125 competitors from 14 countries visited Weymouth in Dorset during the week beginning 15 September to fish the EFSA European Boat and Line Class Championships organised by the English Section.
Steve Parker heads out of Weymouth for a day aboard Atlanta skippered by Dave Pitman and despite poor weather and tides he enjoys a day seeking out different species.
Two venues immediately opposite each other on the banks of the river Tay and beside the city of Dundee, Discovery Quay and Wormit Bay can provide great sport for the beginner as well as providing a productive venue for the match angler.
Our north east England correspondant Steve Walker takes us out and about on the shore from Greatham Creek to Seaton Carew via North Gare.
I always think fishing is a bit of a roller coaster ride with good days and tough days with just enough encouragement on the tough days to keep you coming back. Then there are days like the 7th June 2014 out of Weymouth on Atlanta when it all falls in to place at once.
For those lucky enough to still enjoy a family holiday abroad, this also becomes the vehicle to sample some fishing in foreign climes as Des Westmore relates in his Mexico holiday narrative.
Smoothhounds are one of the few species which are showing an increase in numbers in north European waters, probably due to the lack of commercial pressure and the widely establish practice of catch and release from the angling perspective.
There are a bewildering array of hook designs available on the market with manufacturers from Europe to the Far East producing constantly changing ranges. Gone are the days when there were three or four main patterns available to the sea angler.
The waters around the Channel Island of Jersey are well known for the terrific variety of species available to boat anglers. Daniel Ferguson relates a typical early season day afloat off the south west coast.
Reports of the diverse and spectacular fishing from Guinea-Bissau’s island archipelago are legendary. Mark Nightingale first looked at options back in 2008 but deferred the trip due to the difficult journey and suitable accommodation for the family.