Why is it so quiet in Feb

[Gas]

Hi Every one.

 

New to the Solent

We started fishing in June had a great year all small but good fun?

I can't belive that no fish are being caught (OR ARE THEY) can any one tell me where to fish this time of year as i am hoping to go out next weekend.

[Newboy]

Plenty of spurdogs, rays and congers about.

[Mike Fox]

It's actually the time of year when most bony fish think of spawning, and have headed out to deeper water where they think it might be safer for this activity. Evolution has looked favourably on this annual approach, as the planktonic young get first pickings of the spring bloom of other planktonic species, and survivors get a great head start.

 

The end result is that all that is often left inshore in February are cartilaginous fish like rays and dogs, which tend to stay around and either give birth to live young later in the year, or produce "mermaids purses".

 

The smaller immature fish like small whiting and sprats might still be found inshore, as will conger, which only spawn once in a lifetime. The odd cod might just be around for a sprat feast too, but most will have moved offshore.

 

If you get out next weekend, perhaps try the wrecks for conger, or the banks for ray and dogs? You might need to be patient....

 

Good luck, and let us know how you get on!

 

Mike

[Afishionado]

Quote...conger, which only spawn once in a lifetime.

 

Yes and then some bustard goes and hooks them just at the crucial moment, no wonder they always look so miserable!

 

Mad Mike