Reef Fishing off West Wales can produce some of the most productive inshore Reef Fishing in the UK with Pollack up to 21lbs being the species which most anglers target, although Cod, Bass, Ling, Conger, Coalfish and Mackeral are regularly caught from around the reef and not just over it, with other species such as Gurnard, Tope and Bullhuss not being uncommon. Late May through until early November are the most productive of times of the year for offshore reefing. In the winter months the inshore reefs will provide Pollack, Whiting and Spurdogs.

Reef Fishing or Reefing, the tactics are very similar to Wreck Fishing, the only difference is that the water is shallower and the steaming (distance) is a little less. Reef Fishing provide longer drifts compared to Wreck Fishing.

The Wild Goose

The closest and most popular inshore reef for anglers off West Wales is the Wild Goose race in between Skomer and Skokholm.

 

the Hats and Barrels Reefs

The Hats and Barrels is an area of reefs and rocky outcrops off the West coast of Pembrokeshire with huge sub-sea pinnacles, with depths ranging from 150ft to 5ft.

 

The Smalls

These islands are the farthest offshore locally and are just over 18 miles from land and a favourite feeding site of Grassholm’s Gannets

Some interesting facts about the Smalls: The first message in a bottle was sent from the Smalls Lighthouse in 1778> Following complaints from the keepers that the lighthouse swayed in high winds, the designer of the lighthouse Henry Whiteside was required to visit the lighthouse, unfortuneatly for him the storms were so bad that he had to stay there for a considerable time, in his desperation he sent numerous messages in bottles addressed to his employer requesting that he should be rescued, amazingly one was actually received. Three keepers appointed to all lighthouses in the UK from 1801 until automation in the 1990s. Following a tragic episode which appears to have occurred before 1801, three keepers were appointed to all lighthouses in the UK. Apparently one of the two keepers on the station died and the survivor, fearing that he might be suspected of murder if he committed the body to the sea (as it was well known that the two argued constantly), put it into a box which he made from the interior woodwork of the house and lashed it to the lantern rail. Passing ships noted this strange object but raised no alarm before the usual relief boat arrived to succour the distressed survivor. Read more about the The Smalls Lighthouse

 

What is reef Fishing?

The idea of reef fishing is to go after the larger fish that hold up on the reefs. Fish are drawn to reefs because they provide shelter from the tides and a source of food.

A reef attracts a variety of marine creatures, including fish, because it offers abundant cover, and the varying bottom topography provides a wide range of habitats.

Because of the large number of species likely to be present, the reef angler is often faced with the question of which one to fish for, and having decided, may very well find the baits being taken by other species anyway.

 

Where are the Fish at the reef?

Fish on most reefs can be divided into two main categories; those feeding at or near the bottom, such as Cod, Ling and Conger, and those feeding at a higher level such as Pollack and Coalfish. The higher level feeders hunt prey fish above the reef in the pressure wave created by the water forced up over the reef by the tide.

Reef Fishing Tips

1. On the drop down keep you finger on you spool so that you control the speed of the decent, if you do not you will only end up with a birds nest (tangle)

2. When you are working your lures count how many turns up you get your fish, this will save time if they are being taken say 15 turns up as you can quickly go to that depth

3. Vary the speed that you retrieve your lures, and remember that the speed of the tide also effects the action of the lure

4. Also have a good supply of rigs made up, as if you loose your rig on a reef it can be quickly replaced ready for the next drift

5. Maintain bottom contact with as short a line as possible to minimize snagging

6. A near vertical line is best, but only possible on a slack tide.

Fishing on the Drift

Fishing on the drift over reefs is far easier on both the skipper and anglers compared to fishing at anchor over a reef. The skipper will either drop a buoy to mark the starting position or will use his GPS equipment. After each drift over the reef, the boat is taken back up tide for another pass. As the boat drifts over the reef, the skipper will communicate to the anglers the information provided by the sonar fish finder, providing indications of the number of fish and their level in the water.

Fishing at Anchor

Fishing at anchor over a reef is more difficult for the skipper and the anglers. The skipper has to continually keep the stern of the boat just uptide of the reef, good sea conditions are required. At best anglers will enjoy up to 2 hours of anchored fishing at neap tides, before the new tide starts to swing the boat out of position, at which time you switch to fishing on the drift. The difficulty for the anglers is their baits missing the target all together.