anyone recommend a better lure than these Westin Stick worms? Counts as a creature bait too! Id assume a cast on to rocks?

25/04/2024

Sinking hard Lures are much underrated in U.K Bass fishing - Yes more prone to snags but i've caught disproportionally more bass on them -Look for an S on your favourite Lure brand

24/04/2024

A sneaky mid week upload !

Catching Plaice becomes a worthwhile Sea Fishing target this month as we head to the beach. BUT theres a problem -Packs of dogfish are first to all of the ba...

23/04/2024

The smile that says - not a dogfish! Caught from Eastbourne 10 minutes ago on gutted lug

22/04/2024

Right time wrong plaice! With conditions ideal for some plaice the dog fish in the first hour had other ideas! Even taking a moving bait. I’m sure the orange spotted ones are here at the moment it’s a case of getting a better run on the tide. Vitamin d levels are increasing at least. Will report back if the doggy’s give up. #2 Aberdeen perfects are doing well to hold double shots of doggies at least!

20/04/2024

Have you got to the beach and realised you have forgotten a vital piece of equipment for Sea Angling. Maybe it was just the bait elastic which is annoying enough... Well, here is a downloadable PDF you can print off with a list of those essential items. You can laminate it or print off loads using someone else's printer - NEVER forget the rods again

Here is your A4 List of essential items not to Forget when going Sea Fishing.You should be able to Download this here and Print off. You could evenLaminate it and Leave it in your Fishing Box ready for every trip.Ive found this very useful over the years.Tight Lines, Matt If you have found these Fre...