Uptiding in the Bristol Channel
Uptiding is an extremely effective manner of fishing particularly for cod when in an area of strong tidal flow such as the Bristol Channel.
Uptiding was originally introduced many years ago when it was realised that a possible scare area is created around an anchored boat when fishing in shallow water (<25m) created by both the slap of the water on the hull and the pulsating noise caused by a fast tide flowing around a tight anchor rope.
The idea was that by casting away from the boat outside the scare area, more fish would be caught. It is believed that these noises, magnified in the sea can scare fish away from a feeding directly beneath an anchored boat. Uptiding is especially beneficial when you’re situated near the cabin on a boat and unable to get downtide past your angling friends to locate the fish. The idea is that casting up or across the tide can help you locate those additional fish. The success of the uptiding technique is possibly more to do with the increased width of scent trail passing downtide created by those spread apart baits.
{ photo courtesy of expert angler Martin Bowler - writer for Angling Times and publisher of numerous fishing books & DVDs }
Due the strong tide in the Bristol Channel, fixed grip leads are recommended, you can use the breakout type but these often trigger prematurely, an elastic band can help prevent that.
Also take at a look at;
Bristol Channel Fishing Tackle
Weather Forecast for South Wales