As the warmer months arrive in Cornwall, anglers turn their attention to a prized catch: the Gilthead Bream. This fish is renowned not just for its striking appearance, but also for its exhilarating fight and delectable taste. "Although I really enjoy catching and eating Sea Bass, Gilthead Bream have the edge in both fighting and eating qualities," said a passionate local angler.
"Although I really enjoy catching and eating Sea Bass, Gilthead Bream have the edge in both fighting and eating qualities,"
The season for Gilthead Bream traditionally spans from April through early October, peaking in the South and Southwest of the UK. The creeks of the Fal Estuary serve as a favored feeding ground, where anglers can often be spotted paddling out in their kayaks, ready for action.
Key locations for targeting Gilthead Bream often mirror those used for Flounder fishing, with these clever fish willing to venture into the shallows in search of food. "The tactics for catching them are very similar to Flounder fishing or scaled down Bass fishing," the angler noted, highlighting the adaptability needed when targeting this species.
"The tactics for catching them are very similar to Flounder fishing or scaled down Bass fishing,"
For kayak fishing, a well-equipped setup is crucial. "From the kayak, I like to use a light 7' 10g to 35g spinning rod and a 4000-size fixed spool reel loaded with 15lb braid and a 15lb nylon leader," the angler explained. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of using a robust setup, including a running ledger rig with a fluorocarbon trace and appropriately sized hooks ranging from 1 to 4.
"From the kayak, I like to use a light 7' 10g to 35g spinning rod and a 4000-size fixed spool reel loaded with 15lb braid and a 15lb nylon leader,"
An essential tip centers on the hook selection and how it penetrates the Gilthead Bream’s mouth, which is lined with tough teeth. "Gilthead Bream have a small mouth with the first inch lined with rock hard teeth. This area of the mouth is extremely difficult to penetrate with a hook," the angler shared. Proper hook placement can make a significant difference between landing the fish or losing it during the fight.
Career Journey
To enhance the chance of securing a hook, some anglers recommend giving the fish a bit of slack after the initial bite to allow it to take the bait fully. "To achieve this either use a bait runner reel or set the clutch of the reel very light to enable the fish to move away with the bait before the strike," they advised.
"To achieve this either use a bait runner reel or set the clutch of the reel very light to enable the fish to move away with the bait before the strike,"
Timing also plays a critical role when fishing for Gilthead Bream. "I have found the most productive time is a few hours either side of low water. The best time of day is dawn," the angler pointed out. However, they acknowledged that success is not limited to specific times, as fish can still be hooked at any time of the day.
On a recent excursion, the preferred bait was razorfish, often underrated yet highly effective in attracting Gilthead Bream. "Razorfish is an underrated bait yet it has a fantastic scent," the angler remarked, noting its previous success with catching Sea Bass. However, securing this soft bait onto the hook can be tricky. "One way to make this easier is first bind the bait with bait elastic making a sausage," they suggested as a practical tip.
"Razorfish is an underrated bait yet it has a fantastic scent,"
The thrill of the catch is part of what makes fishing for Gilthead Bream so rewarding, even if the day doesn’t yield multiple fish. "The initial pull and the fight of a Gilthead Bream is something to experience!" exclaimed the angler while recounting one of their successful days on the water. Despite a challenging day that saw only a single Gilthead Bream caught, they also noted the occasional small Bass would join the fray.
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
However, fishing regulations are important to heed. Under local regulations, a Nursery Area for Bass protects smaller catches from April 30th to January 1st, ensuring sustainable stocks for the future. "It was good to see this Bass returned safely for future stocks," the angler said, illustrating their commitment to conservation.
"It was good to see this Bass returned safely for future stocks,"
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the challenges and joys of Gilthead Bream fishing, the local angler sums up the experience perfectly: "It is always pleasing to catch a Gilthead Bream. They are a challenge to catch, the fight is tremendous, they are great looking and even better tasting." With summertime approaching, there’s anticipation for more successful trips ahead, and a keen eye is set on the forecast, hinting at future adventures on the water.
