Plaice fishing

Went out in my boat today for my first full days fishing since early May. Had an enforced break after suffering a heart attack and a quadruple by pass operation.

Still have to take it easy so went drifting for Plaice down east. A great day with 19 Plaice, 1 Bream and a couple of Basslets. Fishing ruined about 1330 when wind increased and spoilt the driftline.

It's good to be back out there though.

Sounds like a good day!

rag & stick wrote: Well done that man on the fishing and getting through a major health problem, so many on the forum have been there. Great to hear about the plaice. Do you fish on your own?. I have to fish with a friend as I can't anchor on my own. I must invest in a windless. Never tried drifting as it is so busy in the west solent you are constantly on edge looking at sea traffic.

Was 2 of us fishing. Was off Selsey so not as busy as the solent. I much prefer fishing on the drift. Only really fish for Bass, Plaice, mackerel and gars. I occasionally anchor for Bream and the odd Cod attempt. Not keen on sitting there waiting for a bite. Drifting more active etc.

Thanks, must try it more often. We only fish for mackerel on the drift while making our way to the anchorage. We tend to set up camp at anchor and graze on snacks and bottles of beer. Its got to be the best way to recovery and total relaxation, well until the wind and tide has other ideas:)

I have been getting good catches of plaice up east over the last month. Selsey & east borough area. I find Sept & October best months even early November, as they feed up before going off to spawn returning March / April. I drift - find them & re drift the "hot" area & then move on if necessary. Keep the "tracks" on my Navionics as often find them in same spots the next year.

Found best drift speed is 1.5 knots. Amazing what else you pick - rays, hounds, gurnards, bass & mackerel.

Has anyone noticed how few dogfish there are - hardly had one since beg July!