What Is Sea Fishing On The Solent All About?

Sea fishing is rather different to fishing in ponds. Obviously, the principle is the same - you take a rod, attach the bait, and - hopefully - catch some fish!

Sea fishing is very rewarding. It involves taking a boat out to sea, setting anchor and casting out your rods in the hope of catching fresh saltwater fish. People prefer sea fishing because they enjoy the feeling of sitting on the waves, they prefer the taste of the fish, and they are a fan of the tranquility of being surrounded by nothing but water whilst they indulge in a pass-time that is both fun, relaxing and rewarding.

What Equipment Will I Need?

If you're looking to get involved in Solent fishing, there's certain equipment that needs to be taken. Quite often, companies offering sea fishing trips on the Solent will include any equipment you might need, but its worth knowing what to take:

- Rod and Reel. This goes without saying, as without a rod, you won't catch a fish!
- Bait. Depending on what you hope to catch, bait can vary. Different people going Solent fishing use different bait, and your best option is to discuss the best bait to use with whoever is organizing the sea fishing trips you'll be using,
- Bucket. You don't need this, but it's certainly helpful if you want somewhere to put your fish once they've been caught!
- Cloth. Fish can make your hands very slimy, and as a result it is always useful to have a cloth to wipe your hands with.
- Spares. Remember, accidents sometimes happen. Make sure you have a back up.

Naturally, these are just the basics and you can take a lot more equipment than this, but if you're going to be getting involved in sea fishing trips, make sure you have at least the basics.

What Do I Need To Know Before I Go?

If this is your first time Solent fishing, you might want to speak to the trip organizer for more detailed advice, but just remember a few key points before you go.

Firstly, whilst the Solent is generally a fairly placid mass of water, it is still the sea. The sea can get quite rough, and the weather can be unpredictable. If you are prone to sea-sickness then it might be worth getting some anti-motion-sickness tablets before you go. Secondly, whilst Solent fishing is still close to the shore, remember that you will still be a fair way from land. A good word of advice is to take a first aid kit, as accidents can happen. Thirdly, don't put your expectations too high. If it is your first time voyaging out on sea fishing trips, you might not get the hang of it straight away. Listen to any instructions, follow them as best you can, and just hope for the best. Who knows though - you might be a natural!

How Much Should I Expect To Catch?

If you are an experienced fisherman, you will probably already know what to expect from your trip. But for the sake of the less experienced when it comes to Solent fishing, then it's worth remembering a few things:

- All fishing is unpredictable. If they aren't biting, they simply aren't biting. But on the same not, the opposite is also true: people have reported coming away from just an hour of Solent fishing with enough fish to last a lifetime (well, almost).
- Choose your bait carefully. If you are fishing for mackerel, but using bread as bait, you won't get very far. In fact, the best bait for catching mackerel is, funnily enough, mackerel itself! By far though, the best way to ensure you are using the best bait is to ask the advice of whoever is conducting the trip - they are usually well informed and very experienced.