Optimism! Pessimism! Realism! Cod Fishing in South and East Wales
Posted by Derek Townsend on September 9, 2011 under Sea Fishing | 
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A Blast from the Past No One!! A 27 lb. 5oz. Cod from the beach at Llantwit Major!
A 27 lb. 5 oz. cod was caught from a beach near Llantwit Major by Paul Glover, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 1st January 1980. The outstanding feature of this capture was the age of its captor, at the time Paul was 15 years old and a very keen sea angler.
One of the beauties of fishing for Cod along the South East coast of Wales is that, unlike bass, they are not restricted to localised pockets, but can put in an appearance in the most unlikely of places and often during the most adverse and varied weather conditions. Putting aside the draw of the well established “Hot Spots” which have earned a justifiable reputation over the years for producing racks of cod, it is the unexpected catches that fire the imagination and tempt the sea angler to fish venues that otherwise would not be visited.
Two friends, wyting (lhs) and neiltheknife (rhs) were fishing a Channel mark approximately one mile along from the old Severn bridge, in the early hours of the morning.. Wyting was convinced that 90% of the fish were caught on the ebb, and the bait claimed to outfish all other offerings was plain lugworm. Both anglers were using the same size 4/0 hook on a 50 lb. hook link, insurance against the very rough ground into which they were fishing. The popular Pennel/ Pulley rig arrangement was used to present the successful lugworm baits. Two rods each was the order of the day with wyting using Conoflex Nemesis SLR’s, Daiwa Slosh 30 multiplying reels loaded with 30 lb Ultima black mainline and appropriate leader. On the other hand, neiltheknife put his faith in Shakespeare 13 ft Salt beachcasters and an Abu Garcia Mag Elite multiplying reels loaded with 22 lb. mainline. Wyting was the first to land a plump 3 lb. 3 oz codling at around 2 o’clock in the morning, followed about half an later by neiltheknife with a fish that just pipped his friends capture at 4lb. dead.
The following is an edited version of a true story that appears in my book “Bass Fishing from the shore in South East Wales” and personifies this very unpredictability, demonstrating that patience, persistence, hardship and sheer “bloody mindedness” can result in the fish of a lifetime.
Porthcawl, A Winter’s Tale.
“It was late December, circa 1969, with Christmas just around the corner. The sky was pitch black, speckled with the large flakes of a heavy snow storm driving in across Coney Beach (Sandy Bay) by a force 7 or 8 gale,gusting 9 or 10. The density of the snow storm and the strength of the bitterly cold, easterly wind showed no signs of abating, so it was a case of seek shelter and continue fishing or admit defeat and retire.
The conditions that prevailed on that evening excluded any fancy ideas of fishing marks any distance from civilisation, so a conscious decision finally found us parked at the town end of the Eastern Promenade, Porthcawl, within casting distance of the local sea angling clubs H.Q. The wall stretching along the left hand arm of the harbour, facing into Coney beach, in the vicinity of the sea cadets h.q., was the only possible haven. Distance casting was not an option!! It was a case of rising above the wall and despatching the large balls of squid into the maelstrom, quickly hunkering down behind the wall to seek solace in our own private worlds. The snow was three to four inches deep, the wind strength constant, bite detection non existent, the only distraction was the irritating but frequent, rod dislodged by the wind, that is, until my companions rod not only slid down the wall but started to climb over it. Rising and grabbing his fast disappearing rod, frantically winding in the billowing yards of slack line, until the feeling of solid resistance confirmed the probability of a very good cod. Landing the fish from our present position was impossible so the only option open to us was to guide the furious fish carefully around the perimeter of the arm into the relatively sheltered, but troubled waters of the inner harbour, a prolonged and anxious journey with my companion nervously leading and me following in close pursuit with the “Tilley” Lamp.
The next stage of the saga involved climbing down the narrow, rusty and unreliable “ladder” attached to the inner face of the harbour wall. A prudent reminder of the extreme weather and sea conditions will underline the dangers facing the luckless individual “nominated” to descend the rickety ladder, gaff the fish (no choice!) and deliver the prize safely to the pavement, at the feet of the captor. Holding the gaff in my right hand and grasping the rungs of the ladder with my left hand, I began the long, perilous descent to the water. The swell in the harbour meant that the water level was constantly rising and falling four to five feet, making it very difficult and dangerous to successfully sink the gaff into a large and infuriated fish. After several, unsuccessful attempts, I retreated up the ladder and we swopped jobs. After what seemed like ages, the captor and his cod surfaced, soaking wet, safe and jubilant.
The Cod was weighed at the Fishing Club’s H.Q., turning the scales at a pleasing 19 lbs.”
Conjuring up the image of the thawed imprint of that excellent cod, moulded into the deep, pristine white snow, is the permanent reminder of that memorable evening!!
This photograph depicts Nathan (Roamers son) presenting a clean looking codling circa 3 lb., caught at Sand Point during the first England v Wales meet. Conditions on the day were reasonably good spoiled by an easterly wind which made fishing difficult. The bait was Lugworm, fished at distance on a pennel pulley rig with rotten bottom.
Optimism, Pessimism and Realism!
Over recent years, the perceived and recognisable decline in the stocks of mature cod being caught on a regular basis by anglers fishing the South and East coast of Wales, has fermented an aura of despair with individuals so disillusioned with the likely poor returns, that some have even gone to the lengths of packing away their fishing equipment for the winter. This really is a sad state of affairs by any measure. On the other hand, the limited consistency of mainly immature codling being caught throughout the spring and summer, has prompted optimistic claims and benevolent forecasts based on the alleged growth rates attributed to this species. Both forecasts are subjective and born of assumptions, so, once again, I have used the virtues of the Internet to research as much data as I could unearth, to try and present a more realistic picture for the coast. I make no apologies for referring to the “Old Days” (60’,70’s and into the early 80’s) when the odds of catching a double were such that fishing extreme/ inhospitable weather and sea conditions could be wholly justified. The chances of landing several fish of, say, 3 to 8 lbs on a light tackle , bass outfit, in a 2 ½ to 3 hour session over low water of a spring tide, was a pretty fair bet, providing the angler knew his/her marks and self dug a useful amount of fresh black lugworm. There were good years and poor years even in those days, but what was classed as a poor year then would, probably, be welcomed with open arms today.
Cod (Gadus morhua), The Stocks, an Overview!
It is not unnatural to assume that a “Cod is a Cod” and all originate from one huge stock, migrating throughout the Atlantic Ocean, but the reality is much different. Within the boundaries of what is classed as “European waters”, there are six separate, managed stocks of which the Irish and Celtic Seas stocks are likely to have the most influence on Bristol Channel fishing. Each individual stock is independent of the others, with their own spawning sites, migration movements, different growth rates and volume of fish reaching maturity (biomass). The Celtic Sea stock , together with possible contingents from the Irish Sea stock, are most likely to be the origins of the fish caught in the Bristol Channel, although that assumption cannot exclude travellers from stocks farther afield. At face value, this could be good news for Bristol Channel sea anglers as the results of a joint tagging programme carried out by the Irish fishing industry and scientists at the Marine Institute, Galway, suggest. According to the report, one fish tagged and released in the Waterford estuary, confirmed the rapid growth associated with the Celtic Sea Cod. When released, this fish measured 23 cms (9.0 inches) long and weighed an estimated 120g (4.24 oz), and on final capture (15 months after release), length was 56 cms (22 inches) and the weight had increased to 1.9 kilos. (4.18 lbs) This fish reportedly had gained a nine-fold increase in weight in the first 10 months from release, and a total of a sixteen fold increase in weight in just 15 months.
Theoretical (early) growth/ weight per one year (12 months) from release of re-captured, tagged fish.
| Length |
|
Weight |
|||
|
Cms |
Inches |
|
Grams |
Ounces |
|
| On Release |
23 |
9 |
|
120 |
4.24 |
| On Final Capture |
56 |
22 |
|
1900 |
66.88 |
| Difference (over 15 months) |
33 |
13 |
|
1780 |
62.64 |
Theoretical (early) growth/ weight per one year (12 months) from date of initial release =
62.64 ozs. x 12 months = 50.11 ozs. (1.42 kgs or 3.13 lbs)
———————————
15 months
Total actual weight of the recovered, tagged fish (15 months after initial release) = 1.90 kgs or 4.18 lb.
This 13 lb. 8 oz Cod was caught by the crusty crab, following persistent questioning from his young son, “Dad, when we gonna get a fish” and “Dad, what we gonna catch?” This was the debut trip for the young lad, seen here holding the smaller of the two fish caught, who is convinced that the pair will catch cod every trip. The “Double” was returned alive.
Biology: Celtic Sea Cod!
The attached diagram, illustrates the extent of the Celtic Sea/ Irish Seas and their proximity to the Bristol Channel. The majority of Celtic Sea Cod spawn off northern Cornwall between mid to late March, with pockets of fish spawning in the Irish Sea. A female cod will release anything up to 500,000 eggs per kilogram of her own weight, therefore a female of 8 years could produce 2.5 million eggs. Unfortunately, the majority of the eggs and larvae will perish within the first three months of their life. The surviving eggs hatch in two to four weeks, depending on water temperature, and the resulting cod larvae are carried on the prevailing currents into shallow coastal waters. The number of fish reaching maturity (around age 3 years in the Irish Sea) can fluctuate during short periods, with most stocks suffering from over exploitation. Junior Cod can survive sub zero temperatures due to a special enzyme which acts as an anti-freeze. Here are some figures to illustrate just how vulnerable fish stocks are to over predation. The stock of mature fish capable of spawning in the North Sea, fell from 157,000 tonnes in 1963 to 38,000 tonnes in 2001, a 76% decrease. There was a slight recovery to 46,000 tonnes in 2004. The cod is a species that thrives in cold water, preferring temperatures of 2 to 8 c but can be found in water temperatures up to 20 c. Given a reasonable chance of survival the lifespan of a cod could reach 25 years, weighing circa 90 kilos (198 lbs). The answer to the perennial question, “When does a codling become a cod”, appears to be quite simple and straightforward. The “coming of age moment” being when the fish reaches maturity, which could be circa 3 years in the Irish Sea or older in the colder, Northern waters.
Aberavon was the selected venue, and rays were the target. Although low water was not until 10.00 pm, the anbassadeur arrived early at his favourite ray spot only to find it surrounded by swimmers enjoying the early, evening (May) sunshine. Conditions were perfect, a calmish sea lifted to a modest surf by a light easterly breeze. Fortunately, the swimmers decided to move away allowing room for safe casting, so one rod dropped a bait at 30 yards and the second rod at 80 yards. Choice of bait was “bluey” and sandeel, presented on up and over, pennel style rigs, each rig armed with Varivas 1/0 Big mouth hooks. The set up included an Amorphous Whisker 12 (Carp) rod and a Daiwa Millionaire 7 HT Turbo Multiplying reel. On the second cast with this outfit, a “cracking” bite followed by a robust fight, gave the impression of a good bass but it was a complete surprise to the ambassadeur when a codling was brought to his feet.
Global Warming and the Cod’s Survival!
Of course, this paragraph may not be of direct interest to the current population of sea anglers, but the predictions for the future do add weight to the fact of Global warming, whatever the cause, and the gathering momentum of change being affected on fish stocks. The observed responses of cod fish to the variability in water temperatures, predicts that by the year 2100, Celtic and Irish Sea stocks could disappear if the current warming persists.
Fishing at distance for smooth hounds at Sker, in late May, resulted in this unexpected 3 lb. Codling which was tempted by a crab bait, presented on Sakuma Manta Extra size 4/0 hooks, attached to a 60 lb. clipped down pulley/ pennel rig, 20 lb. Daiwa Sensor mainline, and an impact lead. The outfit included a Daiwa Saltist 20 multiplying reel and a Gary Evans Double Gold beachrod.
Features and Feeding Habits!
The cod has a very distinctive shape, the prominent feature being a disproportionately large head for the size of the body, a protruding upper jaw with a barbel below the chin. A distinctive lateral line runs along each flank from the point of the gill in a curve to the centre of the tail root. Three dorsal/ two ventral fins minus truncated spines, and a square ended tail fluke confirms this fish’s identity. The colour of the body can vary from a reddish/ golden to a greenish / blue reportedly influenced by habitat or food source. The cods menu includes bristle worms, squids, crustaceans and fish species such as sand-eel, Norway pout, capelin, sprat and herring. Adult cod are cannibalistic and do not hesitate to prey on smaller cod.
A Blast from the Past No. Two!! A Welsh and British (Rod caught) Record Cod!!
This blog would not be complete without a photograph (albeit hazy) of Brandon Jones’s Record Breaking cod of 44 lb. 8 ozs. (20.185 kgs), caught at Toms Point, Barry in 1966. This fish stands as the current, unbeaten Welsh and British rod and line, shore caught record Cod, and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.
Cod (Gadus morhua) National Statistics.
Welsh (Rod and Line Caught) Records.
Shore 20.185 kg (44.08.00 lbs.) 1966, B. Jones, Toms Point, Barry.
Boat 20.638 kg (45.07.00 lbs.) 1997, S.H.Williams, Swansea.
U.K. (Rod and Line Caught) Records.
Shore 20.185 kg (44.08.00 lbs.) 1966, B. Jones, Toms Point, Barry.
Boat 26.530 kg (58.06.00 lbs) 1992, N. Cook, Whitby, North Yorkshire.
Minimum Landing Size.
M.A.F.F. Shore 35 cm (13.78 inches) Boat 35 cm (13.78 inches)
N.F.S.A. Shore 35 cm (13.78 inches) Boat 35 cm (13.78 inches)
W.F.S.A. Shore 36 cm (14.17 inches) Boat 36 cm (14.17 inches)
Fishing a 10.1 metre tide, 4 hours up, 2 hours down at the Ranny Pool, the Donkey hooked into a plump 2 lb. 7 oz. codling an hour after high water, at around 6.00 a.m. This feisty fish fought well on the 50 lb. braid mainline. Bait was a whole squid, mounted on a pennel pulley rig and cast out about 80 yards. Of the total five fish caught, four were above the M.L.S., succumbing to fresh Devon peeler crab. Two of the fish were caught before high water, three on the first 11/2 hours of the ebb.
Specification.
All through the spring and summer of 2010, satisfying quantities of small codling up to 3-ish pounds, with many falling below the minimum size of 36 cms (14 inches) and returned, have featured in local catches. With the arrival of autumn and the pending onset of winter, the drop in air temperatures both daytime and, significantly, during the hours of darkness, seem to have coincided with an increase in the number of juvenile cod putting in an appearance relatively close inshore. It seems inappropriate to seek fish of this size range on the normal beach-casting outfits, which has prompted some anglers to switch to light, even ultra light tackle, as a way of enjoying this welcome phenomenon. To maximise the opportunity presented for some light tackle codding, try low water plus 2 ½ hours, of neap tides (beach) which occur during the hours of darkness; a good starting point, maybe reverting to the more substantial, casting friendly sticks on the medium to big spring tides when the “doubles” could be lurking in the deeper water. Browsing the photograph captions will show that these fish have been caught up to high tide, and on the ebb from venues above sea level into deeper water, so there are plenty of options. The equipment and methods suitable for “proper” cod fishing are well established and practiced, so for a change, the “Specification” as set out below is directed at the light tackle, juvenile, codling scenario.
Prey Species: Juvenile Cod (Gadus morhua)
Venue Description: Varied, no hard and fast rules.
Rod: The arrival of the juvenile cod inshore in force, has prompted some to seize the opportunity to switch from the standard 2 x beach-caster outfit strategy to single bass, carp and spinning rods where ever practical. (Pristine seas, calmed to a gentle swell, after dark, plus a low air temperature, frosty atmosphere, could tempt the more adventurous to use float fishing tactics.)
Reel: Small multiplier or fixed spool reels.
Line: Narrow diameter lines in the 8 to 10 lb b.s. test range, plus leader.
Leader: 10 lb. test strength line for every ounce of lead weight used, i.e. 2 ounce lead weight x 10 lb. test = 20 lb. test strength leader, plus a tolerance of 25% as an additional safety margin where high energised casting is required.
Weight: 1-2 ounce lead weight (grips or no grips depending on degree of sea activity and fishing station)
Rig: Running Paternoster (single hook) constructed from same test strength line as the leader.
Hook: Mustad 79515, size 1 well sharpened hook or similar, attached to a 9-12 inch snood. (As a suggestion, modify the hook to a “barbless” format with a pair of pliers, so that the hook can be removed quickly with the minimum of damage to undersize fish due to be returned alive and in a healthy state)
Rod Rest: None. Holding the rod, whether standing in the water at beach level or off a higher platform into deep water.
Bait: Worm baits, black lugworm and mud-worms proving particularly effective.
Casting: A gentle “lob” is all that is necessary to place the bait approximately 30 to 40 yards out.
Sea conditions: Ideally, medium to calm water activity, with a low surf to activate the sea bed if fishing from a beach.
Weather conditions: Wind direction not critical, but light to moderate breeze.
Time of day/ state of tide: After dark, low water plus 2 ½ hours from a beach, plus options including 3 hours to high tide not excluding 2 to 3 hours of the following ebb, from a platform above sea level into deep water. Daylight hours with cloud cover could also prove productive from deep water stations.
A 13 lb. 13 oz. cod caught at Divers, Sudbrook by Primosyncro.
Acknowledgements: I would like to take this opportunity to thank those members who responded to my request for photographs of their cod catches, and for providing me with the details for interesting captions.
Read Mike Thrussell’s review of Derek’s book “ Bass Fishing from the shore in South East Wales and More”.
Buy the book “Bass Fishing from the shore in South East Wales and More” by Derek Townsend.
© Derek Townsend (The views expressed in this blog are those of the contributor)
Visit Derek’s Website “Ticker’s World”
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